There is a quite a large number of variations in markings on headlight lenses. Some lettered on inside, some outside. Varying sizes of lettering. 1 or 2 characters being different. Etc., Etc. I know I have have run into a situation where I just can't seem to exactly match a lens to make a pair. If there is interest maybe a sticky thread could be started to assist people facing that issue. Pictures could be posted of lenses looking for their mates. Anyone think this merits a sticky?

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I do. It is the really nit-picky stuff like this that keeps the cars correct for future generations who might just care about it. Many of us could not care any less about it, some a little too much

I'll start: AFAIK, the US spec lenses with the lettering on the inside are later reproductions. The period ones all have the raised "SB19 SB20 SB21" on the outside.

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Sebastian Gaeta
www.arbormotion.com

Registry #8339

'65 C coupe
'64 C cab
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2001 996 C4
1998 Boxster
1967 Karmann Ghia Convertible
1966 Ducati Cafe Racer
1963 Beetle

The lenses on my modelyear 59 T2 (built date Sep 1958) have the following marking:
180E 25-4-SB / 180E 25-4-SB2 / 180E 25-5-SB2 / 180E 25-51-SB2

180E 25-4-SB2 is also stamped on the headlight bucket (together with 29T which means 29th week of 1958, so probably original for my car).

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Etienne Kerkhoffs

1958 356A T2 Sunroof Coupe

Etienne,

Is the number "60370," preceded by a one-digit prefix (probably between 3 and 6), cast into the face of the lens to the left of the "180E" numbers?

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Jan Kolm
356 Registry #1066
1960 1600N Coupe

Jan, there is no number 60370 on the lens.

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Etienne Kerkhoffs

1958 356A T2 Sunroof Coupe

From what I've been told, and also date marks have backed this up,..a general rule is that the fewer the "marks" the older the lens. (barring repro's of course..) The german standardization system got more and more sophisticated over time,...hence more numbers.

Here are photos of one of the headlights from Miss June- 65 C coupe with production in 1964. It is cut off in the photos, but the headlight is made with 2 rivets, 2 & 8 o'clock for adjustment screws. Headlight retained by straight slot screw, not Phillips.
Back side of headlight shows date code of A27 (27th week of 1964).
Glass markings are all raised above the glass- on the front face of the glass.
28-60370-03
MADE IN GERMANY
HELLA
SB19 SB20 SB21

-Paul

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Paul Hatfield
"Miss April"
http://www.enginesinback.com

28-60370-03 probably dates from the early 1970s and is one of the last versions with raised lettering on the outside.

Phillips head adjustment and fixing screws are from ~Jan 1966-on.

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Jan Kolm
356 Registry #1066
1960 1600N Coupe

31 25 484 made in germany came with my 56 coupe ..i think it is original ... not sure tony apcar

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anthony apcar

I have never seen one of these.

31-25484 identifies this as a VW lens from around late 1963. Perhaps this is a transitional lens used for a very short period between the VW-logoed "E1.0671.01" lens and the universal 60370-3/-03 "SB19 SB20 SB21" clear lens used on sealed-beam 356s and VWs from Dec '63-on.

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Jan Kolm
356 Registry #1066
1960 1600N Coupe

Nice to be in such distinguished Browsing company..

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If the original lens is really important to you, get a set of nice repos and keep the originals off the road. The will shatter nicely with a rock placed just so. When they break, that isn't safety glass and you will want heavy gloves while replacing them.

Our car has the original windshield, but both lenses are replacements.

Franny

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Just an additional question. Did Porsche make different lenses for the UK market - e.g. driving on the other side of the road? MOst VW's had alternative lenses but not sure if Porsche made a standard set you just realigned for different markets?

All RHD cars came with symmetric lenses, same as those used on LHD cars into the 1960 model year.

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Jan Kolm
356 Registry #1066
1960 1600N Coupe

Perfect, I don't need to convert my headlights!