The Official 356Talk Forum

What is the correct headlight lens for a 1961? I researched here and on the Samba, and understand it should NOT have "SB19 SB20 SB21" on it (1963? and later), and would likely be made by Hella.

The equivalent VW part at the time had a VW logo and "E1.0671.01" across bottom, Hella at the top, and "25484" in lower left corner.

Did Porsche use the same one, or did they have one without the VW logo on it?

The Hella assemblies that were on the car when I bought it 2 years ago are date stamped for late 1960 which is correct for the car. However, one lens has SB19 etc. on it, and the other is completely devoid of markings, so I assume it is repro.

The correct Hella sealed-beam lens has a large Hella logo at the bottom and two rows of data that follow the curved bottom of the lens. These were produced from ~1958 until late 1963 and are correct for adssemblies with adjusting screws at the 5 and 7 o'clock positions.

Thanks Jan - one point of clarification - they do not have VW logos on them?

Here is a picture of an unrestored headlight. According to Paul's data it was made in the 3rd week of January 1961.

Thanks Jim, very helpful. You wouldn't have a really nice pair of lens like this available do you? Please contact me offline if you do.

Jim Breazeale wrote:... According to Paul's data it was made in the 3rd week of January 1961.

I did the Hella date code research and posted it on the Samba. Paul simply pulled it from there and included it in his article. He just couldn't assign credit for it because I posted it anonomously. At the time i finished the research (~2000), nobody on the 356Talk forum, other than Brad Ripley and I, had much of an interest in deciphering date codes. The VW Barndoor Bus community, on the other hand, had an extreme interest, so that's where they ended up.

Part numbers for the late T-2/356B clear lenses are -3-60370 and 4-60370. There may be others. Correct lenses have no VW logos on them.

Jan,

Thank you very much for the great research you did. I believe back in 2000 there were also other people interested in this kind of research. They might not have been aware of your work.

Joris

Jan,
Would you know what the original headlight glass for a 1956 Speedster would look like and what numbers and/or logos it would have on it? Thank you, Bob

Bob DiCorpo wrote:Jan,
Would you know what the original headlight glass for a 1956 Speedster would look like and what numbers and/or logos it would have on it? Thank you, Bob

Bob,

The picture in Brett Johnson's authenticity books doesn't give a lot of detail, But I believe early 356A lenses have a small Hella logo at the bottom and (possibly) no numbers on the face of the lens. Very early 356A (1955 production) lenses may still have the "vestigial oval" in the center of the lens.

The part number (60370?) is cast into the backside of the lip at the top, along with the Hella name. A single digit number (2?) is cast into the lip at the bottom.

My 59 T2 "A" delivered into the UK in mid 59 still has the original headlight lenses. They are however Bosch headlights although original other lighting items on my car are Hella.

I presume? the Bosch headlights went onto cars delivered to Europe and Hella went to the USA? Mine are of course not sealed beam, more like candle beam

I attach 2 photos taken a while back Roy
RHD356Asuper75 106954

Jan Kolm wrote:

Bob DiCorpo wrote:Jan,
Would you know what the original headlight glass for a 1956 Speedster would look like and what numbers and/or logos it would have on it? Thank you, Bob

Bob,

The picture in Brett Johnson's authenticity books doesn't give a lot of detail, But I believe early 356A lenses have a small Hella logo at the bottom and (possibly) no numbers on the face of the lens. Very early 356A (1955 production) lenses may still have the "vestigial oval" in the center of the lens.

The part number (60370?) is cast into the backside of the lip at the top, along with the Hella name. A single digit number (2?) is cast into the lip at the bottom.

Here is an early 56 356A lens with the "vestigial oval".

Thank you Chuck and Jan. I've never seen this type of lens. They must be difficult to come by. Regards, Bob

There is a quite a large number of variations in markings on headlight lenses. Some lettered on inside, some outside. Varying sizes of lettering. 1 or 2 characters being different. Etc., Etc. I know I have have run into a situation where I just can't seem to exactly match a lens to make a pair. If there is interest maybe a sticky thread could be started to assist people facing that issue. Pictures could be posted of lenses looking for their mates. Anyone think this merits a sticky?

I do. It is the really nit-picky stuff like this that keeps the cars correct for future generations who might just care about it. Many of us could not care any less about it, some a little too much

I'll start: AFAIK, the US spec lenses with the lettering on the inside are later reproductions. The period ones all have the raised "SB19 SB20 SB21" on the outside.

The lenses on my modelyear 59 T2 (built date Sep 1958) have the following marking:
180E 25-4-SB / 180E 25-4-SB2 / 180E 25-5-SB2 / 180E 25-51-SB2

180E 25-4-SB2 is also stamped on the headlight bucket (together with 29T which means 29th week of 1958, so probably original for my car).