"Latest" Reproduction T 3 Headlights.

[Chuck G.]

I've been out of the loop for a few years, and haven't kept up to date on the current situation with reproduction T3 headlights. A friend down here in Florida recently told me that the newest rendition of the repro T3's does NOT have the small DOT marking on the lens. He said that the DOT marking was moved to the rear cone of the bulb and cannot be seen when the bulb is installed.

True or False?

He ordered a set for his 67 coupe, but they have not arrived yet.

I had my 63 out this past weekend at a local car cruise. With the daylight savings time change, it was pretty dark coming home. It has 4 original T3's. I had forgotten how dim the original T3's were.

If I can "upgrade" to brighter, undetectable repros, I'll do so.

I've checked Lectric Limited's ads, other online catalogs, and EBAY listings. Nobody addresses this issue.

Any input appreciated.

TIA.

Chuck

[Harry S.]

Re: "Latest" Reproduction T 3 Headlights.

Chuck, what I understand is, the first few runs of new T3's had the DOT on the backside therefore not visible. But as things would have it the DOT was not satisfied so they demanded the DOT mark be moved to the front. As far as I know it's on the front and visible. It is small and not offensive. Oh, you can see easily at night with them. I picked up at set at Carlisle this year for $40.00. The normal price is about $160.00.

Maybe they moved it to the back again?

[Chuck G.]

Re: "Latest" Reproduction T 3 Headlights.

Chuck, what I understand is, the first few runs of new T3's had the DOT on the backside therefore not visible. But as things would have it the DOT was not satisfied so they demanded the DOT mark be moved to the front. As far as I know it's on the front and visible. It is small and not offensive. Oh, you can see easily at night with them. I picked up at set at Carlisle this year for $40.00. The normal price is about $160.00.

Maybe they moved it to the back again?

Hmmm. Interesting, Harry.

My buddy is expecting his repro bulbs to arrive any day now, and he's not expecting to find any DOT markings on the front. I'll report back when I see them.

Chuck

[Dave S.]

Re: "Latest" Reproduction T 3 Headlights.

Hmmm. Interesting, Harry.

My buddy is expecting his repro bulbs to arrive any day now, and he's not expecting to find any DOT markings on the front. I'll report back when I see them.

Chuck

Chuck, The repros are detectable even if the DOT is on the back. The filaments on the reproduction lamps are slightly different than the originals. In spite of that they look very good and at first glance they look like originals.

[Patrick H.]

Re: "Latest" Reproduction T 3 Headlights.

Chuck, If you just want some for driving what I do is head down to AutoZone, buy 4 round halogens of the correct size, and install them. My originals are stored away in my basement. Cheap, easy and safe.

[Joe R.]

Re: "Latest" Reproduction T 3 Headlights.

Hi Patrick,

You probably did your homework already, but I was wondering how much current the Halogen bulbs draw vs. the T3 bulbs? What gauge is the wire feeding the bulbs? I suppose we need to narrow this down to what year car.

Joe

[Patrick H.]

Re: "Latest" Reproduction T 3 Headlights.

Hi Patrick,

You probably did your homework already, but I was wondering how much current the Halogen bulbs draw vs. the T3 bulbs? What gauge is the wire feeding the bulbs? I suppose we need to narrow this down to what year car.

Joe

Actually, I bought my first set in 1994 when I purchased my 1971 and found out how anemic the lights were the first week I owned it. I recently even found the receipt. Since they worked so well for years I did the same for my Cutlass several years ago and my 1972 a few years ago. Since the 71 had no issues with them I never worried at all about draw or wiring with the others after that. Oh, and I'd suspect that the repro T3's have similar guts as the halogens on the shelf, and definitely more robust ones than the original T3s. So, if the repro is OK with you the upgrade will likely be just fine.

[Chuck G.]

Re: "Latest" Reproduction T 3 Headlights.

Chuck, If you just want some for driving what I do is head down to AutoZone, buy 4 round halogens of the correct size, and install them. My originals are stored away in my basement. Cheap, easy and safe.

Yep, I could do that, Patrick, but............

I'm of the school "do it once and do it right". I hate changing bulbs anyway.

Chuck

[Dennis G.]

Re: "Latest" Reproduction T 3 Headlights.

I tried buying a set of T3's for my 1958 Corvette from Corvette Central, but they are out of stock. So I called Lectric Limited who is the supplier. They said they were looking for a company to manufacture the T3's but were having difficulty because the quantity they require is low. I understood the T3's were very close to the originals but were brighter then the old versions.

[Patrick H.]

Re: "Latest" Reproduction T 3 Headlights.

Yep, I could do that, Patrick, but............

I'm of the school "do it once and do it right". I hate changing bulbs anyway.

Chuck

Like you're gong to have it judged soon anyway?

[William F.]

Re: "Latest" Reproduction T 3 Headlights.

Had to take them out of my '67 with C60-poor charging and burned up the headlight on/off switch.

[Chuck G.]

Re: "Latest" Reproduction T 3 Headlights.

Like you're gong to have it judged soon anyway?

You never know, Patrick.

I honestly have no plans for judging, but I try to keep the car "correct". I'm driving the car more here in Florida, and have found myself in need of better lighting on several occasions.

I am aware of the 'issues' with halogens, i.e., wiring, current draw, etc. I have no plans to go that route.

I am heading to Zephyrhills tomorrow.......... Carlisle Productions took that show over a year ago. JUST MAYBE I'll find some repro T3's.

Chuck

[Steven B.]

Re: "Latest" Reproduction T 3 Headlights.

Actually, I bought my first set in 1994 when I purchased my 1971 and found out how anemic the lights were the first week I owned it. I recently even found the receipt. Since they worked so well for years I did the same for my Cutlass several years ago and my 1972 a few years ago. Since the 71 had no issues with them I never worried at all about draw or wiring with the others after that. Oh, and I'd suspect that the repro T3's have similar guts as the halogens on the shelf, and definitely more robust ones than the original T3s. So, if the repro is OK with you the upgrade will likely be just fine.

I also installed them in my 77 as they became available years ago. The 77 has AC, rear window defroster, all options and never a problem. Steve

[Timothy B.]

Re: "Latest" Reproduction T 3 Headlights.

Chuck,

The problem may not be the T3's, have you had your glasses checked lately. :-)

[Brian M.]

Re: "Latest" Reproduction T 3 Headlights.

No issues in my 67 C60, BTW I purchased 2 sets years ago with DOT logo on the backs.