date codes on T3 lamps?

[69Z28-RS]

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?

[lakeholme]

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.

[cook_dw]

Good info.  Now Ill want to go look at my T3's and see what the dates are..

[lakeholme]

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! 

Gary, hope this helps... Please tell me you got them for a great price.

[69Z28-RS]

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

[BULLITT65]

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?

[Hans L]

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.

[69Z28-RS]

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??

[JohnZ]

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.

[Edgemontvillage]

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.

[BULLITT65]

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?

[BULLITT65]

Gary,  I believe mine are similar to Hans . When I decoded mine they both were made a few months before my car.

[69Z28-RS]

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?..

[BULLITT65]

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.

[69Z28-RS]

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)..