My Willys 3A and 3B Community
3A, 3B, DJ Technical Knowledge Base => "Original"-- Technical Questions, Answers, Observations => Topic started by: Chasm on June 25, 2011, 09:57:20 PM
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I have finally given up on finding a complete set of ALA tail lights for my 51. NOS lenses pop up on ePay from time to time and an occasional beat up original. Whatever. I just bought 2 sets of the NACO reproductions that Walck's had made. I am VERY impressed with the quality of these tail lights! The glass lenses and the housings even have the correct markings!
(http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t41/jeepchasm/NACOtaillight.jpg)
I bought the 2nd set to put on the Bantam T3C trailer I am working on. �:)
(Anyone need a pair of tail lights with plastic lenses???)
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Nice tail lights Chasm. Do you have turn signals in there as well? I'm thinking of adding some to my Jeep because people don't seem to understand hand signals anymore. Or maybe I just need a dayglo orange driving glove for my left hand.
:)
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No turn signals for me Matto! I just stick my hand out. If other drivers can't see my bright yellow Jeep, they aren't gonna see a turn signal light! 8-)
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Are those mounted in the correct location? They look a little low.
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Are those mounted in the correct location? �They look a little low.
I think it has a little bit to do with the angle from which I took the photo, and the fact that the NACO style tail light may be a bit smaller in diameter than the original ALA tail lights. I located the right rear tail light in this position based on the holes on the driver's side in my original tub. Most vintage photos show the top of the original tail lights just above the rear deck / tailgate opening.
Here's a photo of the original factory artwork which I own. You can sort of get an idea of where the original tail light was placed. BobW also has vintage drawings on his CJ3A info page.
(http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t41/jeepchasm/IMG_0722.jpg)
Regardless, the holes are there now and that's where they are staying! �;)
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Well Ventport, you made me curious, so I did a search of many hundreds of CJ3A photos I have collected over the years. Some are vintage, and some are new shots of relatively unmolested old CJ3A's. Tail lights seem to be all over the place, clear evidence that "Bubba" has been working on Jeep modifications for many years! �:D
My tail lights are definitely at the lower range of positions compared to the photos that I have archived.
Below is a photo of Bob Boxley's 51 CJ3A. It is the most complete original CJ3A that I have personally worked on. You will note that the original driver's side tail light hole is present below the existing tail light. This is close to the position on my original 51 tub. Bob said his father backed into things all of the time, hence the dents and relocation of the original ALA tail light. You will also note the location of the original passenger side reflector and passenger side tail light.
Like I have said before, the more I find out about these Willys Jeeps, the less I know! �;)
(http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t41/jeepchasm/Boxley_s1951_CJ_3A_Jeep_041_1_-480x328.jpg)
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http://www.thecj2apage.com/forums/46-tail-lights-one-only_topic7916.html?KW=taillight+hole
Larry
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CJ-3A taillights were in a slightly different location than CJ-2A taillights, probably because the mounting stud orientation changed.
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I don't have a picture handy but my 3A has Naco lights also. They were mounted so they fit over the original holes in the tub. The bottom of the light is about an inch or so above the bottom of the tub, The top of the license plate bracket is just under the tub on the frame so the light will shine on the plate. Mine does look like the picture you posted in regard to the relationship to the open tailgate though, so it may just be the angle of your photo. Brian