CRG Discussion Forum

Camaro Research Group Discussion => Originality => Topic started by: 69Z28-RS on September 24, 2013, 01:02:56 AM

Title: date codes on T3 lamps?
Post by: 69Z28-RS on September 24, 2013, 01:02:56 AM
I bought a couple of T3 headlamp assemblies (to get the bulbs) this weekend, supposedly from a '69 Chevrolet.   When I got home and cleaned them up and inspected them, I note that they have a 'code' on the top front which appears to be a 'date code'.   I don't recall ever reading anything about the date codes, as there is a great deal of 'mis information' in general re the various T3 lamps.   Can someone enlighten me on this subject?   Are lamp bulb date codes 'judged' by the ACA?
Title: Re: date codes on T3 lamps?
Post by: lakeholme on September 24, 2013, 01:32:38 AM
Just did a search for the chart that was floating around a while back from JohnZ.  But the chart doesn't show up in his post any more...
So, here's a copy I downloaded....

Interpretation explanation on Team Camaro. (http://www.camaros.net/forums/showthread.php?t=183418)
Title: Re: date codes on T3 lamps?
Post by: cook_dw on September 24, 2013, 01:56:52 AM
Good info.  Now Ill want to go look at my T3's and see what the dates are.. ;D
Title: Re: date codes on T3 lamps?
Post by: lakeholme on September 24, 2013, 02:08:19 AM
I've got a set of T3s sitting on the shelf (not for sale) in case I decide to really show the 68.
Not much light in a T3 for a driver... I guess my eye sight was much better back then!  ;D

Gary, hope this helps... Please tell me you got them for a great price.
Title: Re: date codes on T3 lamps?
Post by: 69Z28-RS on September 24, 2013, 02:12:30 AM
Thanks Phillip!  :)  I'll save that data as well..
(My eyes need LOTS of light also now.. so I try to minimize my night time driving)..

I paid $30 for a pair, which included the SS retention rings, and rusty buckets..   I also needed one retention ring.. :)

Gary
Title: Re: date codes on T3 lamps?
Post by: BULLITT65 on September 24, 2013, 06:08:27 PM
I still have the originals in my car surprisingly. You can only see the date if you take the headlight all the way out. I didn't think any judges required taking the car apart to display a date. Do they require photos of items dates to judge?
Title: Re: date codes on T3 lamps?
Post by: Hans L on September 24, 2013, 06:26:14 PM
For reference, here's what the stamp looks like (this one is from my '69 04B VN built Camaro) - original to the car.  I have both if more pics are desired.

(http://i1061.photobucket.com/albums/t478/jwlittooy/Camaro%20Components/T3HeadlampOriginalDate2_zps06a7d124.jpg) (http://s1061.photobucket.com/user/jwlittooy/media/Camaro%20Components/T3HeadlampOriginalDate2_zps06a7d124.jpg.html)
Title: Re: date codes on T3 lamps?
Post by: 69Z28-RS on September 24, 2013, 06:30:36 PM
The 'date codes' I was previously referring to as made into the glass, on the front face of the lens at the top...  I'll take a photo next time I have my camera in the garage...  Maybe the ones I purchased on the Charlotte show are 'newer' and follow a different format??
Title: Re: date codes on T3 lamps?
Post by: JohnZ on September 24, 2013, 06:31:21 PM
In NCRS Corvette Flight Judging, there's only a very minor token deduction (3 points out of 4500) for use of the reproduction T-3 headlamps instead of originals, due to the night driving safety issue (original T-3's don't throw much more light than a kerosene lantern); originals also tend to "smoke and die" without warning, resulting in deductions during Operations judging.
Title: Re: date codes on T3 lamps?
Post by: Edgemontvillage on September 24, 2013, 11:23:43 PM
In NCRS Corvette Flight Judging, there's only a very minor token deduction (3 points out of 4500) for use of the reproduction T-3 headlamps instead of originals, due to the night driving safety issue (original T-3's don't throw much more light than a kerosene lantern); originals also tend to "smoke and die" without warning, resulting in deductions during Operations judging.

"original T-3's don't throw much more light than a kerosene lantern"...funny.
Title: Re: date codes on T3 lamps?
Post by: BULLITT65 on September 25, 2013, 02:57:58 AM
In NCRS Corvette Flight Judging, there's only a very minor token deduction (3 points out of 4500) for use of the reproduction T-3 headlamps instead of originals, due to the night driving safety issue (original T-3's don't throw much more light than a kerosene lantern); originals also tend to "smoke and die" without warning, resulting in deductions during Operations judging.

But, do they actually take them out to see that the fall within the right range date wise?
Title: Re: date codes on T3 lamps?
Post by: BULLITT65 on September 25, 2013, 04:22:00 PM
Gary,  I believe mine are similar to Hans . When I decoded mine they both were made a few months before my car.
Title: Re: date codes on T3 lamps?
Post by: 69Z28-RS on September 25, 2013, 04:30:14 PM
I hope, before you reinstall them, you're going to clean off that green gunk, Austin..  :)
Was there also a date code made into the glass (on the front at the top of the bulb?..
Title: Re: date codes on T3 lamps?
Post by: BULLITT65 on September 25, 2013, 04:42:54 PM
There is a 4 digit code at the top, but I think it was like 0132 on both lights. When i started talking to guys in the know on other forums regarding these numbers, I was told these were just standard casting codes, and did not correlate with the date. They said you could get a date range by the format of the T3 (lines behind the logo or plain) and where it says guide, but the way to know for sure is decode the red stamp on them.
I hope, before you reinstall them, you're going to clean off that green gunk, Austin..  :)
Was there also a date code made into the glass (on the front at the top of the bulb?..
I am hesitant to try to clean that off because that red stamp comes off so easily, thats why many you see on ebay or for sale somebody has "cleaned up" and removed the date along with any dust or dirt.
Title: Re: date codes on T3 lamps?
Post by: 69Z28-RS on September 25, 2013, 04:56:10 PM
OK.   that's what I confused with a 'date code'..  the code in the glass.    The two I bought in Charlotte, and the one I already had on my car had differing 'glass codes'..  and no stamped codes on back (already cleaned off I suppose)..
Title: Re: date codes on T3 lamps?
Post by: BULLITT65 on September 25, 2013, 05:03:02 PM
as long as they are the right style ( have the lines behind the T-3) and guide at the bottom, A judge would not be able to tell the red date stamp wasn't there unless you were going to go through the trouble of taking the plastic bezel off and then removed the headlight to actually see the back of it. Do any judges do this?
Title: Re: date codes on T3 lamps?
Post by: lakeholme on September 25, 2013, 05:06:51 PM
Gary,
Here -pacecarJeff (http://www.broachbuster.com/id35.htm) and Here -LL (http://www.lectriclimited.com/images/lf-T3_bulbchart.pdf)
are two ID charts for the face of T3s.  They don't mention those casting dates...
In most judging the face of the headlight would need to match, irregardless of the unseen date code.
Title: Re: date codes on T3 lamps?
Post by: BULLITT65 on September 25, 2013, 05:51:37 PM
Interesting links. Your right though it looks like the only thing that isn't on the detail is the 4 digit code at the top of the lens. Looking at the prices, the $30 you paid at the swap meet looks good as long as they're operational. I would say "good buy"
Title: Re: date codes on T3 lamps?
Post by: 69Z28-RS on September 25, 2013, 06:32:19 PM
Thanks fellas, for the T3 lamp education ....   :)
as it turns out both the lamps I bought in Charlotte, and one of the ones on my car are correct for '69.. but no inked stamps on the back.. (I cleaned 'em too good).. 
Title: Re: date codes on T3 lamps?
Post by: Hans L on September 25, 2013, 08:50:29 PM
OK.   that's what I confused with a 'date code'..  the code in the glass.    The two I bought in Charlotte, and the one I already had on my car had differing 'glass codes'..  and no stamped codes on back (already cleaned off I suppose)..

You're referring to these numbers/lettes at the top, correct?

(http://i1061.photobucket.com/albums/t478/jwlittooy/T3HeadlampOriginalDateCropped_zpsa9249dc4.jpg) (http://s1061.photobucket.com/user/jwlittooy/media/T3HeadlampOriginalDateCropped_zpsa9249dc4.jpg.html)
Title: Re: date codes on T3 lamps?
Post by: BULLITT65 on September 25, 2013, 08:57:21 PM
yes, it looks like J 46 on yours
Title: Re: date codes on T3 lamps?
Post by: lakeholme on September 25, 2013, 10:06:47 PM
They are mold numbers.

JohnZ verified that on Team Camaro a few years ago, so look HERE. (http://www.camaros.net/forums/showthread.php?t=183286)

More Info  (http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c1-and-c2-corvettes/1585849-t-3-headlight-numbers.html) on Corvette Forum.  So maybe, letters for supplier and numbers for mold? 
Title: Re: date codes on T3 lamps?
Post by: 69Z28-RS on September 26, 2013, 02:08:55 AM
thanks for the links Phillip.. .  :)
Title: Re: date codes on T3 lamps?
Post by: BULLITT65 on September 26, 2013, 02:49:07 AM
Hey Hans i looked back at mine, and mine start with a J as well, so possibly the same mold. Gary what letter is on yours?
Title: Re: date codes on T3 lamps?
Post by: 69Z28-RS on September 26, 2013, 03:17:39 AM
I can't believe I went downstairs to the garage to check this.   :)  I think I have a serious case of Camaroitis....

the three I have with correct T3 markings are a C, a J, and a K....
Title: Re: date codes on T3 lamps?
Post by: lakeholme on September 26, 2013, 04:05:26 PM
Can't find any info on the mold codes...  Wonder if JohnZ knows?

Anyway, found another T3 chart on a Caddie website:
(if you save it, it does have enough detail to make it larger and easier to read...)
Title: Re: date codes on T3 lamps?
Post by: Mike S on September 26, 2013, 04:14:23 PM
 Thanks for the picture.
Now....I wonder what does T-3 stand for?  I'm sure it's a company name and thinking it is TTT.

Mike
Title: Re: date codes on T3 lamps?
Post by: 69Z28-RS on September 26, 2013, 05:14:40 PM
What 'T3' means..   *might* have to do with the filament size..  but I cannot find any confirmation..?
Title: Re: date codes on T3 lamps?
Post by: lakeholme on September 26, 2013, 06:08:38 PM
Thanks for the picture.
Now....I wonder what does T-3 stand for?  I'm sure it's a company name and thinking it is TTT.

Mike

T-3 is a "designation" but the company name was Guide, as in the Guide Lamp Division of GM.
At any rate, Here  (http://charlesbullock.net/Guide/Index.html) is a former employees of Guide's website.  Make sure you click on the links for different pamphlets about Guide's history.
I love this kind of stuff...  ;D