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Got my Hella reverse light bezel and glass all cleaned up. There are a lot of variations on the lens markings and bezels. Bosch even made some of these in the exact same shape, but Bosch was not the supplier of reverse lights to PORSCHE- it was Hella. The 62548 markings should be as shown below. Also, there are some lens out there with more markings on the lens. The additional markings were because of code requirements in later years. During the 356 era, there were no such markings. You will see 356 cars with the reverse light lens having these additional markings but the lens likely came off a Volkswagen or BMW. Use of this shape lens was used in those cars after during and after 356 production.   Seriously, an Elfrink manual used to be one of the staples of 356 ownership. It was an early publication on the basics of 356 ownership and repair. Emphasis on the basics. I used to have one, but sold it off with the last car. I've worked probably harder than most on collecting excellent condition original PORSCHE factory Parts Manuals and Workshop Manuals- amongst other publications. So, I was asking myself, do I, or really does anyone really need an Elfrink book anymore? We have the 356 Registry website with lots of friendly help. There are versions of the parts books on line, and all of it in greater detail than the old standard Elfrink. I've noticed the prices of these old books are now below $20, so honestly, cost is not an issue, but why buy one? My conclusion is that after decades of 356 ownership, probably I would never look in the book. However, if a new owner who is not well rehearsed in the little things that can go wrong with a 356, well then maybe, just maybe putting one down in the battery box as a "just in case" protection. It no longer even deserves a spot in our glove box. Sorry Elfrink!  Below are the real books to own! More photos in the Documents Section.  Rich Wilson, owner of Volkswagen of Pasadena was kind enough to take a photo of a large framed print he has of Trans Ocean Motor Company- the name of Volkswagen of Pasadena prior to a rather recent name change. This print was the architect's drawing for the "new" building when they moved in the 1960's to their current location. THANK YOU RICH! This is the dealership that sold my car!!! For more info on Trans Ocean, click here. ps- you can click on the photo below to enlarge ;-)  Here is a video that shows some nice early shots of the factory. This is NOT in the Made by Hand video. Click here.  There's plenty of vintage marketing material out there. Most are actually quite fun to read. Here is an example. |