The Official 356Talk Forum

Many of us have decided that on our 356s there are only identifiable trends--items that are period correct via date codes, etc. We believe that there few absolutes, specifically as to when the Factory made switches on components from one vendor or type to the next.
So, from my observations, I have to disagree with Jan's comment that:
"Phillips head adjustment and fixing screws are from Jan 1966 and on."
My C Cab, Oct '64, production originally came with Phillips head screws. In fact, I've seen many, many '65 model year 356s with Phillips, not flat head screws (there and many more locations on the car). I believe that most '64 model year 356s were originally equipped with flat head headlight adjustment screws, marking a very minor difference in the two production years for 356 Cs.
Just offering my humble alternative opinion so that those of you "authenticity oriented" who have Phillips head adjust screws in your '65 model year 356s so you do not have to accept as fact, that your 356 is wrongly equipped.
Keep the 356 Faith!

George Dunn wrote:Many of us have decided that on our 356s there are only identifiable trends--items that are period correct via date codes, etc. We believe that there few absolutes, specifically as to when the Factory made switches on components from one vendor or type to the next.
So, from my observations, I have to disagree with Jan's comment that:
"Phillips head adjustment and fixing screws are from Jan 1966 and on."
My C Cab, Oct '64, production originally came with Phillips head screws. In fact, I've seen many, many '65 model year 356s with Phillips, not flat head screws (there and many more locations on the car). I believe that most '64 model year 356s were originally equipped with flat head headlight adjustment screws, marking a very minor difference in the two production years for 356 Cs...

I based my observations on VW headlight assemblies. "A" (1964) and "B" (1965) date-coded Hella assemblies have slotted adjusting screws; "C" date codes (1966) have Phillips heads. It's possible that Porsche specified Phillips head adjusting screws from Hella earlier than VW, but not likely. Replacement Hella assemblies were cheap (~$20) and plentiful into the 1980s, and were often replaced as a complete assembly if the lens was broken, cracked or pitted (or the paint was flaking off inside the bucket, which is common to 1964-65 assemblies). Whether or not the rest of the car has Phillips or slotted-head screws is irrelevant. Hella only supplied headlights/sockets, back-up lights and interior lights on 356s (128s were an option). Another test is to check the first digits of the part number on the face of the lens (X-60370-03). If it starts with a single digit (no leading zeroes) and the rim has Phillips head adjusting screws, I may have to reconsider.

One lens is a repro but an old one. What are they for? And date?



These assemblies are now in a good home with a 53 cpe, thanks to the Registry.

Hi Roy, those are 1953 sealed beam assemblies. Though the fluted lens is for a '53 Euro car. Feel free to send those my way. =}

05L = 5th week of 1953.

1953 was the first year model year that sealed beam assemblies were available on Porsches. Neat find!

Thanks James, really appreciate the response. Had them at least 20 years. Will find a new home with someone who needs them.

RoySmalley
www.eurowerks.com

How is possible to know week and year of lights ?

29T = 29th week 1958
27A = 27th week 1964
...B = ...............1965
05L = 5th week 1953

Is there a list with identification year/letters ?
Bosh and Hella same codes/letters ?

Andy
356 pre A

Andrea Scaioli wrote:How is possible to know week and year of lights ?

29T = 29th week 1958
27A = 27th week 1964
...B = ...............1965
05L = 5th week 1953

Is there a list with identification year/letters ?
Bosh and Hella same codes/letters ?

Andy
356 pre A

Paul Hatfield wrote a great article about 4 years ago covering date codes in detail. It's linked here.

https://porsche356registry.org/article/237

If you need more information, look here:

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=279505

Thank you very much Jan, I really appreciate your help.
Regards
Andy
356 Registry #11906

What can you fellows say about these lenses? When were they fitted? Tia

Edwin Ek wrote:What can you fellows say about these lenses? When were they fitted? Tia

Since the "60370" part number is cast into the lip and not on the face of the lens, about 1957-59.

What is the date code stamped on the underside of the bucket?

I don't see 60370 anywhere. But maybe that's the point-- that it isn't visible? Picture is from a for-sale ad. Jan, thanks!

Is there a date code on the lense in my picture? If so, where is it?

Edwin, I don't believe Hella lenses had date codes. Only the buckets had date codes like in Roy Smalley's photos above, which dated the whole assembly. But since lenses break and get swapped out, its not a reliable way to date lenses unless you know for sure that they've never been apart.

I do know that early 1957 model year Porsches still used Hella sealed beam lenses with the very small "Hella" logo at the bottom with no other writing, so yours must be a bit later, as Jan says.

The 60730 part number would be on the inner lip of the lens. You would have to remove it from the chrome bezel and peel back the rubber gasket to see it. It would probably be at the top going on what the earlier ones are like.

So you two are saying that 60730 would appear on the face (not the lip) of the lense for ones made after '59 or so? Where would it be in the string of numbers?

Here's a late one with 60370 on the face. Not sure of the year. Someone else will have to fill in that info.

James Davies wrote:Here's a late one with 60370 on the face. Not sure of the year. Someone else will have to fill in that info.

The one pictured here is probably from 1964-65, assuming the lens is original to the bucket.