originality vs condition points

[Kenneth T.]

I have a 71 corvette. I have four original T3 headlamps, however only two work, one high beam and one lowbeam. With all four on the car, would I receive the 12 points for originality and a deduct on the condition of 4 points, or 2 because two work? These lamps are hard to find and expensive so I am looking for the best bang for the buck in the judging.

Thanks for any help here, Ken

[William C.]

Re: originality vs condition points

Your biggest problem is that the loss on operations due to the lack of function would be several times greater than the loss due to a reproduction part with only a minor deviation from the original design ((DOT logo)

[Lyndon S.]

Re: originality vs condition points

I seen some NOS on eBay the other day a set of four went for like 85 bucks. A lot less than the reproduction ones. I would keep looking, and besides the more you pass on the operations the better you should try and ace that. I know its hard with the older shark cars and all their systems, but get all them lights working.
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Kelly

[Michael W.]

Re: originality vs condition points

Typically a burned out headlamp will have a darkened lens and or reflector which will also cut into the condition points.

[John M.]

Re: originality vs condition points

Your biggest problem is that the loss on operations due to the lack of function would be several times greater than the loss due to a reproduction part with only a minor deviation from the original design (DOT logo)

Bill is correct. When something has to work in the operations check it changes the normal originality versus condition balance.

[Kenneth T.]

Re: originality vs condition points

Thanks to everyone, I will keep my eye out for them, if not I have to settle for the repros.

Ken

[Stephen B.]

Re: originality vs condition points

I bought a set of 4 originals at Old Town last January for $80. I was informed that you need to put clear caulk around the edges to ensure proper seal before you use them.

[Joel F.]

Re: originality vs condition points

Ken,

You might consider the repros. There is a very modest standard deduction for them but at least you will absolutely know they will work when you turn them on for Ops. You know 40 year old lights can burn without warning (heck, 2 of yours already have).

Additionally they should get no condition deduction (the originals I took off my '62 looked like they'd been through hell), and lastly they are brighter should you actually drive your car.

Good luck!

Joel

[Paul J.]

Re: originality vs condition points

Thanks to everyone, I will keep my eye out for them, if not I have to settle for the repros.

Ken

Ken,

About 20 years ago I went to some junkyards that had several 60's and 70's vintage cars. I pulled a bunch of T3 headlights out (they're not for sale at this time). There is one of the two "classic" junkyards left west of Ashboro, NC that I think is called "Richard's", and I know there are other "classic" junkyards across the Country. Even though most of these cars are gone from regular junkyards, three years ago I found some T3's on a Chevelle in a small family owned junkyard (I did'nt take them and I kick myself for missing that opportunity).

Paul

[John H.]

Re: originality vs condition points

Why risk a huge deduction for an Ops failure when one burns out, along with an originality deduction in Exterior? It's only a 3-point deduction for a full set of reproductions, and you can actually drive the car at night.

[Kirk M.]

Re: originality vs condition points

But John, I like the faint yellow light cast by originals and the ability to only see about 10 feet down the road! Makes me feel like its 67 all over again! It's also fun to watch them brighten and dim as you accelerate and brake. Just adds to whole originality issue!

Kirk

[Keith B.]

Re: originality vs condition points

the T3 with the lines are a lot easier to find at swap meats and a like then the older ones. I would keep a eye out for some and buy all you can

[Bryan M.]

Re: originality vs condition points

Why risk a huge deduction for an Ops failure when one burns out, along with an originality deduction in Exterior? It's only a 3-point deduction for a full set of reproductions, and you can actually drive the car at night.

What about the 1972 T3, Is it going to be reproduced?