MTFCA Forum

I would like to verify that a RHD Model t tail lamp would have the clear lens to the inside and the blue to the outside,I am going to install a right side rear lamp on the 12 T I have not been able to verify this lamp did exist. Two pictures I have of right hand drive cars has the lamp on the right with the blue lens facing inward. Thanks In advance Cheers Colin

Hi Colin

Good question.

General rule of thumb that I have heard and read is that for RHD cars when driven on the left side of the road, the tail light went on the right rear side of the car, the same side as the steering wheel. That way the side of the car towards the middle of the road was lit by the light.

Of the RHD Canadian cars that I've been able to see and inspect so far.

A 1910 RHD, very original car with an old partial restoration, but it still had a regular tailight mounted on the left with the clear towards the center of the car. Ford Canada wasn't building a lot of RHD cars in 1910 so it may not have been sourcing the mirror image tail lights for the other side or it may have been changed to the left as the body bottom wood panel did look like it might have been replaced at some time.

However, by 1913, 14 and 15, the light bracket and light were mounted on the right rear of body. I have both a '13 and '15 Canadian RHDs that came with the light brackets on the right rear and have period pictures showing them on the right rear side. The '13, '14 black and brass tail lights have the clear facing to the center (left) and are different than the regular LHD ones. And I have seen both Brown and EJ RHD tail lights for '13, '14.

Since RDH tail lights are harder to find, the cars that you have seen so far may not have had the correct tail light.

So overall, I think that for '12, for an RHD car, the tail light should be mounted on the right side, clear to the center (left).

Drive Safe
Jeff
Nova Scotia

Collin
That is a great question!! I have never seen a light configured as you are planning, but I understand your logic. I wonder if any British or Australians can offer any insight?
One thought is did they have two red lenses (one on the back and one on the right and a clear on the left. This would be consistent with nautical practice! Just a thought!

Just checked photo's of a 1910 RHD with known history here in Australia, shows it had a left side mounted tail light.

If the lenses are removable it seems that any such tail lamp can be converted to a RHD or LHD light by simply switching the lenses to conform it to whatever side you want it on. Jim Patrick

As Jim states the lights can be changed to be either left or right, Obviously done by the manufacturer same applies to the side lights

If the correct orientation of the lenses is red to the rear, clear to the left and blue to the right, on RHD cars, I believe any of the lights can be tailored to suit. The lenses have a rolled on brass rim. Rather than change the lenses from one side to another, it is easier to dis-assemble the light body and reassemble the body up-side-down, so that the clear and blue lenses are swapped form side to side. On my 1912 van I mounted the tail light on the right, but chose to leave the light I purchased in Spokane in 1989 with the lenses as per LHD, clear to the outside of the car and blue to the centre. It doesn't illuminate the number plate anyway, so the clear to the outside is of no consequence.

Allan from down under.

I have swapped the lens so the clear is to the centre . This is a spring project as a rewire of the lighting is going to be done. Thanks Colin

The lens exchange is very simple if you have an original lamp I opened the flap of the lens on the inside about half way around, it is not soldered this makes it loose and easy to remove. Went back in the same way ,use smooth pliers to flatten the lip and it was again solid with no movement of the lens.