Which headlight bezel is correct for my '59?

[Curt R.]

I'm pretty confused with everything I have researched about the correct headlight bezels also known as doors for my '59 I'm currently restoring, I would like original equipment bezels and plan to have them re-chromed or buy NOS parts but want to make sure that I am using the correct ones, I have two that came in a box of parts when I bought the car and they are obviously different as you can see in the attachments, according to AIM and everything discussed here so fare refers that part number 3742509 is the correct one, which in the picture has a short "beak" or extension and the one I have with part #3779239 has a pronounced extension and when I look for NOS parts to compare they have the 509 number on the box but contain the 239 part number on them which is very confusing, so my question is should I use the ones with the longer extension or the ones with the short extension, it looks like when I see restored cars they use the long extension piece which integrates with the fender trim better?
Any feedback would be appreciated.

[Bill M.]

Re: Which headlight bezel is correct for my '59?

'59 originals are 239. (These are the known originals on my '59. Car in our family since new.)

[Ian G.]

Re: Which headlight bezel is correct for my '59?

My 59 AIM shows 3742509 original to the 1959. My original bezels are also 509s. I've seen other posts indicating that 3779239 are 61-62 castings (originally unchromed, body color) that may have been reused for later chrome replacements by GM for 58-60 as well. I cannot explain why your 509s have the short beak. Is it possible it was cut? I've seen eBay auctions with newer 509 boxes and 239 headlight bezels pictured. I've seen some TDB posts where folks say they look a bit different, and others where it's stated that they should be the same. I've actually bought a pair of 239s and waiting for them to arrive to see for myself.
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[Curt R.]

Re: Which headlight bezel is correct for my '59?

Thanks for the feedback, much appreciated ! , and I just ordered a NOS set with the 239 on the casting and 509 on the box, I'm still confused about the small beak on not just the one on the picture but I have another one I had bought on line that I was going to have re-chromed, but due to the differences I see on these items from the factory, I figured I'm safer ordering a matched NOS set.

[Ian G.]

[Jack M.]

Re: Which headlight bezel is correct for my '59?

Reviewing the various C1 Assembly Manuals... it appears 1958-60 used part #509, while 1961-62 used #239.
Once an updated part is introduced, itz not uncommon to be listed as 'the' replacement item, for all years it fits.
Consider checking in with the Team Leader... can't hurt.

[Gary B.]

Re: Which headlight bezel is correct for my '59?

Team Leader... can't hurt.

Curt, Ian,

In my opinion, Jack gave you the best advice.

Gary

[Mike E.]

Re: Which headlight bezel is correct for my '59?

239 has 2 holes in it for the chrome extension pins to fit through and be pinned over.

[Ian G.]

Re: Which headlight bezel is correct for my '59?

Hi Mike, Definitely the 239 cast for 61-62, but I've seen 239 also without those holes that clearly are made for 58-60, often in newer GM boxes. "Something is rotten in the state of Denmark"... Heres an example from eBay. Newer GM box for a 509 with a 239 casting inside that looks right for 58-60 to me. https://www.ebay.com/itm/144690224514

Also, Corvette Central has told me that Ecklers has the 239 GM molds and makes replacements for 58-60 (as well as 61-62) from those original molds in the past, though they are all sold out currently. Both sell "Made in America" headlight bezels (currently unavailable) made from those molds (apparently).

[Jack M.]

Re: Which headlight bezel is correct for my '59?

"Something is rotten in the state of Denmark"... Heres an example from eBay. Newer GM box for a 509 with a 239 casting inside that looks right for 58-60 to me.

As alluded to earlier, it might not be so unusual for GM... especially when an updated service part is considered 'close enough'.
Just look at this statement GM intended for the 'new' hood on the 1964 Corvette:

There will be a new styling hood panel due to elimination of the two
hood ornaments for 1964. The new panel will be identical to 1963
except that the depressions used to accept the ornaments will be
omitted. Service wise, we will use the 1964 panel to also service
1963 models.

Finding the 'correct' part, can often be challenging... itz all part of hunt (and the phun in restorations).

[Bill M.]

Re: Which headlight bezel is correct for my '59?

Bill that’s really interesting. I wonder if the casting changed mid production? What is your build date? The AIM I have is actually 1960 and I think may be an original one. It’s got yellowed double-size fold over pages and clear pictures compared to store bought ones. The latest change dates are around June 1960. It doesn’t show 239 though…

My '59 was assembled in December 1958. My '60 AIM shows the 3742509 part number....?

[Ian G.]

Re: Which headlight bezel is correct for my '59?

Mine is a December 58 car as well, approx. the 23rd. I'll reach out to the team leader and see what he thinks. This is an interesting mystery

[Curt R.]

Re: Which headlight bezel is correct for my '59?

It seems like there are a few different NOS variants out there that have different part numbers but look identical, but has anyone seen the ones without the extension (short beak style) installed on a car?

[Ian G.]

Re: Which headlight bezel is correct for my '59?

I got my 239s in the mail. they look very close to 509s me.
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[Ian G.]

Re: Which headlight bezel is correct for my '59?

Tim Mickey responded and indicated he has an original GM document indicating 3742509 is the original part for 59. He's had the same experience that the two parts 509 & 239 (at least as made for 58-60) look essentially the same.