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I'm seeking some clarification on whether or not the original headlights that Chevy installed at the factory in 1954 included aiming nubs. I took a point deduction at a VCCA judging event for having aiming nubs on my headlights of my 1954 Chevy Bel Air. I've been looking for nubless 6v AC Guide headlights ever since and not having much luck. As a result, I did a little digging and now I'm confused and would appreciate any clarification.
In looking at the VCCA judging manual for headlights, it says this:
Head Lights - Correctness / Condition. Look at the lenses of the headlights to determine that they are authentic GM headlights. Primarily, the lights should be marked GUIDE. Triangular “T-3” lights were made from 1956 to 1970. GUIDE “Power beam” headlights have a circular pattern in the middle and were standard, starting with 1971 models and continuing to 1977. Look for cleanliness and clarity. Check for cracks and cloudiness. Rectangular headlights, available in 1977, should be marked GUIDE.
Note that it doesn't specify anything about aiming nubs, so I did a little research on when aiming nubs were added to headlights and found this:
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- Effective January 1, 1940, U.S. federal regulations mandated all new passenger vehicles use two 7-inch sealed-beam headlamps. These units incorporated molded-in aiming pads on the glass to locate and support the headlamp for proper adjustment.
So now I'm questioning whether the judge was mistaken and there WERE aiming nubs on 1954 models. Regardless, I deserved a deduction because the headlights that were installed were not "authentic GM headlights" removed link But now I just want to get it right!
If I understand what you're referring to by "aiming nubs", I've never seen a round automotive sealed beam headlight bulb without them. They are protrusions that fit into slots in the bucket to insure the bulb is in the correct orientation. My '53 210 has them and it is factory original in that respect so it's reasonable to assume the '54 would as well. The image below clearly shows the "nubs". I would think a polite email to the judging coordinator would be in order.
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1938 Master Business Coupe
1953 210 Sedan
@arnie-mondloch Arnie, I believe the passage you quoted refers to the pads on the backside of the sealed beam lamp. They locate the bulb in the mounting "cup" so that it cannot rotate or move once mounted.
@tiny Tiny, Arnie is looking for some verification of when sealed beam headlamps started to have small molded glass pins that protrude from the lens. These locate an aiming device that is used at the dealership or garage.
Mike
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Interesting. When I worked as a body man in the late 60s, our headlight aiming machine used suction cups that stuck to the front of the lens and had a leveling mechanism. I remember seeing the protrusions you're referring to but have always considered them to be a manufacturing artifact. The fat kid learned something today.
7046 old site posts
Save a life, adopt a senior shelter pet
There are many good people. If you can't find one, be one.
1938 Master Business Coupe
1953 210 Sedan
Check out this older post on the NCRS website, note the steel back on the bulb. I would expect the 1953/1954 full size cars would originally have used the same bulb as the early Corvettes but it’s a guess. Pictured is a 6v Guide T3 replacement bulb.
https://www.ncrs.org/classified/index.php?a=2&b=8377
@tiny I am actually referring to the three glass nubs on the front of the headlights
@michael-falise Thanks for the link to the listing! This seems to confirm the judge was correct and would be the bulbs that my 1954 would have had installed at the factory, so thank you! I messaged the seller to see if they are still available.
I'd like to hear more on the original sealed beam headlight stye for 1954.
Does anyone know when the nubs on the front were discontinued (I expect is was with the introduction of T3 bulbs in 1956).
I'd appreciate any comments or updates on when the front nubs were discontinued and other other features to identify sealed beams used on Chevys in period 1940 through 1955.
Tom
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