Original tail lights question

[Dan Case]

Lens(es):
As A-Snake suggests there is more than one version of lens. The basic design was used for more than a decade. Over time the structure of the lamp socket changed and so did the lens(es). There are at least four different lenses, three red and one amber that I know of and there could be more. Only one was used in production by AC Cars (Based on my own survey of unrestored substantially unmolested uncrashed Cobras between a CSX20xx chassis and some early 427 Cobras while lots of such cars were still available to study.) during the Cobra and early 427 Cobra production time frame. There have also been replacement parts not manufactured by Lucas available since the late 1980s.

The most desirable for top tier restorations is the same version AC Cars used but none are worthless. Value depends on how badly somebody wants them at the time.

The exact raised text molded into the lens panels and the fine details (Lucas original or later replacement) are clues to what version is being examined.

Valve Covers:
Which ones, what chassis series? Cobras with XHP-260, HP260, and HP289 engines used many different valve covers street and race. The only ones easy to identify as production Cobra pieces are the three known cast aluminum versions used for engines with road draft tubes or PCV ventilation sourced from the rear of intake manifolds. The tougher to decode are the two cast aluminum versions made before late 1964 (when sourcing of parts for 1965 MUSTANG GT350 production ramped up). The versions used on Cobras had different Ford engineering numbers and costs than the subsequent GT350 parts, but very early GT350s finished at Venice got left over Cobra production covers. During Cobra production there was a wooden master to produce late Cobra valve covers. During 1965-66 GT350 production there were many different wooden masters; I don’t know how many but at one time I had parts from five different masters on the work bench at one time.

[Dan Case]

Cast aluminum COBRA valve covers have a wide range of values depending on version and condition AND who wants them for what reason.

I will list them in order of release:
1) 1st Design solid cover with no ports and zero provision for spark plug wire clips. (just a few sets)
2) Revision 1 of 1st Design, boss added to wire clips but not drilled (just a few sets)
3) Revision 2 of 1st Design, boss now has wire clip brackets installed (just a few sets in production but sold by Ford as an accessory for any 221/260 Ford.
4) 2nd Design with PCV and oil fill provisions, not marked by casting company, chrome plated oil fill tube (not used long in production and very briefly sold by Ford as an accessory for any 221/260/289.
5) 2nd Design with PCV and oil fill, marked by casting company, cadmium plated oil fill tube (used as requested before CSX2201 and a mandatory option CSX2201 and up, also sold by Ford as an accessory and also used on early 1965 MUSTANG GT350s.)

I will list them in order of relative general historic market value:
1) 2nd Design with PCV and oil fill, marked by casting company, cadmium plated oil fill tube (used as requested before CSX2201 and a mandatory option CSX2201 and up, also sold by Ford as an accessory and also used on early 1965 MUSTANG GT350s.)
2) 1st Design solid cover with no ports and zero provision for spark plug wire clips. (just a few sets)
3) Revision 1 of 1st Design, Revision 2 of 1st Design
4) 2nd Design with PCV and oil fill provisions, not marked by casting company, chrome plated oil fill tube (not used long in production and very briefly sold by Ford as an accessory for any 221/260/289.

I will list them in order of relative general historic market value BASED ON CONDITION:
1) Excellent used, no serious stains, no damage, never been media blasted, never been etched by strong chemical, no modifications. Note: A bonus for SAI installed 1st Design covers in any version that still have nice black paint in the COBRA letters. Hugus and Tasca didn’t add the paint detail.
2) Best practices “restoration”.
3) General “make them pretty for sale”.
4) Good used but stained.
5) Easy to repair damage or reverse modifications.
6) All else.

[1985 CCX]

Dan is the expert.
Always learning, thanks
Couple VC ......

[spl310]

Originally Posted by 1985 CCX

Dan is the expert.
Always learning, thanks
Couple VC ......

Porn!!