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ULO Reflector Details

Posted: Fri Jan 11, 2019 2:08 pm
by Dennis Vogel
The reflectors for our 1960 T5 are missing. Base is still on the car, above the bumper. I'm doing homework to identify the correct reflector version for our car. The Porsche parts catalog lists one part number for USA B 1960 - 65, which is 644.731.501.10

Are there any identifying marks or date codes to be found on the back of ULO reflector? I've seen: It appears that some SWF parts were date coded, but I've not found evidence for the rear 356 reflectors. Starting 1960, it appears they are all ULO

Thanks to some very informative threads on the forum, I think I've determined:
  1. After 1959, all the lenses were plastic
  2. 60-61 probably had "sunburst" ULO logo in the center
  3. The backs were aluminum (according to Dr. B Johnson Authenticity book)
  4. The only difference between above and below bumper assemblies is the addition of a spacer to shorten the length of the stud and to adjust the reflector. The reflectors themselves are the same?
Image

Did I overlook anything, or get something incorrect?
- In my original post, I referred to SWF, which would have been pre-1960 according to Dr. Johnson. So not applicable to this thread.

I'm not sure if there is a way to identify reproductions on the plastic lenses.

Re: ULO Reflector Details

Posted: Fri Jan 11, 2019 6:37 pm
by Mike Wilson
Dennis: I seem to remember either a thread or an article on the topic of reflectors.

Mike

Re: ULO Reflector Details

Posted: Sat Jan 12, 2019 12:21 pm
by Dennis Vogel
Mike Wilson wrote:Dennis: I seem to remember either a thread or an article on the topic of reflectors.
There are a few reflector threads, and I've linked to the ones I've found in my original post. They focus on the front plastic side. I'm not seeing any information regarding the back. Maybe there's no stamping or date to discuss? Though the difference in Stoddard and Aase offerings has me wondering... :?

Re: ULO Reflector Details

Posted: Sat Jan 12, 2019 6:18 pm
by MarioManzo
All the original ones I’ve seen also have those markings on the back.

Please note though, on the original ones I have, the posts are not the same heights. Ones that go above the bumper have a post a little over 1.65cm long, and below are a little over 3.3cm. Perhaps the long studs work in the top base, but doesn’t appear to be original. Also, the ones that go above, have a chrome locking nut, part # 64473151505.

Re: ULO Reflector Details

Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2019 1:03 pm
by Dennis Vogel
MarioManzo wrote:Ones that go above the bumper have a post a little over 1.65cm long, and below are a little over 3.3cm.
That is an interesting detail Mario. Can those studs be interchanged?

Re: ULO Reflector Details

Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2019 1:20 pm
by Dennis Vogel
I'm sure there is something obvious I am missing, but here goes an example. I've purchased two reflectors. Both having what I'll call the T1 markings as found in Brad's drawings. The earliest sunburst ULO center with the fewest markings on the plastic lens. Both presumably original given the wear, and I've not seen reproductions made with the early sunburst lens. One with markings. One without.
Image

Re: ULO Reflector Details

Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2019 1:22 pm
by Dennis Vogel
Has anyone had success in refurbishing their original reflector?
  1. Can the plastic lens be removed, so that the metal can be buffed and / or replated
  2. Can the plastic be polished

Re: ULO Reflector Details

Posted: Mon Jan 14, 2019 5:38 pm
by Curt Dansby
Hi Mario
I have some with the longer stud. I believe according to John Chatley( if I recall correctly) they came on some Convertible D's.

Dennis. Victor Miles does restoration on the glass reflectors. Not sure what he can do with the plastic portion but he does re-chrome the bases and bezels and re-assemble. Brilliant work & his info is in the vendors section.

Curt

Re: ULO Reflector Details

Posted: Mon Jan 14, 2019 5:53 pm
by Jules Dielen
I do not believe A cars came with ULO reflectors but who knows.

Re: ULO Reflector Details

Posted: Mon Jan 14, 2019 6:15 pm
by Curt Dansby
Jules Dielen wrote:I do not believe A cars came with ULO reflectors but who knows.
Must have been "some Roadsters"

Too bad Erich Marshall Green is not still around to answer these types of questions :P

Curt

Re: ULO Reflector Details

Posted: Mon Jan 14, 2019 6:37 pm
by Dennis Vogel
Jules Dielen wrote:I do not believe A cars came with ULO reflectors but who knows.
Per Dr. Johnson's authenticity book, and some threads I've found, the reflectors through 1959 were from SWF and glass.

Re: ULO Reflector Details

Posted: Fri Aug 09, 2019 2:07 pm
by Steve Kram
Dennis
Were you able to determine the difference between reflectors with "ULO and No 135" on the back and the ones without any markings on the back?
The one on the right in your photos above (without any markings) certainly look original/
Thanks

Re: ULO Reflector Details

Posted: Sat Aug 10, 2019 2:12 am
by Brad Ripley
See previous discussion about the plastic ULO reflectors viewtopic.php?f=13&t=30099&p=273884&hil ... rs#p273884

Re: ULO Reflector Details

Posted: Sat Aug 10, 2019 1:03 pm
by Steve Kram
Brad,
Thanks for the link. The drawings you did were really helpful.
I did search to see if there was an answer about the back of the reflectors, and was unable to find anything definitive.
I have an old original pair that has the #2 sunburst on the front and no markings on the back (like Dennis' picture above).
Thanks again