T3's- best way to go?

[Garry B.]

For judging purposes only- original T3 bulbs, GM Restoration Parts....or other?

[Harry S.]

Re: T3's- best way to go?

For judging purposes only- original T3 bulbs, GM Restoration Parts....or other?

On a C2, restoration bulbs if they do not have DOT on them. It's not a big point hit if DOT is there.

Now operations, C2, there are 25 points for bulbs. There are 6 functions on the 4 bulbs. 25//6 = 4 points per failure.

It's your call. I've seen original T3 test OK prior to operations, they blow during operations. I used original T3 during my operations. One bulb blew when I was turning them off.

[Mike M.]

Re: T3's- best way to go?

i've had similar experience with originals as harry describes. lately i've been applying a thin film of silicone caulking around the back of the buld where they can suck air and then blow within seconds if they do suck in air. seems to help but who knows. mike

[Harry S.]

Re: T3's- best way to go?

Yes, hi temperature orange silicone works well....

IMG_3580.jpg

[Bert L.]

Re: T3's- best way to go?

Mike & Harry- Good tip on the silicone guys, thankyou .....

[Garry B.]

Re: T3's- best way to go?

Please explain to me the issue that the silicone application resolves. I have not heard of this before.

[Bob R.]

Re: T3's- best way to go?

In The old bulbs the seal between the metal socket and the glass can dry out allowing air to get at the filament. The bulb will then fail. There is no assurance the silicone will actually help but it might be worth trying.

[Harry S.]

Re: T3's- best way to go?

Please explain to me the issue that the silicone application resolves. I have not heard of this before.

Reread post 3 by Mike

[Larry M.]

Re: T3's- best way to go?

Please explain to me the issue that the silicone application resolves. I have not heard of this before.

The bulb filaments burn/light in a vacuum or inert gas atmosphere (no oxygen). If air (oxygen) gets into the inner bulb, the energized filament will self combust and destroy itself.

Larry

[Garry B.]

Re: T3's- best way to go?

Thanks for the explanation Bob. Makes sense. So, is there anything not correct about the Lectric Limited bulbs for judging? If going to new and correct reproduction bulbs and not have to switch them out after judging, I am thinking that may be the way I should go. Anyone out there have experience with these bulbs and judging? Thanks.

[Leif A.]

Re: T3's- best way to go?

Thanks for the explanation Bob. Makes sense. So, is there anything not correct about the Lectric Limited bulbs for judging? If going to new and correct reproduction bulbs and not have to switch them out after judging, I am thinking that may be the way I should go. Anyone out there have experience with these bulbs and judging? Thanks.

Garry,
Give LL a call and ask them to look at the front of the bulbs for DOT debossing. If there is no DOT on the front of the lens, they should pass muster. Picture of bulbs I bought several years back...passed with flying colors.

[James G.]

Re: T3's- best way to go?

In the glass there is a DOT cast in the lens, it's not obtrusive, however it is there and will result in deduction. IIRC facing the bulb it is 1/4-3/8 in from the edge at 10-11 o 'clock
I blew this photo up - I believe this is the location.
_MG_2900.jpg

[Larry M.]

Re: T3's- best way to go?

In the glass there is a DOT cast in the lens, it's not obtrusive, however it is there and will result in deduction. IIRC facing the bulb it is 1/4-3/8 in from the edge at 10-11 o 'clock
I blew this photo up - I believe this is the location.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]110036[/ATTACH]

As Leif states SOME of the reproduction T3 bulbs were made with NO DOT in the front glass. I also have such a set. They were purchased from Zip about 5 years ago. The DOT marking is in ink on the back of the bulb and is not seen when installed.

Larry

[Garry B.]

Re: T3's- best way to go?

Larry, those are the ones I am looking for. In looking closely at the LL product, I can see the DOT on front at about 10 o'clock. There are also GM Restoration brand bulbs that I can't see the DOT but have written one of the vendors if there is a DOT on the front of the bulb. Could these be the ones you and Leif have?

[Leif A.]

Re: T3's- best way to go?

Larry, those are the ones I am looking for. In looking closely at the LL product, I can see the DOT on front at about 10 o'clock. There are also GM Restoration brand bulbs that I can't see the DOT but have written one of the vendors if there is a DOT on the front of the bulb. Could these be the ones you and Leif have?

Garry,
As Larry stated, I bought my T3 from Zip, as well. They still carry them. I would call them and ask them about the DOT marking on the front glass. Their description says they are DOT approved but I don't see the DOT in their picture. If you zoom in on my picture in post #11, you can see there is no DOT on the lens...anywhere.

https://www.zip-corvette.com/60-67-t3-headlight-bulb-set.html