ULO Reflector Details

For those who obsess about exactly how their 356 left the factory!
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Dennis Vogel
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ULO Reflector Details

#1 Post 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.
Last edited by Dennis Vogel on Sat Jan 12, 2019 12:25 pm, edited 2 times in total.
1960 356 S90 Sunroof Coupe
1970 914-6
2014 Carrera S

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Mike Wilson
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Re: ULO Reflector Details

#2 Post by Mike Wilson »

Dennis: I seem to remember either a thread or an article on the topic of reflectors.

Mike
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Dennis Vogel
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Re: ULO Reflector Details

#3 Post 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... :?
1960 356 S90 Sunroof Coupe
1970 914-6
2014 Carrera S

MarioManzo
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Re: ULO Reflector Details

#4 Post 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.
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Dennis Vogel
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Re: ULO Reflector Details

#5 Post 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?
1960 356 S90 Sunroof Coupe
1970 914-6
2014 Carrera S

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Dennis Vogel
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Re: ULO Reflector Details

#6 Post 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.
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1960 356 S90 Sunroof Coupe
1970 914-6
2014 Carrera S

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Dennis Vogel
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Re: ULO Reflector Details

#7 Post 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
1960 356 S90 Sunroof Coupe
1970 914-6
2014 Carrera S

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Curt Dansby
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Re: ULO Reflector Details

#8 Post 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

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Jules Dielen
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Re: ULO Reflector Details

#9 Post by Jules Dielen »

I do not believe A cars came with ULO reflectors but who knows.
Jules

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Curt Dansby
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Re: ULO Reflector Details

#10 Post 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

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Dennis Vogel
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Re: ULO Reflector Details

#11 Post 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.
1960 356 S90 Sunroof Coupe
1970 914-6
2014 Carrera S

Steve Kram
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Re: ULO Reflector Details

#12 Post 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

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Re: ULO Reflector Details

#13 Post by Brad Ripley »

See previous discussion about the plastic ULO reflectors viewtopic.php?f=13&t=30099&p=273884&hil ... rs#p273884

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Re: ULO Reflector Details

#14 Post 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

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