Have 356 tail lights always been plastic? | 356 Speedster, 550 Spyder, Replica, Automotive Community

Boothy

I bought a nice set of original Hella headlights so I'd like to get a set of good quality tail lights as well. Were the tail lights always plastic?

8/11/146:10 AM

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TRP

Good morning Boothy,

US (all red) tear drop lenses have always been plastic. Early bee hives were glass.

Ted

WOLFGANG'89 CMC FWB, FL Supporting Member

Yes always plastic. Even the rear red beehives were plastic (at least from 1954 on). Original ones are marked SWF Made in Germany. They are better quality than the Made in Taiwan ones which tend to bleach to pink and readily melt. SWF ones are marked DOT and TUV approved - repros are not. OEM chrome trim rings are also marked SWF and don't readily pit. LEDs are probably way to go.

I used Austin Healy/TR/MG Lucas front turn signals since I wanted clear glass. They come in clear, amber and red - they are slightly smaller than rear beehives (but not much). See my Avatar - clear with amber bulb.

WOLFGANG'89 CMC FWB, FL Supporting Member

Ha - big debate thread on 356 Registry - at least on beehives possibly being glass.

http://forum.porsche356registr...8691bd6&start=15

Boothy

Great. Thanks you! And here I thought they were glass early on. No wonder I couldn't find any.

Funny too because the prices are all over the place for these. I know what to get now. Thanks!!!

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