History 1940 Ford Tail Light Lens Cunundrum

Digging through all the boxes for my 1940 Ford coupe project, I found five tail light lenses. A pair are matching with a checkered pattern that were in boxes like the one below with T-309 on the side of the box. The lenses have no casting marking on them. Two more are cheapos that have an orange hue.

The loner of the group is the gem. It has "Lynx-Eye 309" and another "3" underneath cast into the face just below the dot and "309" and the part number "01-A-13450" cast into the backside perimeter. The pattern is a honeycomb, and the dot is a smaller diameter. I'd like to find another lens to match since I prefer the honeycomb over the checkered.

Does anyone know the distinction between the Lynx-Eye T-309 checkered and the Lynx-Eye 309 honeycomb? Is there a different part number, year range, model name, etc.? My internet and ebay searches have only found checkered patterns. Anything to help me search down another one is appreciated.

Lynx-Eye T-309 Checkered and the Box




Lynx-Eye 309 Honeycomb

 

I have a number of '40 lenses, let me look to see what I have. I am not sure where they are, but if I have another honeycomb, it's yours. But I have to find them, first.

 

Thanks for the offer and for hunting. Message me once you've searched.

I'm still interested in the distinction and history between the two designs.

 

I know that 01-A is the beginning Ford part number for all things 1940

 

Odd, I don't see any blue dot?

 

I'm guessing that's a joke?

 

Evidently not much of a one. Tough room.

 

Go easy....there were a lot of after market - my 40's look so much like new - I should take them off to see - but compared to the body - I don't doubt it.

 

Anyone know the manufacturer of the factory lenses and if they were checkered or honeycomb? Did Ford make their own lenses, or did they contract out to someone or multiple suppliers?

 

^^^^^ See second from the top. https://www.taillightking.com/40-48Ford.htm

 

I just checked what I have left one has duolamp on the top of it stinsonite on the bottom the other two have no markings on them at all

 

Thanks. So, if the site is correct, the factory lens was made by Duolamp #A MP with an asymmetrical pattern. The Honeycomb Lynx-Eye must be repops but of a lesser-made variety. I still prefer them over the OEM, but it's good to be honing in on why they are so different. Too bad that site doesn't have any listed, but I might reach out if someone on HAMB doesn't have one.

 

That one lens I have must be an OE lens it has duolamp cast into it

 

Post your tail light question on Fordbarn and folks can help you.

 

Yes take for face value. I'm pretty good at researching but have no experience with 40 Fords so I can not confirm. Perhaps @Moriarity will crime in.

 

I would not be surprised if Ford had more than one company making their tail light lenses.
In junk yards during the 60's and 70's I collected some 40 Ford Duo-Lamp. I think Lynx-Eye
was aftermarket.

 

I found my spares, yet a different kind than what has been shown so far.

 

................Absolutely!.......And even your night-light can have them.

 

That night-light cap is *****in!! You have inspired me to make one for the grandsons out of a 55 Buick blue dot tail light lens now. Thanks

 

My knowledge is poor but wasn't the blue dot just on the deluxe and convertible models?

 

Blue dots were ALWAYS an aftermarket item, right? And in fact illegal in some states (making them all that more desirable). My avatar has them of course.

 

Correct

 

........Well, you got the first part right.

 

Ouch. lol^^^^

 

I never understood the appeal of blue dots or why anyone would want purple tail lights compared to a brilliant red. Ugly and gimmicky looking, in my opinion, and harder to see as scientific fact. With '40 tail lights as small as they are, I need all the bright red I can get so the texting simpleton behind me doesn't smash into me.

Still curious about the thread topic of the Lynx-eye honeycomb pattern.

 

^^^^If I had to explain, you wouldn't get it anyway.

 

It's a "hoodlum" thing ..Hot Rodders have always pushed the envelope of illegality.

 

It is indeed a " hoodlum thing "
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