T-3 head light date code

freddy · #1 10-07-2009, 09:10 PM

Do T-3 headlight's have an actual date code on them? I know about the clear shield vs shield with lines. There are several numbers & letters cast in the glass.

**Mr70** · #2 10-07-2009, 09:22 PM

They do,but they are ink stamped on the back and usually wear off.If you notice any,post what you see.

**Mr. Chevy** · #3 10-07-2009, 09:51 PM

This is an original T-3 headlight in good condition. Orange inked stamped numbers are at top of bulb on backside. On my particular light they read, first line "L", second line "6012", can't make out the third line stamping just a number "6" and then "12v" on the fourth line. There is also a raised stamped series of numbers under the prongs they are, "162", "013". Unknown what these mean.. Hope this helps.. Photos came out crappy but it's like trying to photograph into a mirror..

Rich

**Salvatore** · #4 10-07-2009, 11:08 PM

Looks good Rich. I will take it!

**Mr70** · #5 10-07-2009, 11:54 PM

What's it's diameter?
That third line is the date code.
First character denotes the month.
second year..
third day of month.
I can only make out the 6,so most likely 1966.Can you make out the third line any better?

freddy · #6 10-08-2009, 01:21 AM

[ QUOTE ]
What's it's diameter?
That third line is the date code.
First character denotes the month.
second year..
third day of month.
I can only make out the 6,so most likely 1966.Can you make out the third line any better?

[/ QUOTE ] 6012 is a 7" round(large). I thought the bulbs with lines in the script are 68-71 so how could this be a 66? I have a 4002 small round low beam with lines that the ink stamp date line is clear and reads 15 0 8 so it must be day-year-month.

Smokey · #7 10-08-2009, 06:53 AM

I haven't payed attention to the date codes, but the crystals have a pattern from early to late cars. I noticed this in the Impala's with their 4 headlight system and parting quiet a few of them out.

Like when we had our 63 SS car, a friend had had 4 63's in his backyard with the original T3s and they had different patterns to them and they were still the born with ones. Its interesting if someone could figure that code out. I had one that was burnt out..and another with a chip in a 29k mile virgin.

**Mr. Chevy** · #8 10-09-2009, 05:33 AM

I can't make anything more out on this date code line. The stamping is either smudged or just a poor stamp job...

Rich

JohnZ · #9 10-10-2009, 03:19 AM

I've attached the decode sheet for the T-3 date stamps.

**John Brown** · #10 10-10-2009, 04:03 AM

Pic

Dedicated to the Promotion and Preservation of American Muscle Cars, Dealer built Supercars and COPO cars.