VCCA Home Forums GENERAL DISCUSSION VCCA Judging Questions 55 Chevy Sealed Beam Question

I have a pair of correct 1955 sealed beams for my car. I only install them for judging. Can I complete the Field Entrance Check with halogen sealed beams and then swap them out for the originals prior to judging?

While I know my original seal beams work, I don't want to turn them on for fear it would be the last time they would work!!

Thanks,
Jim

i am sue that would depend on the chief judge..

Early 1955 had metal back and late had glass back but were not T3

Interesting scenario which leads to an “inquiring minds wants to know” question.

Do all light bulbs have to be functioning when the car drives onto the judging field?

Yes, and I believe jugling parts is not accepable.

My early 55 built in Oakland Oct. 54, had head lamps on a couple times but rarely. FYI glass reads from top to bottom: 505/TOP/(tiny in very center of lamp) 12V/SEALED BEAM/GUIDE/MADE IN U.S.A. Do not know when they were changed out for next generation lamp?

the early metal back has a non removable bulb nside. The late all glass have just the filamens showing as the glass body of the sealed beam is the bulb.
As bsst iI can see that looks like a metal back.

If I remember correctly the 55 Chevs were still 6 Volt ?? Someone pls correct me if my memory sensors are misfiring again.

Dick

All 1955 Chevrolet cars were 12 volt.

OK, Thanks for clearing up that subject.

Dick

I attended the VCCA 58th Central Meet in Lima Ohio on July 30, 31 2021. I was able to swap to my sealed beams after the Field Entrance Check.

That is interesting. You installed different headlights after the car had completed the field entrance check. That check includes a headlights high/low beam check.

Did the judges see you make this change?

Did you have to go back to the Field Entrance Check to show that the headlights still worked properly?

Was the change made before the start of the official judging/certification period?

The VCCA Judging system is a compromise like many others. It is not like Corvette Top Flight, Duntov, etc. award process that can take hours to select the qualifiers. I always think of it like a dog show where there are standards but those are interpreted by the Judge.

There again it would depend on the thoughts of the chief judge.