Styling "Aric" v "Altissimo" rear lights

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Styling "Aric" v "Altissimo" rear lights

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I bought a couple of used, rear light lenses a while ago; one got used on my piece of "wall-art" and I'm about to use the other for a little lighting experiment. When I put the lense next to the originals, which have been adorning Murf's backside since 1969, I can see they are a lot different.

I don't know if the Aric make is an aftermarket product or possibly standard fitment after a certain date..."La Guida" definitely won't go into that detail. I prefer the look of my originals; having said that, part of the charm (for me only, I suspect) is that they are not shiny and defined, perhaps worn through age? The lense differences are obvious. Less obvious is that the Altissimo has a much better integrated reflector, whereas the Aric is simply bonded on.
 

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I don't know if the Aric make is an aftermarket product or possibly standard fitment after a certain date..."La Guida" definitely won't go into that detail.............................................

A whole new ball game... "Stars" front indicators as I discovered in one of Toms posts were also used on later cars....

These details is not recorded.. I spent hours scouring.. have a few things written down about Prototypis.......
 
The official Fiat Spare Parts Catalogs (for some models anyway) used to show the makes of lamps/lenses used.

Looking at the one I have here for the 124 Sport Coupe, the makes listed for lenses are Altissimo, Stars and Olsa, along with Carello, Siem (not just for headlamps but also for some types of front sidelamps, possibly the 124 Spider).

I haven't heard of Aric, so maybe this is aftermarket or possibly made/used in some of the other countries where Fiats were made/assembled outside of Italy?

I think that the rear lenses on Murph need a good 'seeing-to' with Brasso or similar to restore their lustre. :yum:

Al.
 
My 1972 (registered, but I believe a late 1971 build) 500 has, as far as I am aware, its original rear lights---Altissimo. Yes, the brightness of the chrome has worn off to show the plastic frame, but the quality is so much better than the 'pattern' examples available that I will live with their slight 'tattiness'. The original lights have metal bulb holders whereas the 'pattern' parts have only plastic holders (or 'not-holders' as the case might be!)
 
My 1972 (registered, but I believe a late 1971 build) 500 has, as far as I am aware, its original rear lights---Altissimo. Yes, the brightness of the chrome has worn off to show the plastic frame, but the quality is so much better than the 'pattern' examples available that I will live with their slight 'tattiness'. The original lights have metal bulb holders whereas the 'pattern' parts have only plastic holders (or 'not-holders' as the case might be!)


......:D it's not tattiness it's "patina".(y)
 
The original lights have metal bulb holders whereas the 'pattern' parts have only plastic holders (or 'not-holders' as the case might be!)

As you say Tom..se attached image.

Unfortunately, as I expected, there's a big chunk of plastic under the reflector which I am loathe to cut into on this original light-fitting...anyone got a spare to sell so that I can continue my inane experiment?:D
 

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One trick you can use to make rear lights a little brighter is to fit reflectors behind the bulbs. I've used the foil cases that cup cakes :yum: etc. come in - just make a hole, fit onto the bulb metal body and refit to the lamp. Even some aluminium foil cut to fit will do (fit it shiny side out!).

(Just trying to emulate other cars which either have built-in reflectors or a 'chrome' finish applied to the lamp body behind each bulb.)

Al.
 
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One trick you can use to make rear lights a little brighter is to fit reflectors behind the bulbs. I've used the foil cases that cup cakes :yum: etc. come in - just make a hole, fit onto the bulb metal body and refit to the lamp. Even some aluminium foil cut to fit will do (fit it shiny side out!).
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That will of course have to be declared as a "Mod"
and recorded in the "Approved Modifications" register
 
Well that would double Peters insurance and make it at least £12 4s 6d

They might even round it up to 12 Guineas, if they find out about his reversing and rear fog lights :eek: Might have to have a whip-around to help keep him on the road.

Al.
 
Bits of old lights from my garage.
Has the name LEART on the main shell which matches a plastic front sidelight body from the same car then they have GECAR on the red reflector.
Also from the same car probably a more original alloy front sidelight body with R.B.T. On the casting.
 

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