Front Turn Signal Lens

[Brian M.]

I have just bought a 1970 Corvette Coupe with dated 70' turn signal lens that are Amber with clear bulb. I understand 1970 was changed to clear w/Amber bulb.
Birth date of car is 3/1970. Seems unusual. Any thoughts ?

[Edward J.]

Re: Front Turn Signal Lens

Brian, I don't think that the date on the lens holds true, 70/71 where clear lens. and I believe that the amber bulbs were correct.

[Brian M.]

Re: Front Turn Signal Lens

Why would it be stamped 1970 ? Isn't that the point of the year stamp on the lens ?

[Patrick B.]

Re: Front Turn Signal Lens

My July 1970 Corvette came with clear lenses ans amber bulbs. I changed them to amber lenses and clear bulbs decades ago. I didn't look at the mold dates on the amber lenses, but I'll bet the amber lenses carry the same date as the clear lenses because there would be no need to use a different mold.

[Joe L.]

Re: Front Turn Signal Lens

Why would it be stamped 1970 ? Isn't that the point of the year stamp on the lens ?

Brian------


This is a misconception that dates back MANY years. In the old days, automotive lenses were a styling element that usually changed from year-to-year. So, the molds for the lenses also changed from year-to-year. Folks got used to the idea that you could determine the year model of a car by looking at the date on the lens. For the most part, it worked. However, the date on the lens was never intended to identify a specific model year. Rather, it's part of a code for a specific lens MOLD. It usually represents the first model year that a particular lens is used but is usually not changed if that lens (and mold) are used for subsequent model years. The same molds were used for all 1970-72 Corvettes front parking lamp lenses regardless of lens color.

Another example of this relates to 1968-69. For these years, the stop lamp (outer) lenses were the same. Therefore, lenses seen on 1969's will have a 1968 "date". However, the back-up lamp lens (inner) was unique to 1969. So, those lenses will show a 1969 "date".

[Brian M.]

Re: Front Turn Signal Lens

I thank you for taking the time to answer my question. As I venture into my new project I hope you wouldn't mind answering a few more, I'm sure I'll have some.