1954 headlights

[T.A.]

What are the correct headlights for a 1954? What are the judges looking for as the correct headlights? Anyone know where I can find them? What's the point deduction if I don't go with original headlights? I will be night driving so I would like lights that work well. I know the original 6 volt lights are dim. Thanks. Pictures would be great.

 

[Tom Bryant]

I looked around a little and can't find any repro '53 or '54 6 volt headlights. I know there was an article once in the NCRS Corvette Restorer on these lamps. I would suggest going to the NCRS site store ( http://www.ncrs.org/ | NCRS | National Corvette Restorers Society ) and getting a 1953 to 1955 Judging Manual plus the 1953 to 1955 Corvette Restorer on DVD to search for the article and other articles that apply to areas of your car that you are working on.

6 volt and performance lighting are just not the same thing. I don't think it's possible to have a correct 6v headlight for judging and a brighter headlight for night driving at the same time. Converting to 12v would give you a lot of options for lighting but not for judging. It would be a pain to switch back and forth every time you went to a judging event.

Tom

 

[T.A.]

From what I have found it's difficult to find original headlights. Guys started buying them up years ago. Think all go with a modern 6 volt headlight and take the point deduction. It's not worth the ridiculous price for an original bulb that gives poor lighting.

 

[Tom Bryant]

It seems like some of these old lights had metal backs on them but I can't remember if that was in '53/'54 or not. Guys used to scour the bone yards that had '50s cars for these lights in other GM products of the same years. The judging manual will have a picture of the light you need. From some of the online videos of old yards I see they are still out there. I see a lot of pictures of '53/'54 Chevys with lights still in them. Some are bound to still be original. It might be worth the leg work to pick up as many of these as you could find if there is an old yard in your area. You don't know which ones will work or for how long but you might be able to score a nice pair plus some extras to install for judging.

Tom

 

[T.A.]

Tom,

You are correct. They did have a metal back. I do have a couple old wreaking yards around so I'll see if I can get lucky and find a pair. It's my understanding that the metal back can be removed and the bulbs replaced but I'll have to do more research on that.

Thanks
Tony

 

[Tom Bryant]

I wish you successful hunting.

Tom

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

What's the point deduction if I don't go with original headlights?

Depends on what you install as replacements. The judging sheets are available for download from the NCRS site. Do you have them and the judging reference guides?