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Taillight Usage

Discussion in 'Early Jeep Restoration and Research' started by garage gnome, Aug 22, 2018.

  1. Aug 22, 2018
    garage gnome

    garage gnome ECJ5 welder

    Western MA
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    In my quest to bring the ‘56 back to its original form, I am looking for the correct taillights. I thought cj5s took the hall style ones, but mine has the barrel plugs for Ala style lights. Was it in 1956 or 57 when jeep switched? I’m not sure if mine is an early, mid or late 56.

    I know the 2As took naco lights and 3As were ala. the 3Bs must have used the same ones as the cj5s, right?
     
  2. Aug 22, 2018
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
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  3. Aug 22, 2018
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
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    Referring to Howard's link, my stock '56/'57 CJ5 has the ALA type, with the chrome bezel ring and two screws. My jeep was built as a '56, but sold and titled in '57.

    The lenses are still available NOS.
     
  4. Aug 22, 2018
    montanacj

    montanacj Member

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    Is there a particular location you get the nos lens or are you just speaking generally in terms of eBay? I’ve had good luck getting other lens on eBay but haven’t really looked around or needed an ala lens but if they are that hard to come bye perhaps having one in case would be good.
     
  5. Aug 22, 2018
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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    I got mine on eBay.

    But others have them. I found this page in a quick search, just as one example.
    Civilian Jeep Vehicle Tail Lights

    Mine were WAY cheaper.
     
    montanacj likes this.
  6. Aug 22, 2018
    garage gnome

    garage gnome ECJ5 welder

    Western MA
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    That was an interesting read. It does make sense that the taillight change was because of the 6 to 12 volts.
     
  7. Aug 22, 2018
    Hellion

    Hellion Regurgitated

    Eastern TN
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    I prefer the $12.95 option. :lol:

    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Jul 20, 2021
    Daryl likes this.
  8. Aug 23, 2018
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
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    ALA bezel and lens at KaiserWillys is $26, according to their catalog.

    My NOS Jeep packaging shows part #2-118024-Bezel
     
  9. Aug 23, 2018
    Keys5a

    Keys5a Sponsor

    Florida Keys
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    The CJ3B.info link is the best reference I have seen, but I question the use of the Hall 701 as far back as '55. I thought they were introduced in '57 with the change to 12 volt electrics. I know the Willys Delivery used Hall 701s in '57.
    To me, the hardest lights to locate are the ALAs because of the short span of use, and because the cast housings often broke when bumped- they were fragile!
    -Donny
     
  10. Aug 23, 2018
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
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    I'm not so sure about the Hall/12 volt connection- the ala's work just fine with 12 volt bulbs. And remember the switch to 12 was not universal- it was actually an option for a few years before it became standard. By the mid-50's the ALA design setup was getting dated- the halls were probably just cheaper for Willys to buy.
     
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