69 headlight replacement bulbs

[Don W.]

Hi,
What's the current best option to replace my T3 headlights? Is lectric limited a good option and are there any dated reproductions available? Any NCRS discounts?

thanks,

Don

[Mike F.]

Re: 69 headlight replacement bulbs

I just bought a set from Lectric Limited a few months ago. I'm happy with them as were the Chapter judges.

[Don L.]

Re: 69 headlight replacement bulbs

Hi Don. I think your questions have lots of answers, and the answers depend on what you want to do with the car. If it's a driver car and if you want bright illumination, I think halogen bulbs from your auto parts store is best. If you want the car to LOOK original but don't care much about judging points, I think the Lectric Limited (reproduction) bulbs are a good option. If you are chasing judging points, you'll probably want original T3 (used or NOS) bulbs. Cost. Is a factor, so go into this with eyes wide open.

BTW, Lectric Limited usually advertises in the Driveline. Maybe there's mention of a NCRS discount? I'm traveling and currently without access to my latest copy. Check it out to see.

[John H.]

Re: 69 headlight replacement bulbs

Hi,
What's the current best option to replace my T3 headlights? Is lectric limited a good option and are there any dated reproductions available? Any NCRS discounts?

thanks,

Don

Don -

Lectric Limited has the T-3 reproduction headlights made by Wagner Electric to their specs, and sells them to all the other vendors; with only a 3-point deduction for a full set, you can drive your car at night.

[Lyndon S.]

Re: 69 headlight replacement bulbs

It's hell getting old, I drove a many of miles at night with the T 3 lights.

[Jerome P.]

Re: 69 headlight replacement bulbs

Hi Don

I believe there is no date codes on the headlight bulbs, but there is different lettering on the face of the bulbs that vary from year to year. I know the '70/'71 bulbs differ from the'72 bulb.

In general the bulbs from Lectric Limited will not pass judging; that is what has happened to others at meets that I have been to.

I have found good used bulbs on ebay and in Driveline.

Hope all is well with you.

[Don W.]

Re: 69 headlight replacement bulbs

Does anyone know what the judging strategy is for the replacement T3 lights from Lectric Limited? Some posts state that there is a minor point deduct, other posts say they will not pass judging.

[Terry M.]

Re: 69 headlight replacement bulbs

Hi Don

I believe there is no date codes on the headlight bulbs, but there is different lettering on the face of the bulbs that vary from year to year. I know the '70/'71 bulbs differ from the'72 bulb.

In general the bulbs from Lectric Limited will not pass judging; that is what has happened to others at meets that I have been to.

I have found good used bulbs on ebay and in Driveline.

Hope all is well with you.

Actually on OEM (and perhaps NOS) headlamps there is a date stamp on the rear of the bulb. That date can not be judged, but features of the bulb such as the filiment holder and shield configuration can and are judged, however, CDCIF is NOT a factopr in judging headlamps. For more information a quick search turned up:

https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthre...light=headlamp

Headlamps are listed in the standard deduction table in the NCRS Judging Reference Manual and the 3 points John Hinckley cites is the correct deduction for four reproduction bulbs.

[Jerome P.]

Re: 69 headlight replacement bulbs

Thanks Terry. I was not aware of the date codes on the backside of the bulbs. I am without a magnifying glass; is the date code the imposed letters in the area of the terminals or is the red lettering the date coding?

Don, Terry is correct. What I meant was reproduction bulbs will not pass judging --- without some point deduction for lack of originality. I thought it was more than 3 points, but Terry would know. Therefore, you would lose 3 out of a possible 12 point deduction for originality. I am not sure if there would be any deduction for condition. Probably not, but could be as many as 4 points.

[Jerome P.]

Re: 69 headlight replacement bulbs

The thread you referenced refers to -- CDCIF. What does this stand for?

[Rick A.]

Re: 69 headlight replacement bulbs

C - Complete
C - Configuration
D - Date
I - Installation
F - Finish

You look at every component with these five ideas in mind, whether they are all present or not and make the appropriate deduction, i.e., each idea represents 20% of the value you are evaluating. This is all off the top of my CRS brain!

[Terry M.]

Re: 69 headlight replacement bulbs

Thanks Terry. I was not aware of the date codes on the backside of the bulbs. I am without a magnifying glass; is the date code the imposed letters in the area of the terminals or is the red lettering the date coding?

Don, Terry is correct. What I meant was reproduction bulbs will not pass judging --- without some point deduction for lack of originality. I thought it was more than 3 points, but Terry would know. Therefore, you would lose 3 out of a possible 12 point deduction for originality. I am not sure if there would be any deduction for condition. Probably not, but could be as many as 4 points.

Somplace in the archives is a larger more readable copy of that Guide date code print. I couldn't find it quickly this morning. I have it in my desktop, but it had a heart attack and I have yet to get it to intensive care.

The date code, and other production information, is contained in an orange ink stamp on the back of the bulb.

[Terry M.]

Re: 69 headlight replacement bulbs

C - Configuration
D - Date
C - Complete
I - Installation
F - Finish

You look at every component with these five ideas in mind, whether they are all present or not and make the appropriate deduction, i.e., each idea represents 20% of the value you are evaluating. This is all off the top of my CRS brain!

Rick,
I made them the right order for you.

We usually judge the originality portion of the item based on those factors as Rick has described. We also assess the condition of that item on a four point scale. However, some items fall into a Standard Deduction category and CDCIF is not used for the originality portion of the assessment (condition is still assessed in the same manner).
Items that use a standard deduction are:
glass
engine
tires
headlamps
battery
stainless steel lines and exhaust system
paint

I am thinking I missed something, but this is as good as I can do off the top of my head. I need to look at the book.

ALL this information is expanded and a host of other judging rules are explained in the NCRS Judging Reference Manual. Click on the NCRS Shop button at the top of the page.

Edit add: Don Walker: Don Lowe has given you some excellent advice. Decide on how you want to use your car. Consider if you decide on reproduction bulbs you will lose 3 points originality for the four bulbs (out of 4510 points). Also consider that you will lose substantially more for modern Halogen bulbs. I don't have the standard deduction chart with me, but modern Halogen bulbs could result in a total originality deduction, which of course would also result in the loss of all condition points as well. Weigh the costs and safety if you intend to drive your car at night and make your decision.

[Reba W.]

Re: 69 headlight replacement bulbs

I think you got them all, Terry. I just finished typing a handout for a CDCIF judging school in a couple of weeks. There was an article in The Restorer someime in the past year or so on headlamp dating.