Running board step lamps 1929-1931

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The 1930 parts book shows two line drawings of the lamps, but the side view of both lamps looks like a round lens, round bezel for the step plate. My 1930 Model B Conv. coupe has this round lamp. My 1929 143 Limo had the rectangle step lamp assembly that member J. Grant Wilmer is looking for his Model A 1930 convertible coupe. The 1930 Waterhouse body car also has the rectangular step plate lamp as shown in his wanted ad. I am looking for replies from members to see if any 1930 Model A and Model B’s have anything but round lamps for 1930. Is there any Model C with step lamps? I have not seen any Model C Coupes with lamps. Is there any 1929’s that have round lamps, or are all 1929’s rectangle lamps in all bodies and wheelbases? Are there any 1930 open cars that have the rectangle lamp? Does the rectangle lamp go away for 1931? I do not find the lamp or parts listed in the 1929 parts book. Is the 1931 parts book numbers the same as 1930?

1930 part Numbers:

lamp assy. 737258

lens 737261

body 737343

gasket changes A #737381, B #727152

Thanks for your help.

Karl

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My ’29 143 ED Limo has the rectangular step lamp.

Rectangular with rounded edges.

My car was sold Nov of ’29.

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I saw a 1930 A EDL with the rectangular lamps a few years back, a unmolested barn find the car had lots of unusual details and extras that make me think it was built for a show or a large dealership who wanted a floor car with all the extras. Even the factory umbrella in the passenger door front pocket was still there. Attention to detail on the car and uhpolstery was incredible. Car has since fallen off the face of the earth. I think it ended up in New Jersey, and haven’t seen or heard of it since.

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I think all 1930 seven passenger touring cars(open) used the rectangular lights.

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Thanks Craig and Ed for your input. Because 1930 Model A’s show a different gasket in the parts book, could all A bodies use the 1929 style rectangle lamp? Because it is not new for 1930,it may explain why it is not shown in the 1930 parts book. I look forward to hearing from other owners of 29-31 open and closed cars. If someone has a 1931 parts book, could you check the 1930 part numbers and see if they are there for 1931. Thanks, Karl

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my 1930B 5 passenger sedan has round lights.

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From the 1931 parts book:

lamp assy. 737258 (for 1931 Model 42 only, lamp assy. for Model 41 is 746585-C, none for Model 43)

lens 737261 (shows for 1931 Model 42 only)

body 737343 (shows for 1931 Model 42 only)

gasket changes A #737381 (shows for 1931 Model 42 only), B #727152 (not listed for any 1931 model)

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Karl, I will check on this during the coming weekend.

Thanks!

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My 1930 B roadster has round step lamps, as do all 1930 B body styles that I’ve seen. 1930 Model As — all body styles, so far as I know — used the rectangular lamps. All Model Cs I’ve seen have no step lamps whatsoever, but I suppose that dealers or subsequent owners may have installed lamps of one type or another. The 1930 prestige catalog (unusual for PAMCC in that it has actual photographs rather than artists’ renditions) shows the lamps as I have recounted above.

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Thanks David and George and all, I was searching e-bay last night and every factory photo I can find for 1929 has the rectangle lamps if any. Those that have them all seem to be the long wheel base cars. Has anyone seen short wheelbase 1929 cars with step lamps? Karl

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I seem to remember seeing round step lamps on the ’29 133 that Richard LeRoy is restoring.

I’ll have to go back through his thread with pictures and look.

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you can see round step lamps on Richard’s car in the thread – A Few More Pics 29 DC Phaeton

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Craig, good work! I see he has two chrome strips on the passenger side in front and behind the round lamp. The drivers side just has the lamp. New question then : Any other cars with the chrome strips like Richard LeRoys’ car? Karl

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I have never seen chrome strips on a 29 that I was convinced were correct. Some on 1930 Series A, some on 1931 Series 42 & 41, and on many 1932 cars. Chrome spears were reproduced back in the early 60’s, and have been put on lots of cars that never had them from the factory.

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I found another thread that has a better picture of the running board lights on Richard’s ’29 133.

It can be found as the first picture in the threat titled – Sneak peek at the 29 DC phaeton.

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Ed, Richard’s car was not an old repaint when found, I would think his strips have to be original or very early 1930’s additions. I checked my Pierce 1930 accessory catalog and don’t see them listed for sale in there. Karl

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Wally Rank made and sold the strips back in the early 1960’s. Looking at 17 factory photos of cars, including show cars, none of them have the spears on them. When judging any 1929 could one could expect a deduction unless one can prove it otherwise? Thoughts? I am sure I have seen them on 1930 cars that were factory, but very seldom. The gray area is are they incorrect?; or a factory accessory? Do we treat it like a trunk or side mount cover? Comments? Ed

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PS: My 1932 Series 54 had too many chrome spears on it……….got a lot of comments that it was too much and not correct……..then I took the photo out of the car in 1952 and they were all on the car. Also, the car came with factory chrome wheels, wonder if it was a dealer ordering a car pimped out……..possibly a show car for some big city?

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Is this Richard’s car before he started work on it?

If so, I see no step light, no spears and no step plates.

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I * believe* that the Salon trim option, including the strips and a brightwork hood side panel surround, was offered late in the 1930 model year, possibly because the 1931 year model would be “late.” That’s why the Salon accoutrements are not seen in the 1930 Parts Catalogue which is dated 1/1/30. Of course, in 1933 the salon option included a right-side tail/stop light assembly, which MAY have been offered separately, perhaps only by dealers.

I have seen the rectangular lamps on 1929 LWB (143) cars only, not on the 133s.

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