29-31 rear tail light i.d.

[Duncan Fox]

Can any of you early car folks tell me the differences if any between the round style tailamps used in the 29-31 V8 and 12 cars? Are the red lens the same size ? To me, they appear to be larger on the later cars.  I am looking for two restorable '30 units  or the larger lens type if any one can help.

[m-mman]

The authenticty manual says that 1928-29 are identical.
The 1930-31 (353, 355a, 370A) look the same but the 'ball' is smaller and the red lens is closer to the white side lens.  The 'retaining rings' for the red and white lenses are nearly touching.
On the 28-9 there is a half inch(?) between them.
I cant tell if the lens is bigger or if the housing is smaller.

[Duncan Fox]

Thanks for answering m-mman, I thought they looked different,but I hadn't considered that the ball might be smaller though. I thought I had better check before trying to source any.

[m-mman]

BTW if you have not yet purchased the CLC authenticty manual for your car do so!
Information on these early cars is scarce and the manual is an excellent source.