Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

Does anyone know what the original factory seal beam headlights looked like for a 23rd series Packard? I would like to find the correct ones for my car.

As far as I know, except for the RHD cars just about like any other 6-volt sealed beam except without the little aiming "tits" that came along later. I believe Packard had several vendors for the lamps, C.M. Hall and Mazda among them.

Do the little "aiming tits" show on the outside of the headlight? I am trying to go back to the original look of the Packard and I don't want anything visible that looks incorrect if I can avoid it.

Quote:

Fred, Think I read somewhere where the new style sealed beam bulbs could have the "aiming tits" ground off to have the original smooth look. Might try this on a bad bulb first.

(o{I}o)

Do the little "aiming tits" show on the outside of the headlight


They do show and are about 3/16 wide and protrude about the same. Unless you run into a stash of 50 year old NOS or someone makes repro's, will be surprised if you can find any without them for sale today.

If you do try grinding them off, maybe a diamond wheel and lots of cooling would work but would be very curious in hearing what you used and if you were able to polish the glass smooth.

Find a shop that make stained glass windows, they have the equipment to grind glass and polish it. About 15 minutes per lite.
John

Find a shop that make stained glass windows, they have the equipment to grind glass and polish it. About 15 minutes per lite.

Something I would never have thought of--but maybe also a mirror shop. They're probably more available than the stained glass.

It can be an enjoyable "do it yourself" job, especially if you have a Dremel or equivalent. Cut them off with the Dremel carbide cutting wheel, grind with successively fine abrasive papers, and polish with jeweler's rouge. Well done, you'd have to be within a few inches to see what was done.

I see a side business for someone! "Nub Remover"

On an earlier post (before deleting it) was wondering about accuracy of shops using the suction cup aiming gadget without them. Was surprised to find those gadgets have now been "unapproved" in most places and some kind of fancy optical thing is required for shops doing that work. Just sit in front of the car, light shines in but never touches. Guess they came about in light of cars having such diverse configurations today the old type wouldn't work anymore.