Original or Aftermarket Cowl Lights & Headlights??

[BashawT]

Can anyone tell me if these are original or aftermarket cowl lights?

They are both different which leads me to believe at least one of them is not original.

I'm looking to get the cowl lights and headlights restored or replaced. Can anyone tell me if there is a significant difference in quality between original and aftermarket? I'd prefer to keep original, however, I know the cost to replace is sometimes less than restoring original. Just trying to understand my options.

Thank you

 

[BashawT]

Here are the healights:

 

[Ray in La Mesa]

They all look original. On the cowl lights: one is early, the other late. The rivet & screw on the back denote early & late but I don't remember which is which.

 

[Bigsnapper43]

The cowl arms are the problem. The repop arms leave much desired. The left repro arm puts the unit at an odd angle. Rechrome the old ones if not broken. New reflectors, new wire, a new gasket, a lens if needed,lense clips a gasket and maby a screw set. If you have questions give me a call 740 658 3495.

 

[400A]

Agreed, all lights are original. The cowl light with the screw in back is the early '30 variety.
I'd restore the originals. The repro parts leave a bit to be desired.

 

[Y-Blockhead]

The cowl arms are the problem. The repop arms leave much desired. The left repro arm puts the unit at an odd angle. Rechrome the old ones if not broken. New reflectors, new wire, a new gasket, a lens if needed,lense clips a gasket and maby a screw set. If you have questions give me a call 740 658 3495.

I agree, the repros from Vintique are pure JUNK. They have real nice chrome but unfortunately the fit is terrible and they don't point straight ahead. Waste of money. I bought a pair years ago and they immediately were returned

Get some originals from Bert's and have them re-chromed if needed.

 

[CT Jack]

It appears from the photos both headlight and cowl shells and rims are all stainless. These can be buffed and if done properly they will look better than chrome. You can buy repro reflectors and internal sockets from the A parts suppliers. I would go with Y-Blockhead's suggested regarding the cowl light arms.

 

[AYooperA]

I have an original pair of 30/31 cowl lights for sale on the Barn. Have numerous detailed pictures to compare to yours.

 

[ronn]

regarding rechroming anything- buy a better set, be it arms or trims and sell yours off if not up to par.


chroming is today very expensive.


not like there arent any model A parts around, esp regarding lights.

 

[BashawT]

Thanks for the comments. I am going to look into getting the stainless buckets buffed.

Looking more closely at the cowl light arms one of them appears to be of better quality (Right one) - Thoughts?

 

[ronn]

what I said- replace them with better ones, unless your checkbook is unlimited.

 

[BashawT]

Thanks Ronn

Last question - Who has a pair or nice chromed original 1931 cowl arms for sale?