correct headlights?

[Mike Wilson]

I have seen those, Bruce.

Mike

[Norm Miller]

I've made metal tabs to replace damaged tabs for years. I don't recall any factory metal "tabs" covers.

[Jan Kolm]

Top-to-bottom:
1. Dec '64 VW? (A 49)
2. '56-'63 VW
3. '64-'66 VW
4. Aug '60 VW (V 35)
5. July '53 356 (28 L) bucket pair
6. Sep '55 VW Type 2 right (38 N)
7. Aug '62 VW (X 35)

Best candidates for '59: #4 and #7 (need to be restored flat silver inside and out).
Not sure if '55 Speedster had parking lights in bucket--if not, restore #5 (you may be better off selling these to a '53 owner obsessed with originality, as well as the '56 VW bus assembly).

[Al Zim]

Headlight units and USA headlight bulbs changed on a frequent basis. Porsche modified what it could purchase from the manufacturer to fit their cars. When VW changed the headlight aiming screws so did Porsche. Porsche in the 356 era did not make automobiles they assembled parts into automobiles. al zim

[Spencer Harris]

Porsche in the 356 era did not make automobiles they assembled parts into automobiles. al zim

Well phrased, Al

[tom collingwood]

thanks fellas. Now i will sift through my stash of lenses. Would there be a guide to show what year they are for?

[tom collingwood]

Probably, Brad. Also more info on Hella date codes can be found by Googling the topic. Another give away for later headlights is the lack of socket for the parking light in the bucket.

Mike,

If I am remembering correctly the later cars also had the socket, they were simply covered by the factory with a piece of cardboard painted the same color as the bucket. The cardboard was slipped under the bucket and held in place by the spring clip on the socket.

Does anyone else remember this or am I totally off?

Yes, here is a block off plate.

[tom collingwood]

Top-to-bottom:
1. Dec '64 VW? (A 49)
2. '56-'63 VW
3. '64-'66 VW
4. Aug '60 VW (V 35)
5. July '53 356 (28 L) bucket pair
6. Sep '55 VW Type 2 right (38 N)
7. Aug '62 VW (X 35)

Best candidates for '59: #4 and #7 (need to be restored flat silver inside and out).
Not sure if '55 Speedster had parking lights in bucket--if not, restore #5 (you may be better off selling these to a '53 owner obsessed with originality, as well as the '56 VW bus assembly).

Would they all be Volkswagon specific if marked "VW"?

[Tom Wavrin]

Yes, there are folks who restore headlights. Don Zingg ID'd the bucket for a '55 and it is what I had in coupe 55xxx. I carefully masked off the writing on the bucket for media blasting and repainting. Now to find something similar to that 'fish paper' for 202159....
Also, don't get rid of original trim rings because reproductions don't fit the fender as well and seem to be of lighter brass construction.

[Jan Kolm]

Yes, there are folks who restore headlights. Don Zingg ID'd the bucket for a '55 and it is what I had in coupe 55xxx. I carefully masked off the writing on the bucket for media blasting and repainting. Now to find something similar to that 'fish paper' for 202159....

There is a silver-coated masking tape glass shops use that is similar to the "fish paper" covering the blanking plate.