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Old 05-04-2014, 01:32 AM   #1
Bobs29ModelA
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Default Was there a clear taillight lens used?

In my readings and research, I've only seen either an amber-colored stoplight or a red stoplight, and know that both are readily available out there from all the suppliers... even in the newer LED versions.

However, I was at a car show today with a fellow member of my club, and he had his 1930 5-window coupe there... and I noticed that his glass tailight lens was actually CLEAR glass on the top portion, and red on the lower portion. He knew nothing about it, other than to say that it came with his car when he purchased it a couple of years ago.

Has anyone else ever seen this clear version of a glass tailight lens? If so, is this just a rare but original factory option, or a rare aftermarket lens... or is this just some kind of fluke?
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File Type: jpg Clear over Red Tail-Light.jpg (44.9 KB, 12 views)
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Old 05-04-2014, 01:54 AM   #2
CarlG
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Default Re: Was there a clear taillight lens used?

The amber upper portion has just faded to clear. More than likely one of the parts Henry called "Gyp Parts"
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Old 05-04-2014, 03:24 AM   #3
dave in australia
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Default Re: Was there a clear taillight lens used?

Agree, a poor quality repro from the 80's. Wasn't only the red/amber lenses that did it. but also red/red ones. I have a red/red one that is all clear now, and it has never been on a car since I bought it in the 80's.
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Old 05-04-2014, 09:48 PM   #4
Bobs29ModelA
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Default Re: Was there a clear taillight lens used?

Wow, that's interesting, that the amber glass probably faded. Ironically, I was at another car show today, and another guy I followed out of the show had the exact same thing going on. Sure enough, whenever he used his brakes in front of me, it was a totally white light being emitted. Who woulda thought?
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Old 05-04-2014, 11:36 PM   #5
BILL WILLIAMSON
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Default Re: Was there a clear taillight lens used?

BACK UP LITE?????---Buster T.
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Old 05-05-2014, 01:18 AM   #6
Bobs29ModelA
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Default Re: Was there a clear taillight lens used?

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Nope, I can't see it as ever being a backup light; both of the cars I saw (yesterday and today) are owned by members of my own club, who now have told me that those clear lenses came with their cars. Besides, in each of these cases, these cars only have the single teacup-style tailight on the back end...
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Old 05-05-2014, 08:18 AM   #7
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Default Re: Was there a clear taillight lens used?

I've seen this too. I agree, bad repop parts at work here.

For safety's sake, have your buddy get that off of there and replace with the correct colored lens. It is illegal, unsafe, and many states require a solid red lens they won't even buy off on the amber lens.

Ditch that lens pronto. Too many drivers today don't even know hand signals, etc. a clear brake light/stop light lens will really confuse them.
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Old 05-05-2014, 08:53 AM   #8
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Default Re: Was there a clear taillight lens used?

I don't know what process was used to tint the Ford authorized lenses. I do know that gold was used to color high quality glass. No idea what is used these days.

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