Square vs Round

[larryar]

I don't want to start a flap, I'm just curious about why some Cobras have square and some have round tail lights. I'm sure the experts on here can fill me in.
Thanks,
Larry

[Dan Stryffeler]

I believe the round lights were primarily the street version and the rectangular lights were the race & S/C versions... I've been told that the later cars all had the round lights because they ran out of the rectangulars at some point.

No expert, but just what I've read/heard/etc.

- Dan

(edited to correct spelling errors on 'rectangular' - yeesh!)

[rdorman]

What Dan says is pretty much my understanding as well. I would imagine some one will post here with the actual serial numbers of each car and the tail light layout
Rick

[grumpy]

rdorman,
We are keeping that's a secret so, real CSX owners can tell if they saw a kit/replica or "friend" on the street.
grumpy

[Maricopa]

Yeah but are the square tailights as strong as the round ones?


Mike

[rdorman]

We could play a joke on our CSX friends and swap their tail lights when they aren't looking!

As for rectangular or round being stronger, they both need triangulation!

Rick

[Whip]

I think the rectangle ones look better. My car doesn't need nipples on its back!

[mickmate]

The round ones look like NAPA specials to me. The rectangular ones were from a Hillman Minx (English Chrysler) if anyone knows where to get them instead of overpriced "Cobra" originals actually robbed from something else. Tail lights are made to be fragile and expensive, still cheap compared to new Honda's or Audi's.
Cheers Nick

[computerworks]

Originally posted by rdorman


What Dan says is pretty much my understanding as well. I would imagine some one will post here with the actual serial numbers of each car and the tail light layout
Rick

They phased in the dual round taillights around the CSX3200 car to coincide with the full switch to 428 and the change in model year.

[BB427]

Originally posted by Whip


I think the rectangle ones look better. My car doesn't need nipples on its back!

" My car "

"In the market for a Cobra"

I can see where you get confused easily. Nipples on the back may be a problem for you.

[computerworks]

Originally posted by BB427


Nipples on the back may be a problem for you.

...but it's great for dancing.

[BB427]

Very true Ron

[Edley Rondinone]

ALL the early cars had rectangular taillites. The round ones came into being fitted on the later models, due to regulations regarding taillight sizing and reflector-ability. On the originals, the lower round "nipple" is usually just a reflector. I like the rectangular ones myself!

[aumoore]

Nipples on my Cobra? Does that mean the rear fenders are Breasts? Now it really is sexy.

Wait a minute if the nipples are in the rear does that make the opening up front a butt hole?

Now I am confuesed?

[Jim Maxwell]

OK, I don't want to disappoint those who knew this was coming! According to the Shelby Registry, cars CSX 3001-3200 had rectangular taillights and the CSX 3201-3360 had round tailights.
The lower "light" is actually a reflector, as stated previously. So all those replicas that are based on the S/C models should have rectangular lights. The rectangular lights were the same as used on the 260 and 289 cars. All Lucas parts, by the way.

[Excaliber]

Heck I've thought about changing my round tail outs for the square ones. You know, so my long wheel base, cup holding, small block, bumpered S/C Excalibur would be more "real".

.....but, now that I think about it, I kinda like nipples on my back side.

Ernie

[tonyvda]

If you're looking for a supplier of the square rear lights as in the original AC's you can get them mail order from www.holden.co.uk.

Look in the online catalogue for "Side/Rear Lights Lucas up to L699 and you'll find reproductions of L542 ( the AC lens) at the princely sum of £48 each. I was in their shop earlier this week and the place is an aladdins cave of obselete and discontinued parts.

Cheers,

Tony

[shaps]

One could also try cobra restorers under cobra/lights and electrical on the second page, Tail Light Rectangular $119.95 for the pair.
Shaps

[B. SMITH]

WITH THE DUAL ROUND LIGHTS, SHOULD THE BRAKE LIGHT BE TOP WITH THE DIRECTIONAL BOTTOM? OR VISE VERSA.

I HAVE SEEN THEM BOTH WAYS. ALSO WHAT ABOUT THE AMBER LENSES ON THE LATER MODELS?

YOU GUYS REALY KNOW YOUR LIGHTS.

B. SMITH

[Jim Maxwell]

On the original cars, the brake and turn lights were on the same light unit. the bottom "light"is actually just a reflector. I think you could do whatever you want--this is not a detail I've ever paid much attention to.
On the amber lights, are you asking about the front or rear?