Re: [VAC] Replacement for Tail Lights

[wescott50@xxxxxxxxx (Bill Scott)]

There has been lots of 'talk' lately on an old subject.  Tail light
lenses for the old Bargman  lights.   Pearl teased everyone by saying
she received some in the mail.
Cruel joke.  The fact is, ....... the Bargman tail
lights;............Trail-Lite No. 99, with a diameter of 6 1/2 inches,
made by Theodore Bargman, Detroit, Michigan, are no longer being made.
Bargman has been purchased by Tekonsa, and has a web site with Tekonsa
products and Bargman products.  Many people from this discussion list
contacted a Ms Champion at Tekonsa, in a concerted effort to have them
pull the mold and make another short run of the No. 99 lenses.  Ms
Champion explained that the mold is no longer available.  The
Reflect-O-Lite lenses were a universal replacement, available at certain
parts stores until about 6 years ago.  You still might find some on a
dusty shelf bin,................somewhere, but I doubt it.  Here are
some alternate solutions for you late fifties and sixties owners.
Several on this list (Jim Dunmyer) and others have connections to have a
special mold made and a short run of lenses made, that are about $50
each.
Others, that have found the frame and bulb holder need replacement, have
gone to the Signal Stat, flush mounted tail light, available at most
Truck parts stores or Truck stops.  It is available in several different
sizes 5", 6", & 7"and black ring, chrome or stainless.  Easy to find,
and, you can actually see the stop light in the daytime.  I think they
look good, and perform well, and the cost is reasonable.
The last example of restoration that I have seen, is a 7 inch round tail
light with a chrome ring, used on specialty school buses.  It is an easy
replacement for the Bargman, and looks surprisingly good.  It does not
fit flush, and therefore does not require any cutting of the precious
aluminum. (which most of us fanatics, are loathe to do) One of the
officers in the Washington DC Unit, recently replaced his tail lights
with those lights, and they are absolutely, beautiful, and , wonder of
all wonders, you can actually see them in the day time.  Someone
commented previously how nice those tail lights look because they extend
out from the coach and give the coach a cartoon graphic effect.
Visibility is a key ingredient.

Three choices, ..........you decide.

Bill Scott
61 Bambi
66 Tradewind LY
WDCU, VAC, WBCCI