What is the period-correct, OEM-style, headlight lens for a late run 1957 model Speedster?
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Welcome to the madness,
https://derwhites356literature...ittleKnownFacts.html
From the 1957 356-A Parts Book:Porsche lists five (5) separate headlight assemblies: all three listed above in the 1955 Pre-A parts book, and two new ones: the Bosch Asymmetrical (644.631.101.02) and Hella Asymmetrical (644.631.101.03). In the 1957 parts book, it also mentions that the Park light and Blinker light were one unit for Coupes up to chassis #100,000, Cabriolets to #61,700, and Speedsters to #83,200. Subsequent chassis numbers for each model had a separate blinker light. There is no listing for a park light, either separately or in conjunction with the headlight assembly. None of theses 5 headlight assemblies is shown in the part diagrams with an integral park light nor are other parts/bulbs listed for park lights as part of the headlight assembly.
you can go to NLA or Stoddart’s and search by part number.
Happy shopping.
I picked mine up here:
https://www.aasesales.com/coll...o-e8p-e60-47p-112257
The quality is great; they are quite heavy/durable.
I think you don't want to use a fluted lens if you have a headlight with flutes, like a sealed beam.
"What is the period-correct, OEM-style, headlight lens for a late run 1957 model Speedster?"
From all of the information I have, it is the same as a 1966 VW sedan lens - Clear with vertical flutes across the top of the lens. Like this:
https://www.jbugs.com/product/111941111H.html
The Pre-A version lens (up to 1956, for the bee-hive set) had more flutes but a clear, un-fluted spot in the middle of the lens about the size of a baseball. You rarely see those as reproductions and the originals or NOS ones typically sell for a LOT of $$$
https://www.stoddard.com/64463110101.html
These are my favorite.
If you go with fluted, my only suggestion would be to do an H4 conversion bulb housing and then H4 LED conversion bulbs for added brightness.