Two tail lights?
 

Last night at a cruise-in, the Model A guys were addressing the subject of two tail lights. Later a '38 Ford sedan pulled in and it only had one tail light. When did Ford Mtr. start putting two tail lights on their cars?

Re: Two tail lights?
 

I was of the understanding that car with rumble seats only had one and the passenger side was remove for a step plate for the Mother-in-Law to step up and in the the seat.

Re: Two tail lights?
 

Model A's came with one tail light on the driver side. I believe at some point a second light could be added to the passenger side as an option (factory or dealer I am unaware). Didn't matter if it had a trunk or rumble seat.

I was told that through the 1930's the Standard models had a single tail light on the driver side and the Deluxe had two. Not sure if that applies across the board but that's what I was told at Hershey last year when I saw a late 30's coupe with just one light.

Vince has this article about an original RH tail light bracket. http://www.fordgarage.com/pages/RHte...ampbracket.htm

-Tim

Re: Two tail lights?
 

I dont know the answer, but most 1940 Fords still had only one.

Re: Two tail lights?
 

I believe it was standard in '41.

Re: Two tail lights?
 

I say the 1939 Fords and Mercury had 2 tail lights.

Re: Two tail lights?
 

This is MOST INTERESTING! I'd not given a lot of thought about later Ford tail lights. I DID remember that a '38 STANDARD had only ONE. "MAYBE" many had added a second light, in it's early life. AND, remember, for brighter tail lights, spray the INSIDE with APPLIANCE WHITE!
Bill W.

Re: Two tail lights?
 

good idea

Re: Two tail lights?
 

Personally I don't like the look of two tail lights, not that my opinion means much as I use a LED bar in the rear window as a third brake light.:)
BTW I agree with Bill, white paint makes a dramatic difference.

Re: Two tail lights?
 

Bill and Willie, Would that be also true with the headlight reflector or would it just look too weird with the clear lens??

I don't care for the second tail light either and have yet to install one, altho I do have a 'center' brake light that mounts to the spare and is detachable. It has red LED's in it and is equipped with a Brake Light Flasher like this one. http://www.ebay.com/itm/390782655134...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT The flasher is made by United Pacific.

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8568/...b4715910_b.jpg

Re: Two tail lights?
 

Model A s had only one standard or deluxe.
In the early V8 s, standards had one and deluxe had two until 41.
Bill

Re: Two tail lights?
 

Re: Two tail lights?
 

41 was the first year of 2 taillights on all models. earlier V8s had 2 on deluxe and one on standard, including the 1940.

Re: Two tail lights?
 

It would not be true on the headlights. Silver is a better reflector as long as it's smooth.
I tried tinfoil in the tail lights, the white paint was better.
Headlights need focus. It would look weird.
My third brake lite is a long skinny bar. People do see it.

Re: Two tail lights?
 

Thanks for all the answers, guys. Another meet tonight. I'll tell all the boys.
Marty