The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts Correct Tail/Stoplight for 52 6400

I had posted this in the electrical section thinking that is where it belonged. It was suggested I put this question in the Big Bolt section.

This question concerns the single tail/stoplight that was on my 52 2 ton. It is round, the body is marked "CAP O(I think it is an O) D. Under that is simply CHICAGO U.S.A. The lens is red plastic and is marked "TIGER-EY, HEXFLEX" along with" P-1254 DO-RAY LAMP CO, CHICAGO U.S.A." The lens is cracked on this one. My parts truck is also a 52, it has the same light but the body is marked "DO-RAY-D", no other markings. Lens is the same and is intact.

I looked in Carter's catalog and it shows these round lights as being later, 54-59 or something. Anyone know if these are a later light or what? Thanks for any light so to speak you can throw on this.

Steve

http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f...3261&1464100784603&1464100789188
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f...3260&1464100784602&1464100789187

Please see the pictures added here, know that rear pictures of this area of the truck are rare. I believe your '52 should use the taillight that was used for the other models. It makes little sense for a cost conscious manufacturer to carry any more lights than necessary.
1949 examples:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/advance-design_parts_co/8325779957/in/album-72157632386552074/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/advance-design_parts_co/8326840990/in/album-72157632386552074/

If you look on americanclassic.com, http://www.americanclassic.com/asp/...;iyear=1950&ytype=to&exyear=1959

you will see the light Brad shows says they are for 40-53. 54-55 look like the same housing (or real close) as the ones for 44-49 BUT, the pattern on the lens is different. Yours do look like they are for later trucks.

Jim Carter shows that same light as what is original type equipment for 52, apparently these round ones got put on at some time. These taillights probably got beat up fairly often in service. I wonder if it is worthwhile to try to find an original? Are the repros any good? I like using original parts whenever I can, the truck won't be all correct but I have found lots of the repro stuff is poor quality. Thanks for the picture and information.

My thoughts on that would be to use what you have and maybe even find an original lens off Ebay if you need a lens (I did that for one off my 55.2 that I "borrowed" for the back of my 58! Now I have a matching pair on my 58. (actually, 2 pair of lights back there!) If you were going with a total restore, maybe one of the others....
I bought a pair of the repro lights from American classic for a trailer I build to tow behind my Suburban. I built it in 2002 and they seems to hold up fairly well. I was not overly impresses with the socket but I think they were trying to replicate the original.

I have a good lens from the light off my parts truck, I checked the socket and wires with my ohm meter and it seems ok, bulb was shot but no big deal there. Just need a new gasket, I think those are reproed or I also have some cork material that might work. The only other problem is the lens over the license plate is missing. I don't know if those are reproduced by themselves or not.

I think american classic has the gaskets, not sure on the lens though.

You might try looking on the Taillight King web site.
The pictures are instructive, lots of variety.
Can be pricey but if you can't find it elsewhere......

Ok, I'll check that site out. This thing is already a money pit but is all good. Thanks to all you guys.

might be cheaper to buy a replacement light assemble and use just the lens than buy a super-expensive original lens.

I checked the Taillight King site, they show a license plate lens that is apparently original but it indicates sold. Buying a repro light for the one lens might be the best route, the body is ok. I've cleaned it up and put some rust coating paint on it, will finish paint next. The electrical connections seem to still be ok and I have another red lens. It won't be exactly right but should work. Haven't looked at Fleebay yet.

I got one of my vintage lenses off Ebay for about 6$ shipped. Not a bad deal if someone has what you need! You are talking about the rectangle curved lens on the bottom of the light housing, correct?

I just went out and looked, the one left on my 55 is all milky, melted, and no good.