Blue Dot Tail Lights

Steve in Denver

Steve in Denver

Well-known member
What is the story on the Blue Dot Tail Lights? Are they correct or are they aftermarket? Are they frowned upon by the concours crowd?
 
Definitely aftermarket. Henry Ford might frown on them. Started their popularity around 1950's (?) One can still buy the blue dot itself with a small chrome ring round it, drill a glass lens and press them in.

Had them on my '47. Although they look "neat" at a distance directly to the rear, I was concerned that following cars might not detect the rear of my car or its brake lights, as readily as plain red lenses. The original '40s vintage tail lights are difficult enough to see as is, so I change back to standard red lenses and put brighter bulbs in them.
 
i've never used any because i fear johnny law would have the excuse he needed to harass me. they sure look cool at night though
 
I saw a car with bluedots at a car show recently, the guy had little black rubber covers that he pushed into the chrome ring to cover the blue so he could drive it home. I thinks they are illegal in NY also.
 
I’ve always heard it was for doctors in the early days of cars, so that if they were caught speeding (presumably to an emergency), the police would see the blue dot and allow them to continue on.

Long story short, hot rodders caught on and began installing a blue dot on their taillights. At least this is what the old guys have told me! :D
 
I used to have them on an Old Harley, but they just look out of place on Old Fords to me.

Side note; I deplore those yellow turn signals on new cars!
 
Blue dots were standard equipment on 1930's Packard's and I believe some Cadillac's.
After market on everything else. (this is most likely where the idea came from)

349103
 

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They are not legal in Pa. also. When I was a kid I though they were neat. My 33 Ford has them.:D
 

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Aftermarket for sure , no oem ever used them. I bought and sold hundreds from old stock Dietz and others , found them everywhere i could get them.Actually bought a 35 gallon keg of just the trim and blue light. Very popular and like someone said foxtails of the 50s and 60s.. JC Whitney sold them as well as western auto etc..
 
I had one on my 35 standard fordor sedan (one taillight on left side) and got stopped near Dawsonville, Ga several years ago by the Georgia State Police. The officer was not happy that my only taillight shined blue when I was braking. Just gave me a verbal warning to get it changed to an all red lens asap, which I did that night at the hotel.

I wound up with several well made sets of these blue dot lenses, that fit round type 35-36 taillights, if anyone is interested in buying a set.
 
If you are driving on the street check with your local police MOST states these are illegal. They look cool had them on my 47,but if you get an officer who is having a bad day you may end up with a bad day also.
 
IGRocker said:
I’ve always heard it was for doctors in the early days of cars, so that if they were caught speeding (presumably to an emergency), the police would see the blue dot and allow them to continue on.

Long story short, hot rodders caught on and began installing a blue dot on their taillights. At least this is what the old guys have told me! :D
Click to expand...

While this is probably an urban legend, I really like this explanation!:)
 
Never an issue with them with the Law....but I am in Colorado.
 

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