C3-71 parking lens color

[Ralph A.]

I have read several places that late 71 cars used the amber parking lens like the 72's rather than the white. Is this true and if so at about what serial number did they switch.
Thanks
Ralph

[Jack H.]

Re: C3-71 parking lens color

Some have posted here with VERY late '71 cars reporting conventional clear glass/amber bulbs in their cars. It was reasonably common practice for 'cross over' parts to happen sort of randomly near the change of a model year based on on-hand inventory from last year vs. available stores of next year's component for parts that would interchange. My copy of the '70-72 JG says:

"Front 1970-71 parking lamps use clear plastic lenses with amber bulbs. Screws holding in the 1970 lensesare chrome, corss recess with a special knurled shank. All 1972 Corvettes use amber colored lenses...."

In other words, the current JG text doesn't provide for late '71 cars with '72 amber parking lamp lenses.

[Ralph A.]

Re: C3-71 parking lens color

Thanks,
Guess I will change them back to clear.......
Ralph

[Patrick H.]

Re: C3-71 parking lens color

See, I told you.

I made Mike Antonick change the Black Book to at least get rid of stating that 71's had amber lenses. He left if the "some" part in the description, but it's better than it used to be.

I have seen some VERY, VERY late 71s, and all had original clear lenses. Terry McManmon once told me that he had never seen an original 71 with amber lenses, and I supposed he's seen more than I have.

Patrick

[Ralph A.]

Re: C3-71 parking lens color - thanks

Guess I got lucky when it was judged......next time it is judged they will be white.
Ralph

[Patrick H.]

Re: C3-71 parking lens color - thanks

Ralph,

I'd bet there are still amber bulbs in there. It was common to swap to amber lenses to "look" a year newer like a 72. Yet, most still hold the original amber bulbs behind the amber lens.

Patrick

[Ralph A.]

Re: C3-71 parking lens color - thanks

I had already replaced lens and bulbs with amber/clear. I do have the amber ones from the bulb kit. I will order lens today.
Thanks
Ralph

[Paul O.]

Re: C3-71 parking lens color - thanks

The bulbs were not amber they were painted more towards yellow in color. Todays bulbs are not correct. Paul !8046