Replacement T-3 Headlamps ?

[Tom W.]

My 71 does not have T3 Headlamps.
I want to install T3s (for judging) but don't like what I've read in the archieves about their lack of brightness & durability. I plan to drive the car. I had decided to buy repros from Lectric Limited and just take the hit on points, but I just came across these on eBay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=130255689167

I'd appreciate some opinions on these two choices as it seems like many of you have been down this road before. My goal is a reasonable compromise between driveability & points. Can anyone shed some light on this? ....sorry, couldn't resist.
Thanks

[Patrick H.]

Re: Replacement T-3 Headlamps ?

Tom,

The ones in the ebay ad are LL repros, too.

Halogen lamps are nominal in cost, so many of us keep a set in the car for driving, swapping in correct lamps for judging. However, if you want to keep one set in the car all the time it's reasonable to use the repros.

Patrick

[Donald T.]

Re: Replacement T-3 Headlamps ?

Lectric Limited now owns the trademark for the T-3 logo, so they are the only source for reproductions. The ones listed on ebay are the Lectric Limited bulbs. They will have the DOT markings so they will receive a small deduction during judging - I think it is 3 points. This is a minimal deduction unless you want to swap out with some originals just for judging.

[Tom W.]

Re: Replacement T-3 Headlamps ?

Well that makes the choice much easier. Lectric Limited it is.
I was thinking of the two sets of headlamps idea (Halogen for driving & T3 for judging) but I'm guessing it's not a quick & easy swap. So far, nothing has been quick & easy on this car, but I just got a 3rd Flight award, so I'm very inspired to keep going. Maybe 2nd Flight next year?
Thanks for the responses. You guys are an invaluable resource.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Replacement T-3 Headlamps ?

Tom,

I've never found replacing headlamps to be a difficult swap. A couple of screws per lamp, and the plug in the back. That's it. If you want to make it easier swap just the low beams as those are the ones you use 90% of the time.

Patrick

[Brian M.]

Re: Replacement T-3 Headlamps ?

Best of both worlds, just put the LL in for low beam and leave OE T3's in for high beams.

[Chris L.]

Re: Replacement T-3 Headlamps ?

How can you tell a repro from the real deal? I purchased a set of 4 a few years back and they supposedly came from a wrecked car. Is there any tell tale sign that would identify them as real? THanks
Chris

[Mike M.]

Re: Replacement T-3 Headlamps ?

originals lack the DOT at 7 oclock on the face. the DOT is small but perceivable.mike

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: Replacement T-3 Headlamps ?

Also, the back of the bulb is a "pebble grain" not smooth as originals were. LL uses Wagner to reproduce the bulbs and it would have cost big bucks to change the manufacturing to accomodate this (directly from the owner of LL to me in conversation at Carlisle this August). Since noone really can see the backs of the bulbs when in the car, it was decided to use regular production backs.
Jeff

[Gary J.]

Re: Replacement T-3 Headlamps ?

There is also a small point deduct in judging for using the repo, just wanted you to be aware of that.

[Joel F.]

Re: Replacement T-3 Headlamps ?

There is also a small point deduct in judging for using the repo, just wanted you to be aware of that.

Gary is correct, but if it were me I'd still use the repro. The point deduction is just 3 pts for a full set of the LL headlights.

What are the headlights worth in ops? If one headlight fails you'd lose a lot more than that (who knows when a 40 year old light will fail?). Plus the reproductions are actually pretty bright, an important consideration since you also drive your car.

[Donald T.]

Re: Replacement T-3 Headlamps ?

How can you tell a repro from the real deal? I purchased a set of 4 a few years back and they supposedly came from a wrecked car. Is there any tell tale sign that would identify them as real? THanks
Chris

Here's a pic of the DOT markings. It is located in the lower left corner of the bulb in the attached pic. It's not very noticeable unless you are specifically looking for it.

https://www.forums.ncrs.org/attachme...50820&uid=9239

[Rick S.]

Re: Replacement T-3 Headlamps ?

Gary is correct, but if it were me I'd still use the repro. The point deduction is just 3 pts for a full set of the LL headlights.

What are the headlights worth in ops? If one headlight fails you'd lose a lot more than that (who knows when a 40 year old light will fail?). Plus the reproductions are actually pretty bright, an important consideration since you also drive your car.

I agree with Joel and that is why I have LL T-3 lights in my car.
Rick

[Pat M.]

Re: Replacement T-3 Headlamps ?

Here's a second vote for Joel's position.

[Kirk M.]

Re: Replacement T-3 Headlamps ?

Drive mine with original T3's in her all the time. I like the dim lights and old time feeling of not being able to see a dang thing at night! So far, I have never had a problem, but I also have a drawer full of original bulbs as replacements!