The Official 356Talk Forum

Is there a point where later (T-5 and T-6) turn signals lost the SWF (plus a number) script on them, if ever ? Would the answer be the same worldwide ?

Nope.

https://porsche356registry.org/article/233

Thanks, I've seen the article, but it doesn't really get into that detail for the later turn signals. I've seen both inscribed ones, and ones with no lettering or numbers, so was wondering how you would know which one was correct. I would think the TUV had standards then, and that's probably a good reason for inscribing the outside, so you'd know if the light met the standard . Then again....that's why I'm asking the question.

The only turn signals I have seen without any lettering and/or numbers are reproductions.

Some of the SWF replacement stock front turn signal assemblies from the 1980s have weak stampings from the dies being overpolished, but the numbers are still there.

As for the "SWF 3260" stamped on the taillight rings, there is a point where SWF stopped stamping the numbers, but it was after 1963 (and possibly after 356 production ended). In rust belt states, the taillight assemblies on daily driver 356s typically rusted out before the rest of the car did, so it's a hard data point to capture.

So if someone said that his front turn signals didn't have numbers because it was a ROW car, you would say....I challenge?

Jim,

My early 63 T6 (RHD) has the original front bases shown in Brad's last photo (K13306), with the hole (unused) for an extra bulb.

"18W 21CP" shown inside and NO SWF lettering apparent outside.

I have not had them re-chromed, resisting the temptation.

What is a ROW car?

ROW = rest of world

I hope that answers your question Jim. Mine is an ROW car.

My car had non imprinted, corroded lights when I got it in 1977. They seemed like they were 15 years old, but I have no information beyond that. '62 cab.

Mervyn Hyde wrote:I hope that answers your question Jim. Mine is an ROW car.

Are you the original owner, Mervyn ?

Some mornings it feels as though I am Jim, but no I bought it from its first owner, with whom I am in regular contact. The turn signals are original.

FWIW, I seriously doubt that they are original. My 63B, which I have owned since 1973, has the SWF markings on the front turn signals. The only front turn signals I have seen ever without the SWF markings were either reproductions or ones that had been rechromed to the point that the markings have been obliterated.

Thanks Peter. How many ROW (non-US) cars have you looked at however? I have no reason to doubt the original owner on this.

Mine (Jan 63) is as the last set of images on the link above (13306) except for non-US applications the second bulb (4W) was not used in this country.