Reproduction T3 headlights versus Original

[Paul C.]

Can you tell the difference in judging between original 1971 T3 headlight and a repoduction?

[Donald T.]

Re: Reproduction T3 headlights versus Original

Paul,

The reproduction T3 have DOT markings on them. The DOT markings are very small and hard to see, so unless you are looking for them, you won't notice much difference. There are also differences on the back, but that cannot be seen when installed.

[Stuart F.]

Re: Reproduction T3 headlights versus Original

I have a set of original T-3's for my 63, but for my current usage I've gone to Halogens. I can see a whole lot better out on the highway coming back from the cruise in at night. For that matter, I also have some converted landing lights that I used to use for the high beams. They are kinda cool; flat clear lenses. Used them way back in the 60's down on the range in New Mexico. You can look way down the road with them. To convert, you just have to bend the blade contacts out to engage the light socket. (For what it's worth - sorry.)

Stu Fox

[Robert C.]

Re: Reproduction T3 headlights versus Original

Paul, original T-3s have lots of cast-in numbers(look below the aim guides)these are vertical letters/ numbers on both sides. I have NEVER viewed any two headlamps with the same code. All the repro's have the same code (I think) No one knows what these codes mean except the Guide people. Maybe someone can report..................

[Bill M.]

Re: Reproduction T3 headlights versus Original

For that matter, I also have some converted landing lights that I used to use for the high beams. They are kinda cool; flat clear lenses. Used them way back in the 60's down on the range in New Mexico. You can look way down the road with them. To convert, you just have to bend the blade contacts out to engage the light socket. (For what it's worth - sorry.)

Stu Fox

My high beams back in the 60s were spotlights. Clear, but rounded glass. Great for out in the boonies.

[Harry S.]

Re: Reproduction T3 headlights versus Original

This may help identify what you have, but I'd go with Stu's suggestion.

[Donald T.]

Re: Reproduction T3 headlights versus Original

Here's a pic of the repro T3 with the DOT located in the lower left. It is inconspicuous, but not hard to find if you know where to look on the bulb.

[Paul C.]

Re: Reproduction T3 headlights versus Original

So the reporudction T-3 lights will pass judging? If not how much of a point loss?

[John H.]

Re: Reproduction T3 headlights versus Original

So the reporudction T-3 lights will pass judging? If not how much of a point loss?

The deduction for the reproduction T-3's is only 3 points for a full set; very minor hit for being able to actually see while driving at night.

[Paul C.]

Re: Reproduction T3 headlights versus Original

Thank You.

[Robert C.]

Re: Reproduction T3 headlights versus Original

So the reporudction T-3 lights will pass judging? If not how much of a point loss?

If the repro's are detected the DOT marking would make the Date/Marking/slight configuration difference/, or a 20% deduction on the originality side.

[Page C.]

Re: Reproduction T3 headlights versus Original

DOT Headlights fall into the Corvette Judging Reference Manual section#4. Standard Deduction Guidlines "detectable current reproduction headlamps, discernible by the "DOT" marking, are a three(3) point deduction per car, for a full set.
Regards,
Page Campbell

[Kevin G.]

Re: Reproduction T3 headlights versus Original

Another inconspicuous flaw in the reproduction bulbs is the location of the vertical letters USA. These letters are misplaced by one rectangle to the left just below the right small glass adjustment bump.

Regards,
Kevin