Thread: SAE DOT compliant 39 tail light

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The New York DMV is asking for the SAE or DOT number on all my lenses to start the VIN assignment process. All my leneses except my 39 teardrop tails have SAE or DOT numbers on them. I have contacted a few of the mail order CO's and they have looked at the lenses they sell and say they have no markings. Anyone out there have SAE or DOT markings on there 39 teardrop lenses and happen to remember the brand? Thanks.

Amazing that they would put you through such nonsense. So what are they going to do, inspect every light and component to see if these numbers are actually stamped on each one?

I'll be at my shop tomorrow night, and I have two sets of '39's there, one with blue dots and one without. I'll see if either of them have any numbers stamped on them, and will let you know.

Kids going to bed hungry at night, wars all over the world, diseases to cure, and these idiots are worried about your taillights. I can't stand it.

Don

Thanks,
I could'nt agree more. Ed

Two comments, one a solution, the other a general thought.

The solution, if you're committed to the '39 shape, it to get the LED replacement units, they say both DOT and SAE on them. Plus, they're more visible to the econobox dolts talking on their cell phones who are "driving" behind you. If you shop around, say ebay for instance, they can be bought for around $50 (just the light/lense units, you provide the housing and bezel which I presume you already have). They have a standard plug in pigtail that will fit your existing socket.

The general thought is that most states have an exemption for "original equipment" for vintage cars that were manufactured before current standards were instituted. Some call it "grandfathering". Not sure what you're putting the lights on, but if it's something old you may be able to "argue" the point, but you'll have to do your homework for NY regulations if you want to stay with stock lenses.

Thanks,
That will work fine. I will ask one of the mail order Co's to visually check them before I comit to buying. I just want to have all my ducks in a row to make this DMV process as easy as possible. The car is a 32 Roadster. Thanks again.Ed

I got a set of LED conversion lenses. They have the SAE number on the lens. In case anyone else has this issue, the brand on the box is a company called United Pacific. Thanks,Ed.