Front Turn Signal Differences
- Thread starter RIQUE
- Start date
I understand the base setup is the same. Here is the US front turn signal. I just changed the headlights to Euro but not yet the turn signals.
x_atlas0
Well-Known Member
The Euro signals lack the smaller light behind the bigger one. Everything else seems to be the same, aside from the rear fog light.
The base metal of the US and Euro front directionals is the same. However, the lenses are different in profile. The US lenses are taller, i.e. they protruder further from the fenders. This is to clear the taller internal reflector element and bi-element bulb used in the US cars. Undoubtedly, this is done to meet DOT regulations. IMHO, the lower profile Euro elements are more attractive.
Euro vs. US
What a surprising amount of misinformation. The chrome turn signal base is totally different between US and other delivery cars like the Euro. The Euro has one electrical contact for the bulb and the US has two. Also a lower chromed plastic reflector than the US, to accomodate the lower profile lens. There were even turn signal bases unique to specific country deliveries. Italian delivery cars had an extra bulb, three wires and the lens was half clear and half amber.
coupeguy said:
Thanks for the clarification, I should have been more specific, MB. Here is a side by side comparison of a set of US ('72 3.0 CS) vs. German ('74 2.5 CS) delivery RHS reflector bases. As shown, the bases do have different part numbers to designate bulb usage. However, the metal pieces are functionally identical and are both type W872. The differences between the two are as follows:
1. Plastic reflector
2. Socket insert
US vs. German
German P/N
US P/N
US reflector (left) vs. German reflector (right-mounted to US base)
US (two terminal-Left) vs. German (single terminal-right)
As you might gather from my cluging, the reflectors, lenses, gaskets, and sockets are interchangeable between the US and German bases shown. For my car, I specifically wanted the German lower profile lens with the US bi-element bulb. It was a very simple matter to put the shorter German reflector onto the US base. Please excuse the use of aluminum foil, it just isn't worth buying a new assembly just for a chromey plastic reflector.
Thanks Vraned for confirming that I can just upgrade my US to a Euro lens. That was very useful information regardless of how others may label it.
Back from the dead. What's the deal with the wire terminal differences?
I have two euro driver's side signal housings and two US passenger side housings. I think I will swap the reflectors and terminals on both.
I have two euro driver's side signal housings and two US passenger side housings. I think I will swap the reflectors and terminals on both.
Euro cars have parking light (city light) in the headlight, US cars have park and turn in the same housing.
Cool thanks!