1955 headlights

[Jeffrey S.]

Hello All! I have been doing some research on 1955 all glass 12 volt headlights. I have read and re-read the excellent article by Troy Pyles in the Restorer and have done a search in the archives but the answer isn't there. I just bought a pair of these and one has "12V" in the center and one has "12-V". The 12V bulb is a 4400 Guide number ink stamp and has a date arrangement of 10 4 (Oct 54?). The 12-V is a 5400 and has a date arrangement of B-3-5 (Feb 55?). I know that the 5400 is a later version. Anybody have any explanations of these differences? Could the 12V just be leftover lenses from the earlier 12 volt steelback bulbs used in 53-54 on Cadillacs, Olds, and Buicks? Any help is appreciated.
Jeff

[Troy P.]

Re: 1955 headlights

The difference is in the pattern of the lenses. Compare the lenses closely and you will see the difference. The later version provides improved illumination.

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: 1955 headlights

Troy,
Thanks for the response. I learned a great deal from your excellent article. I did notice some small differences in the lenses but my question centers around the difference between the "12V" and the "12-V" in the center. Particularly about the timing and when it was used, etc. You said in your article that the bulbs with these markings were the 3rd design, being all glass, but no differentiation between the 2 12 volt markings.
Thanks again for the great article.
Jeff

[Troy P.]

Re: 1955 headlights

The next iteration was T-3. So Guide was suddenly into putting a dash in their bulb designations. No idea why and doubt such an obscure fact can be discovered today. But you might contact the historian at the Guide Division archives.