Early Headlight Troubles

bshusted · 05-28-2011, 11:04 AM

So, I am working on these headlights on a '66 and don't really know much about them. I have been searching all over the web to find some info about them. I can find no matches to the part numbers for the lens or buckets themselves. In addition, there are no tabs inside the fender part to support the "Sugar Scoop" lights. Does this mean that the fenders have been changed? There is also the hole for the city light that may indicate that these were intended for a euro car. My biggest concern is the mounting, as it seems that they could just fall out. Any wisdom is appreciated.

Flieger · Flieger's Garage

You might find your answer here if you search a bit: Early 911S Registry

bshusted · 05-28-2011, 12:43 PM

They are not the H4s. The outer lens is clear instead of fluted and the bulbs are just the standard sealed beams. I'll take a look at the Early911Registry to see if I can find anything.

bshusted · 05-28-2011, 02:07 PM

After looking around on the Early911Registry, the lights that I have look very similar to the US version except, the city light hole and the placement of the adjuster screws. Mine have screws at 5 and 7 o'clock, while the one pictured here and the others that I have found have one at 2 o'clock and the other at 7 o'clock. I have read several places that the lenses are interchangeable with several other models including 356 and VW's, but the buckets are not.

I have included an overall pic of the bucket disassembled for reference.

HarryD · 05-28-2011, 08:22 PM

The light on the left is DOT 7" sealed beam.

Fritz Peyerl · 05-29-2011, 06:52 AM

bshusted, check out

912 Registry :: Welcome!

those guys only know 912 and are experts.

My 1966 912 Euro delivery does not have the city lights.
My fenders are original, I found the ser. # stamped into the eyeball. check the eyeball area careful and you might see if those fenders are original.
About the lip: My frame has a very small lip and with a heavy cote of paint, the lip will disappear.

Fritz
1966 912 Irish Mist
1972 911T slate gray

ossiblue · 05-29-2011, 07:24 AM

Fenders prior to 68 would not have the fasteners for sugar scoop assemblies so yours are likely original. The assembly you show is a CIBIE and most that reached the US were HELLA, so there is a bit of difference, including the adjustment screw positions. As mentioned by Fritz, the mounting of the assembly is dependent on a secure "locking" of the top of the trim ring on the assembly over the lip of the rim stamped into the fender/bucket opening. If the lip has been compromised by bending, excessive paint, or if the headlight seal is not compressed enough, it can be difficult to lock the ring over it. Once locked at the top, the assembly is secured by the single screw at the six o'clock position.

bshusted · 05-30-2011, 07:54 AM

Thanks guys. After a little scraping and reshaping of the lip everything fits snugly. Eventually I'll probably be in the market for some headlight buckets that do not include the hole for the city lights.

Fritz, I did take a look for the serial number stamped inside the fender. I suspect that with all of the painting this car has had, any stampings have been filled in.