Originally posted by GMONIZ:
I can't confirm this, but I believe that the last year for glass lenses were 1954. I had this info somewhere, but can't find it at this time. Guide had converted to plastic for most if not all GM products by 1954. There may be some tail lights out there that have the glass lenses on them beyond 1954, but I don't think they came from the factory that way. (Tim where are you?)
The bullet lights also converted to plastic.
Trivia question:
What is the differences between these two lights? (Hint: compare the bases) TWO TYPES OF ORIGINAL BASES. ONE IS MADE OUT OF CAST IRON AND THE OTHER OUT OF CAST ALUMINUM. NOTICE THE RUST ON THE CAST IRON AND LOOK AT THE CAST ALUMINUM AND NOTICE THE DIFFERENCE IN THE MOLDS. (THE CAST IRON BASES ARE HARDER TO FIND AND THEY DON'T SPLIT AT THE HINGE PIN AREA)
What would be different if this was installed onto a 1955/9 suburban? (Hint: clamshell gates were larger in the TF years) THE 55/9 USED A LONGER ROD AND THE ROD BRACKET IS ALSO LONGER.
What parts would you need to convert a station wagon light to fit a Suburban? (Hint: The suburban clamshell gates had a more prominent curve) THE STATION WAGON USED A SQUARER BASE AND HAD A SHORTER ROD BRACKET AND ROD. THE SUBURBAN USED A ROUND BASE AND THE ROD BRACKET WAS LONGER, IT FIT MORE INTO THE TAILGATE.
Did all of the clamshell lights have glass lenses? (Hint: What was the last year for glass lenses on any GM product?) I HAVE SEEN ORIGINAL 55/9 SUBURBAN WITH THE PLASTIC LENSES. THE LAST CHEVY STATION WAGON WITH THIS TYPE OF LIGHT WAS 1952
