In a message dated 11/12/98 12:18:33 PM Mountain Standard Time, averyrotc@skybest.com writes:
Speaking of tail light lenses....anybody know of a source for...
Not exactly, but I've seen (only in the catalog, not in person) a promising modern substitute for some vintage tail lights. Truck-Lite brand tail lamp model number 90327R is a 7" diameter flat surface mount bus tail light that requires only a 1" diameter hole only 1" deep for mounting. It uses a # 1157 taillamp bulb for tail light and brake light. Has a large red acrylic lens that captures the look of some 1950's models. See the Winter 1998 issue [Vol. V, No. 2] of the VAC The Vintage Advantage at page 3 for an example of an old tail light on a 1947 A/S. These 90327R's look similar but not exact.
I'm thinking of using these Truck-Lites on my 1953 18' Clipper. Does anyone know what brand and model tail light were originally used on early 1950's Airstreams? All I have to go by is a few pictures.
For clear lenses, try auto swap meets or the oldest truck parts store around your city. Some A/S's used Signal Stat lamps for the clear lights by the door, so you may want a Signal Stat [SigStat] brand clear lens in the size of your light. The lamp housing may have the brand name lightly stamped into it, look closely.
Fred Coldwell
1953 18' Clipper