The Official 356Talk Forum

Mervyn Hyde wrote:Curt, my (still ignorant) view would be that the first one shown in Eric's list is the only glass version. When that stopped and the next (Sunburst) plastic version (and so on) started to be fitted - I am unaware. When the others were developed and when were fitted is unknown to me.

I suspect that given that different markets RHD B's and possibly C's appeared to have the reflectors below the bumper (some here for example) may also suggest that different versions of the reflectors were used as well.

I had always assumed the above-the-bumper reflectors found on U.S. and Canadian-market 356s were smaller than the under-the-bumper reflectors used in most other markets. This is not true. The only difference in the two types of reflectors (both are ULO 135s) is the above-the-bumper version uses a chromed locknut as a spacer to shorten the length of the stud and to adjust the reflector so it tightens into the plinth at the proper angle.

Thanks Jan. I was thinking that different versions (not size) of the reflectors may have found their way into different markets? Then ones without the 'sunburst' emblem seem the earlier ones.

The reflectors with the "sunburst" logo are the earlier ones. OEM reflectors with "-ULO-" were available into at least the 1990s, without the stampings on the back (edit--Brad Ripley is still showing the reflectors w/a 644 part number, which strongly suggests OEM reflectors are still available).

Thanks Jan. I will stick with what I have then and probably sell off some of the other ones.

I have never seen a "startburst" style reflector for under the bumper installation.

Interesting. My 1965 SC, a euro car, but RHD, delivered to Sydney, has what appear to be the original reflectors, fitted below the bumper. They are the same as image 2 in Eric's post. With the ULO starburst, and with the Italian authority markings. They have the grey coloured plastic 'washer' pieces to position them. I have another spare pair that are exactly the same, but without the Italian markings. If I remember right, the 'washer' pieces on my 1958 'A' model, now long gone, were aluminium.
Cheers, jim

Here's a chart of the plastic reflectors I have seen and noted. #1 is the earliest (I believe) on up thru #5. If anyone finds another version, please do a similar sketch and post.

In general, the more the approval codes, the later the part. Beyond that, I don't know how anyone can affix production dates to each one. They are too easy get exchanged on cars over the years. However, please speak up if you absolutely know which reflector version is on your car and has always been there.

Thanks Brad. Mine on the car are the 4th version shown. I have also a set of those at #2 (not fitted). I thought that the ones fitted were correct for a BT6, but Jim's post has me thinking.

Hi Brad and thanks very much for going to the trouble of your drawing. Very kind. Obviously, I'd say, the Reflectors that came with the car, along with lots of other stuff that was wrong, are also not correct. Fortunately I have a good set of your No: 5 drawing. So I'll use these when the time comes. Thanks again for your help, jim

So indeed Jim, my #4 maybe correct for the T6

Just as a data point my 63 T-6 built 8/62 has Brad's # 2 reflector drawing which I believe are original to the car. I bought it from the original owner some 34 years ago.

Sounds the same vintage as mine Alex. Maybe I should fit those then . I bought this car from the last owner of 50 years and he says he hasn't changed them in that time from the #4's on there now.

Hi Merv, Your car is pretty original, and as the previous owner of 50 years never changed the Reflectors, on a car that was only 2 -3 years old when he bought it, I'd say there was a pretty good chance your Reflectors were on the car when it was new. Cheers, jim

Just to make this thread a little more interesting, when I originally bought my car some 33 years ago from the original owner, my car actually had two sets of reflectors. One on the top and one on the bottom. I removed the bottom ones which are depicted as Brad's # 4, but I never removed the top ones which are number 2 on Brad's drawings. The ones I did remove were below the brake lights. So in a nutshell, who knows which came originally on my early 63 T6?

I love a good mystery Alex!

Could be Jim, but the ones in the stash of spares and parts that came with the car could be original as well