'37 Terraplane headlight lens

Hudsonrules
Hudsonrules Senior Contributor
edited May 2012 in HUDSON
Just broke one lens in removing it. Somewhat fragile from age.Was trying to get the headlights to work as someone changed the wiring at one time and did a lot of splicing, and time has caught up with the old wireing. Any one out there with new or replacement lenses? Any other year or make fit? Thanks for any help. Arnie in Nevada.

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  • Hudsonrules
    Hudsonrules Senior Contributor
    Just broke a headlight lens on my '37 Terraplane. Trying to trace wires and find out why the headlights do not work right. Can get the parking lights to work and one headlight. then the other headlight will work and the one that did goes out. Test the wires and they are alll hot. Unsure which is the ground as the headlights have been rewired before and wires were spliced.With some work, I got one side working and will start on the other side tomorow. Does any one have lenses or what tears and other makes may fit? Thanks, Arnie in Nevada.
  • Huddy42
    Huddy42 Senior Contributor

    Arnie,
    I'm in Australia, how many would you like.
  • dave s
    dave s Senior Contributor, Moderator
    I have a few extra lens that I bought while working on our 36T. Hudson used 2 different lens manufacturers, rite-way and bi-way, give me EXACT measurements and manufacturer and I may be able to help out. You should also see number embossed in bottom.
  • Jon B
    Jon B Administrator
    edited May 2012
    Arnie, I would suggest you write down all the markings from the lens and measure the diameter, then input this into your internet search engine. A lot of folks have "unknown'' lenses for sale out there and you may find something this way, not by searching by make and year.

    I believe the C.M. Hall company made two lenses for the '37's: the Bi-Ray and the Depress Beam. Yours may be one of these, but there may be a model number as well.

    If you have bottomless pockets here is someone with a lens to sell you: http://www.vapinc.com/lenses/main.html Bi-Ray #4008 ($182!)

    Knowing the diameter is helpful. For example there's a Depress Beam for sale on Ebay right now, 8-1/4", and it's cheap. http://www.ebay.com/itm/1930s-Bi-Ray-Glass-Headlight-Lens-8-1-4-Very-Nice-/350565550119?_trksid=p4340.m185&_trkparms=algo=SIC.NPJS&its=I&itu=UA&otn=5&pmod=230772708859&ps=63&clkid=8503589995297499902 . (If you can do a bit of research, you can not only find what you need, but not pay $182 for it!)

    Your headlight / taillight bulb-changing kit should always consist of a pillow and one or two folded blankets, by the way. They can help you avoid this needless grief!
  • lostmind
    lostmind Expert Adviser
    I think Chrysler products used the same lens. Dodge and Plymouth, 37/38
    Roy
  • Hudsonrules
    Hudsonrules Senior Contributor
    Thanks for the info. My lenses say Riteway on the top. I will have to replace at least one. Replaced the bulbs with new old stock and what a difference when a good ground is connected to the retainers. Arnie in Nevada.
  • Jon B
    Jon B Administrator
    I have an old chart showing which brands of lenses were used by which car. Riteway lenses were used by Chrysler Corp, Nash, and a couple other brands (Crosley and Cord, interestingly). But never by Hudson. So your Riteway lenses may have been replacements by a former owner, when he couldn't find the Real McCoy. Bi-Ray is listed as the authentic lens for 1936-7-8-and -9 Hudsons.
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