T-3 Head Lights

[Randy Scott]

I would like to know how to identify correct T-3 head lights for a 1962.I understand the center of the bulbs vary from year to year.Do they have dates?

[Jack H.]

Re: T-3 Head Lights

Your '61-62 Judging Guide (JG) gives a proper description of the T3 bulb's textual emboss (triangle with T3 and no vertical embossed lines). I believe the pictures accompanying the current edition of the JG take 'liberty' with respect to depicting the center triangle as being 'pebble grained' and think factory originals of that era were clear....


All of the dual beam, 12V, T3's I've seen WERE pebble grained within the center triangle surrounding the 'T3' logo. On two occassions, I've seen quad beam T3's WITH the triangle actually having a textured pebble grain, but in both cases these were early/first-run '58 quad beam lamps -- VERY rare, in my opinion. Perhaps others will chime in on this thread and tell what they know.


As far as date coding goes, some say yes while others say no. You'll find a set of embossed alphanumerics in the upper (12:00 noon) position of the lamp lens that some believe to be date coding information. Others say this is a source factory ID code. To my knowledge, concours judges are NOT taking a hard line position on the meaning of this emboss....

[Dennis M.]

Re: T-3 Head Lights

Jack/Randy,


I have examined several T-3 headlamp out of several GM models at junk yards. All of the bulbs that I have seen varying from a clear triangle background to one of a slight distoration which may have been interrupted as a pebble grain. I had questioned this same issue about a year ago on the board. I would like to know for sure what would be acceptable, since if an unfamilar member was judging according to the JG, then would look for the pebble grain without giving an thought. If it is found that a variation is acceptable, then an update to the JG would be nice. Dennis #12799

[Chuck G.]

Re: T-3 Head Lights

I'll go out on a limb here and state that I've never seen a "pebble grained" clear field T-3 as is described in the 62 Judging Manual. Dennis Moore is not only my close friend, but also my neighbor. We've looked at MANY clear field T-3's together at flea markets, in junk yards, and in cars. I've stared at many bulbs for what seemed like several minutes, thinking that just maybe, there was a slight pebble pattern. I've come to the conclusion that they don't exist, unless, as Jack mentions, in the early 58 style, with GUIDE above the triangle. Chuck