1963 Headlight Buckets Early Verses Late

[Bob M.]

I'm familiar with the two types of fiberglass headlight buckets that are unique to the '63, but I don't know which style is "early," which is "late," and approximately when the transition was made. I've searched the NCRS CD with no success and I'm waiting for the new release of the '63 judging manual. Any help?

Thanks...

[Harry Sadlock]

Re: 1963 Headlight Buckets Early Verses Late

Bob, what is your VIN sequence, replace the last two numbers with XX. Then we can tell youu what we have.

Harry

[Andy C.]

Re: 1963 Headlight Buckets Early Verses Late

In 63 there were 2 styles of headlight buckets used. The first style had 2 layers of fiberglass to make the bucket and the bezels had screws that went in from the front of the headlight. This stlye was used up to around vin #14000 or so. Then the second style came out which had only one layer of fiberglass and the ends of the skin covered part of the end plates. On this bucket the screws to mount the bezels were moved from the front top corners to the sides. I hope this helps you. Andy

[Bob M.]

Re: 1963 Headlight Buckets Early Verses Late

Thanks for the information. I'm sequence number 100xx, so for this variation I guess I'm "early." Any comments on how often '63 buckets show up for sale? Thanks...

[Wayne W.]

Re: 1963 Headlight Buckets Early Verses Late

If I read that serial number correctly, thats inside 100 cars. It might not have had any screws in the upper front. The early ones had a clip at the top that went through a slot. This supposedly held the bezel on at the top. Obviously not very well because it was quickly changed.

[Bob M.]

Re: 1963 Headlight Buckets Early Verses Late

Thanks for the additional information, Wayne. Now I have a variation within a variation to be aware of. My car's sequence/serial number is actually ten thousand and change. I substituted xx for the last two digits at Harry Sadlock's suggestion (first response to my original post). I'm new on the forum and don't know how important it is to not reveal the exact sequence number. So, the number reads 10,0xx.

[Wayne W.]

Re: 1963 Headlight Buckets Early Verses Late

Sorry I misread the number. You probably dont want to know all of the variations that could have been. First style buckets, second style buckets, no top screws, front screws, side screws, no tabs, hand made welded tabs, stamped tabs, etc., the list goes on. You just need to decide which style buckets and the placement of the screws. My guess is that you should have early buckets with side screws.