T3 headlites

racer6929 · Addicted!

T3 headlites

Brian · Addicted!

dualquadpete · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

Well that'a something I didn't know about the T-3's Good info, just hope the 'debate' doesn't get started AGAIN!!! Pete

CdnGMfan · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

66 Beau wrote:
There are a lot of different aspects to this hobby - like the survey here a while ago tried to identify (the one that said most people here just wanna drive).

I think it's fitting that the FBI agent gets his kicks tracking down obscure, numbers matching, genuine GM bits and pieces. No different than the people who search for the stamps or coins with tiny printing/stamping errors.

One good thing about the numbers people, they do tend to dig up some great info on the old cars - and I think they're responsible for preserving some of the true survivors as historical references for us all.

It'd get boring if everyone wanted the exact same BBC, 4 spd, posi, Torque Thrust II's, red paint, black interior, disc brakes, etc. Or whatever your favorite mix is...

I agree with everything above. The people that track down this obscure stuff help expand the knowledgebase. Personally I love seeing untouched stuff or restored cars with every detail done correctly. I also realize that is not practical or desirable for some (some modifications beg to be done).

I pulled a complete working set of T-3s off my '67 Chevelle 20 years ago & boxed them up, replacing them with Halogen lights. I remember back in 1970 while driving on a trip out west, dad's new 1970 Biscayne took a rock and broke one of its original T-3s. I didn't want to break one of mine all those decades later, especially since replacements were not available except from donor cars (repros came later but are expensive).

For what its worth, GM started phasing in the Delco Power Beam headlights starting with selected 1970 models (the new Firebird, Camaro, Monte Carlo; all large single lights). For 1971 the new Power Beam usage continued onto the Chevelles (it even says so right in the brochure). From what I recall the Power Beam lights for 4-lamp systems were phased in gradually around then. The cover of the 1972 Lemans brochure shows a front end shot with T-3s as lamps. Remember that the picture is probably a product of a styling studio mock-up using off the shelf lights from around 1970. T-3s have a triangle emblem; the Power Beams have a diode emblem.

-- Edited by CdnGMfan on Monday 15th of October 2012 01:54:39 PM

Pontiacanada · A Poncho Legend!

They repro the T-3s now (Impala Bobs etc. has them), so unless you are doing a concors restroration, old T-3s are just that ... old T-3s. They are still cool to have if you've got them, but I wouldn't pay about $50.00 (yes the asking price for used) for an old period correct T-3, that might only have a few hours left on it.

dualquadpete · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

Met a FBI agent at the Charleston Show, he had a early Chevy P/up & was a # guy & if part didn't have "A/C Delco" on it [for electrical] it didn't go on his truck, or any other part had to be Genuine "GM" date code correct!! Truck was a BEAUTY but the Guy was "ANAL" on everything being #'s correct, think he should have a Corvette, then he's fit in with those guys!!! Pete

427carl · A Poncho Legend!

dualquadpete wrote:
Met a FBI agent at the Charleston Show,
he had a early Chevy P/up & was a # guy
& if part didn't have "A/C Delco" on it [for electrical] it didn't go on his truck, or any other part had to be Genuine "GM" date code correct!!
Truck was a BEAUTY but the Guy was "ANAL" on everything being #'s correct, think he should have a Corvette, then he's fit in with those guys!!! Pete

Always amazes me the amount of money some will spend to be that anal... who cares, other than the 3-4 other anal guys he hangs around...

(if its a total trailer queen -thats different)

66 Beau · Poncho Master!

There are a lot of different aspects to this hobby - like the survey here a while ago tried to identify (the one that said most people here just wanna drive).

I think it's fitting that the FBI agent gets his kicks tracking down obscure, numbers matching, genuine GM bits and pieces. No different than the people who search for the stamps or coins with tiny printing/stamping errors.

One good thing about the numbers people, they do tend to dig up some great info on the old cars - and I think they're responsible for preserving some of the true survivors as historical references for us all.

It'd get boring if everyone wanted the exact same BBC, 4 spd, posi, Torque Thrust II's, red paint, black interior, disc brakes, etc. Or whatever your favorite mix is...

Brian · Addicted!

Didn't mean to get things going, just thru out there for info
but this my be going alittle far for the real McCoy

//www.rodandcustommagazine.com/techarticles/1006rc_t3_lenses_to_t4_halogen_reflectors_conversion/viewall.html

Pontiacanada · A Poncho Legend!

Interesting ...

http://www.rodandcustommagazine.com/techarticles/1006rc_t3_lenses_to_t4_halogen_reflectors_conversion/viewall.html

Lefty · Uber Guru

that looks like a fun thing to try...

Beaumont4008 · Uber Guru

Great info. Will have to give that a try.

dualquadpete · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

Nothing to do with T-3's but the term "OVER RESTORED" comes to mind when I see these 'anal' people with all their #'s matching & date code correct, Alternators starters & distributors etc. Vehicle could have had a part failure 35 yrs. ago & part got 'tanked" back then!! I just can't see the "fixation" with having these replacable parts having the codes,but then again 95% don't drive their cars [other than on & off the trailer] & it's a "pi$$ing contest to see who has the most "over restored" car in the points race!!! I was driving the 52 in a Pouring rain storm the day after i got to W.V. last wk. & got some "strange" looks!! Also found & fixed some water leaks!! Bonus!!!

Pontiacanada · A Poncho Legend!

LIGHT BULBS, FUSES and
FUSE & FLASHER SETS

Genuine 1956-71 GM GUIDE T-3® HEADLIGHT BULBS One of our most popular items! Don't sacrifice safety with burnt-out, dim, cloudy, pitted, discolored, hard-to-find or incorrect headlight bulbs. Download a free T-3 Headlight Bulb Chart (.pdf format)

Only Lectric Limited's Headlight Bulbs are: - Brand new reproduction sets - Produced using original factory blueprints - Correct! Having the original T-3® and GUIDE insignia - 25% brighter than original bulbs - Built for longer bulb life - Officially Licensed - Made by an OEM manufacturer in the U.S.A. - Available for many GM makes/models - see below - Sold in complete sets only (2 or 4 bulb sets) Great care was taken to improve the photometrics and candlepower of these bulbs in order to meet the current Federal Highway Safety Standards, without compromising the original lens prescription.
Our 1956-58 bulbs will fit, and be correct for, all 1956-58 GM vehicles with a 2 headlight bulb system using 7" bulbs. Bulb Size: 7" Complete set includes (2) hi-low beam bulbs. Part #: SB5657S
Our 1958-59 bulbs will fit, and be correct for, all 1958-59 GM vehicles with a 4 headlight bulb system using 5-3/4" bulbs. Bulb Size: 5-3/4" Complete set includes (2) hi-low beam & (2) hi beam bulbs. Part #: SB5859S
Our 1959-69 bulbs will fit, and be correct for, all 1959-69 GM vehicles with a 2 headlight bulb system using 7" bulbs. Bulb Size: 7" Complete set includes (2) hi-low beam bulbs. Part #: SB6169S
Our 1960-67 bulbs will fit, and be correct for, all 1960-67 GM vehicles with a 4 headlight bulb system using 5-3/4" bulbs. Bulb Size: 5-3/4" Complete set includes (2) hi-low beam &(2) hi beam bulbs. Part #: SB6067S
Our 1968-71 bulbs will fit, and be correct for, all 1968-71 GM vehicles with a 4 headlight bulb system using 5-3/4" bulbs. Bulb Size: 5-3/4" Complete set includes (2) hi-low beam & (2) hi beam bulbs. Part #: SB6871S
Why you shouldn't buy an old bulb (used or N.O.S.)? If you were to buy an N.O.S. (new old stock) bulb from a vendor at a swap meet, the going price per bulb would almost equal what we charge for our complete set. And what the vendor doesn't tell you is that when you go to energize your newly purchased N.O.S. bulb, it may instantly burn out, or is certainly destined for a very short life. Obviously. this is also true of bulbs purchased from junk yards. The reason is simple; these bulbs were not designed to last 40 years. What happens to these bulbs (even never used bulbs) is that over time, they can develop cracks in the varnish (seal) on the back of the bulb. Once a crack develops, air can enter the bulb (which is under a sealed vacuum), and the filament will instantly burn out if power is applied. Why do we sell our bulbs in complete sets (not individually)? In order to comply with the current lighting standards, our new T-3 bulbs had to be manufactured to meet current federal lighting standards. Consequently, our T-3 bulbs are about 25% brighter than the originals. They do not project the typical dim, yellow cast as the original bulbs did; leading to difficult night time driving. (For those of you who are concerned about having your car judged, the level of bulb "brightness" is not a judging criteria - but at least you'll be able to see when you drive) If you were to replace only one bulb, you would instantly notice the brightness difference when placed side-by-side to your old, original bulbs. Download a free T3 Headlight Bulb Chart

427carl · A Poncho Legend!

I think it's fitting that the FBI agent gets his kicks tracking down obscure, numbers matching, genuine GM bits and pieces. No different than the people who search for the stamps or coins with tiny printing/stamping errors.

One good thing about the numbers people, they do tend to dig up some great info on the old cars - and I think they're responsible for preserving some of the true survivors as historical references for us all.

It'd get boring if everyone wanted the exact same BBC, 4 spd, posi, Torque Thrust II's, red paint, black interior, disc brakes, etc. Or whatever your favorite mix is...

I agree with everything above. The people that track down this obscure stuff help expand the knowledgebase. Personally I love seeing untouched stuff or restored cars with every detail done correctly. I also realize that is not practical or desirable for some (some modifications beg to be done).

C2 says ......I do agree with the correct cars expanding the base... I should have qualified, that I have had experiences (not good) with the totally anal hobbiests.... They do tend to have no tolerance to anyone who is not as anal... If I am to tolerate them.. they need to cut others some slack....

Pontiacanada · A Poncho Legend!

1956-71 GM
GUIDE T-3® HEADLIGHT BULBS

$149.00 a set of four for my car.

Stephenzone · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

Pontiacanada wrote:
Interesting ...
http://www.rodandcustommagazine.com/techarticles/1006rc_t3_lenses_to_t4_halogen_reflectors_conversion/viewall.html

that is so friggin cool. now i gotta find the proper dead T3's for my 70. gonna give you a hint what one of my project this winter is gonna be.

Lefty · Uber Guru

Me too, after seeing the $170 price tag for apair of T-3's

SSpeed66 · Addicted!

I have the Rod & Custom issue with the T3 mod, by far the best thing to do with a burnt out original light, it's on my list !!

beaumontguru · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

Go to your local parts store and ask for a Wagner brand replacement halogen H5006 i belive, they are now made with a plastic backing and the lens is glued on, go check it out

if you could cut the face off a T-3, the new wagner halogens should be easy to cut apart, and i think they are only about 8 bucks each.

Just go see, all the new stock seems to be this plastic backed kind.

Now that i think about it, its still a sealed beam, so if you cut it open would that release the gasses inside???

-- Edited by beaumontguru on Sunday 21st of October 2012 01:04:53 PM

Beaumont4008 · Uber Guru

So what used those round H4 Halogen Reflectors ? Are they something you could purchase cheaply ?

beaumontguru · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

I thought the 1972 ones were interesting, i have a 66 beaumont grill hanging on my wall and it has a complete matched set of the original 1972 T-3 bulbs, i never knew why they did not have the triangle in the middle, now i know!

Beaumont4008 · Uber Guru

Your right that style is a sealed beam. Would not work for this kind of modification. Would need one that has the replaceable bulb.