NOS VS Reproduction

[Lyndon S.]

would it be better to use NOS T-3 bulbs or buy reproduction ones for flight judging?

[Gerard Q.]

Re: NOS VS Reproduction

You'll lose 3 points using the repo lamps.

[Pete B.]

Re: NOS VS Reproduction

FWIW...
The current T-3 repo's that I put on my car did not get any deduct. They fit the description in the judging guide.

[Chris E.]

Re: NOS VS Reproduction

Flight Judging is all about minimizing the POTENTIAL for deductions, in my mind.

With that, I would get a brand new set of repops and put them in. The WORST you'll get is a 3 point deduct for DOT repop headlights.

If you put ORIGINAL T3s in, you could completely fail the 25 point line item in the Ops section for headlights. That hurts a lot more.

[Michael W.]

Re: NOS VS Reproduction

If the NOS bulbs are truly 'old, off the shelf unused stock' they may or may not match production style lamps. If they do match and are unused I would expect they'd be worth their weight in gold and be comparable to the $600 air filter.

Used production bulbs often carry a condition deduction due to discoloration of the lens.

[Terry M.]

Re: NOS VS Reproduction

If the NOS bulbs are truly 'old, off the shelf unused stock' they may or may not match production style lamps. If they do match and are unused I would expect they'd be worth their weight in gold and be comparable to the $600 air filter.

Used production bulbs often carry a condition deduction due to discoloration of the lens.

Not to mention one runs the risk of those NOS or used original bulbs burning out every time they are powered up.

Pete if you did not receive a deduction for the T-3 reproduction bulbs you got lucky. There should have been a deduction. Unfortunately, since I don't do exterior I don't know the points quantity, but it has been posted on the board in the past. I believe the deduct should be the same for C2 or C3 reproduction bulbs.

[Lyndon S.]

Re: NOS VS Reproduction

what is geting a deduct the DOT? Do the new repops still have them, or did some one take them off?

[Gary B.]

Re: NOS VS Reproduction

what is geting a deduct the DOT? Do the new repops still have them, or did some one take them off?

Lyndon,

I talked with Lectric Limited last year about repro T3 bulbs for my '66 and I was told that by federal law Lectric Limited had to put the DOT making on them.

Gary

[David L.]

Re: NOS VS Reproduction

Back in the late 1980's I found had four NOS T-3 bulbs that came in two Chevrolet dual headlight assemblies. Three of the four NOS bulbs burned out when I tested them.

[Jack H.]

Re: NOS VS Reproduction

That's true of MANY reproduction parts... If they're made & sold today, they generally have to meet current guidelines.

You'll find clear plastic covering the slots on reproduction seat belt buckles due to regulations that safeguard against possible metal to fabric fray. Expect the belt fabric material to meet current tensile strength requirements instead of the 3500, 5000, or 6500 lbs that was in effect when the original belts were built.

The list of changes that are detectable in reproduction vs. original parts due to Federal lawmaking and regulation is LONG. That's reality!

[Terry M.]

Re: NOS VS Reproduction

what is geting a deduct the DOT? Do the new repops still have them, or did some one take them off?

Yes, yes and no. I believe the DOT mark is on the inside of the glass, making it a little difficult to remove.

[Pat M.]

Re: NOS VS Reproduction

Flight Judging is all about minimizing the POTENTIAL for deductions, in my mind.

With that, I would get a brand new set of repops and put them in. The WORST you'll get is a 3 point deduct for DOT repop headlights.

If you put ORIGINAL T3s in, you could completely fail the 25 point line item in the Ops section for headlights. That hurts a lot more.

I agree. Plus, I've found the repos are somewhat brighter than the originals and so are better for night driving.

[Gary B.]

Re: NOS VS Reproduction

... I believe the DOT mark is on the inside of the glass...

Terry,

That is my understanding as well.

Gary

[Reba W.]

Re: NOS VS Reproduction

From the 8th Edition Judging Reference Manual:

Headlamps, discernible by the DOT marking for these model years are a three-(3) point deduction per car for a full set.

[Gary J.]

Re: NOS VS Reproduction

If you put ORIGINAL T3s in, you could completely fail the 25 point line item in the Ops section for headlights. That hurts a lot more.

The only way that you will lose the 25 point total is for all of them (4) not to work.