1957 T3 Headlight Bulbs

[William B.]

Does anyone know what T3 Headlight Bulb is correct and will pass NCRS judging for a 1957. I need to know the width of the letters used in the words "SEALED BEAM" and the length of the words.
Bill#39238

[Dennis C.]

Re: 1957 T3 Headlight Bulbs

Bill - You are keeping track of things I have no knowledge of... If it is a big T3 headlamp that fits in the opening, glows in the dark and has no DOT reference, it is looking pretty good to me... Give it a rest... Best, Dennis

[Dave S.]

Re: 1957 T3 Headlight Bulbs

Bill,
There is one subtle difference between 56 and 57 T-3's. Both are 12 volts and have the "pebble" backround in the triangle. The SEALED BEAM letters in 56 are approximately 3/8" high and in 57 they are approximately 1/4" high.

[Dave Suesz]

Aw Jeeze, now I hafta go out to the garage...

and look at the size of the "SEALED BEAM" lettering. Of course, as I remember, I have the "ribbed" T3 background anyway. An yeah, I know I'm not supposed to have T3s on a 55, but I got 5 or 6 of them free from a junkyard years ago, and did you ever try to find 55 GUIDES? I have flyer from a source, but a $100 a pair (used) is a little steep for a detail.

[Mike M.]

Re: 1957 T3 Headlight Bulbs

Dave: not only are there pebble and verticle bar'd T-3's, i''ve got some with smooth, bar free and pebble free backrounds. any thoughts on which most appropriate for 57, ie, pebble or smooth? thanks, mike

[John H.]

Re: 1957 T3 Headlight Bulbs

JG sez pebble-grain...

[Mike M.]

Re: 1957 T3 Headlight Bulbs

John; as ya know, i helped write the 56-7 judging manual and i'm still not sure whether pebble or smooth. anybody got a super lo mile 57 vet or pass car or truck laying around with orig bulbs. thanks, mike

[John H.]

Re: 1957 T3 Headlight Bulbs

Rotsa ruck!

[Dave S.]

Re: 1957 T3 Headlight Bulbs

Mike,
I had a pair of original T-3's with buckets and bezels from a 57 pickup and they were pebble grain.

[Dave Suesz]

Easier than you think...

Look at school busses and fire trucks from the period. Coupla years ago I looked at over a dozen school busses in a yard, most still had T3 low beams, and all still had T3 high beams.