58-60 Headlamps

[Mark P.]

If I locate T-3 bulbs with 3 prongs (Low/high) and 2 prongs (high) with a clear T-3 triangle (no pepple grain) and the word GUIDE below the T-3 triangle near the bottom edge of the bulb, will they judge correctly ? I will make sure they are not the repro bulbs with the DOT on the face.

[Jim D.]

Re: 58-60 Headlamps

I believe the triangle should have the pebble grain and the "Guide" along the bottom to be correct for a 1960. 58 & 59 were the same except the Guide" was above the triangle.

Jim

[Mark P.]

Re: 58-60 Headlamps

I read quite a few threads that the pepple grain may actually be the same as clear. Has anyone ever received a deduction for a 58-60 T-3 with a clear triangle and Guide below it ?

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: 58-60 Headlamps

1958-'59 T-3's had a clear triangle with the word "Guide" embossed (raised) on top of the triangle. 1960 to '67 had a clear triangle with the "Guide" at the bottom. I'm not sure of the exact deduction but there would be one for a '58-'59 with the Guide at the bottom.
Jeff

[Jim D.]

Re: 58-60 Headlamps

Jeffrey,

Everything you posted is in direct conflict of what is printed in the 4th edition of the 58-60 Tech. Info. Manual & Judging Guide.

Jim

P.S. The originals in my 1960 have the pebble-grain triangles as per the above reference manual.

[Mark P.]

Re: 58-60 Headlamps

Here is how I wanted my question to read:

"I read quite a few threads that the pepple grain may actually be the same as clear. Has anyone ever received a deduction for a 1960 T-3 with a clear triangle and GUIDE below it ?"

When I look for T-3's they seem to all fall into these 3 categories:

1. GUIDE above the T-3 logo - 1958-1959 per the JM
2. GUIDE below the T-3 logo with a T-3 logo that does not have any vertical lines and appears clear - 1960 per the JM
3. GUIDE below T-3 logo with a T03 logo that has vertical lines - later model per JM

[Jack H.]

Re: 58-60 Headlamps

The 'pebble grain' structure of the glass within the T3 triangle of '58 & later Guide quad beam lamps is a long time, well known, descriptive error. The dual beam lamps from '56-57 had this aspect of cosmetics but the quad beam lamps didn't (T3 triangle is clear).

The change in relocating the 'Guide' emboss (early lamps have it over the T3 triangle) to the bottom of the lamp isn't locked in concrete as to change over date. Some 'untouched' original 1960 Corvettes built as late as Nov/Dec have been seen with the early version of T3 lamp and there have been '60 cars with mix and match components of early & late T3 quad beams on them...

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: 58-60 Headlamps

Jim:
As Jack stated above, there may have been some very early '60's that had the '58-'59 style T-3's but other than that I think my descripton is correct. The pebble grain triangle was evident in the '56-'57 Corvette and other GM cars using the single large headlamp but the triangle of all quad system T-3's from '58 to '67 were clear. I am not familiar with what the early judging guide states. I'm sure others will chime in.
Jeff

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: 58-60 Headlamps

Jim:
The triangle in your bulbs may appear to have a pebble grain but may just not be crystal clear with some waviness in the glass which is common or it may be some "road rash" (from gravel, stones, etc). After all we are not dealing with Baccarrat crystal here.
Jeff

[Jim D.]

Re: 58-60 Headlamps

Okay, I had to go up to my shop to take a look. My triangles are indeed clear. My mistake. Note to self, don't trust your memory once you hit 50. Sorry for the confusion.

The Judging Manual calls for the pebble grain vs. verticle ribs. No mention of clear triangles.

Jim

[Jack H.]

Re: 58-60 Headlamps

"The Judging Manual calls for the pebble grain vs. verticle ribs."

Yes it does, but that's the reason the book's title was INTENTIONALLY changed from 'Judging Manual' to 'Judging Guide' several years ago. The name change reflects the fact that there will be errors of omission/errors of commission in the book and that it's intended as a supplement to the judge's personal knowledge.

Bottom line, don't believe everything you read that's in print!