VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - GENERAL Tech Talk 1926-30 Tail Light Lens

I have heard the statement before that the tail light lens for the 1930 (Universal) Chevrolet passenger car was unique. Never did take the time to chase that one down.

Master Parts List For Four Cylinder Models, Feb 1, 1930, lists:
Sup., U, C, N Lens, Tail and Stoplight (Series V, X) # 912109

Master Parts Price List (All 4-cylinders) Feb 1, 1928, lists:
Sup., U, C Tail and Stoplight lens (Series V, X, AA, LM) # 8198445
Same Reference,
C, N Tail and Stoplight (Series AB, LO) # 819611

Parts Price List, National, Series AB, April 1, 1928
#819611 Tail and Stoplight lens

Chevrolet Six Cylinder Master Parts Price List, Feb 1, 1930
I Lens, Tail and Stop Lamp # 912109*
(*Part listed in 4-cylinder Master Book).
Same Reference,
U Lens, Tail and Stop Lamp #358675

Master Parts Price List, For Six Cylinder Models, Feb 1, 1932
I, U Lens, Tail and Stop Lamp # 358675*
(*Part listed in 4-cylinder Master Book)




Identified by picture in parts books as #358675



Identified in Parts Book by picture as #912109


Identified in the parts book as #819611
(Actually says STOP in top of lens)

Does this cause enough confusion? Your comments, with supporting documents, are welcome.

Hi Ray,
I also have - Genuine Chevrolet Parts For Four Cylinder Models, July 1, 1940 which lists
TAIL AND STOPLIGHT
F, FA, FB, D, T, G, 490, Sup, U Tail Lamp
( When used on models prior to Sup, U. one 335250 Connector is necessary ) 910400
Sup, U, C, N - Tail and Stoplight ( Series V, X ) 358674
Sup, U, C, N - Lens, Tail and Stoplight ( Series V, X ) 358675
Also listed are about a dozen Rings, Rims, Gaskets, License Lenses, etc.

Combined Parts List FOUR NINETY and SUPERIOR MODELS - February 1st, 1924 lists
Tail Lamp (Four-Ninety) on license Bracket - H 425
Tail Lamp (Four-Ninety) on Tire Carrier - H 846
Tail Lamp (Superior) - 337381
Tail Lamp (Four-Ninety and Superior) Red Semaphore - 41428
Herb

Hi guys is it possible that each year is correct but the later/next year supersedes the previous ? the tail light bodies have different or larger (clear)number plate lenses I have noted four different sizes ,possibly for each year 1926,27,28,29-30.then buy the time the 1940 catalogue came out theses cars were old so one fit all?just a thought.

Hi Jim,
I think it sort of works out that way. The 1940 issue that I have has a statement on the first page.
"The parts listed herein are necessarily subject to prior sale of the stock on hand as of the date of this issue, as additional stocks may not be procurable due to lack of original manufacturing tools or dies."
The parts books are not an encyclopedia of what has been built but more a cataloge of what is for sale at the time.
Herb

The 1926 to 1929 lens is the same. Celluloid with Chevrolet in bowtie imbedded into the material on the botton with vertical flutes on the top. held up to the light you see "stop". I have original Star Six lens that is the same except has star six instead of Chev bowtie. Billy Durant used a lot of the same suppliers. Some of the lights sold are probably off Durants and Stars. The 1930 lens has a different pattern in the top with a clear diffuser moulded into the back of it in the top portion. I have an original 1930 and am looking for an original 1929 for my Chev. Mine is mint and am willing to trade for like condition.