Guest LarsG Posted September 6, 2009 Share Posted September 6, 2009 I am restoring a Series 40 1939 Buick coupe and have some doubts regarding the fender lights.My car had these when bought from last owner but it seems they are from a 1937-8 model.Anyway, one of them gost lost and I obtained a set of similar but repro units which are by the way identical in shape to the old ones (37-8??).My question is twofold:1) which would be the correct light for a 39 when fitted?2) Can anybody help me as to the exact position this fender light should be positioned? (How far from the front fender edge and how far from the headlamp, for instance).Please, someone give a hand to this old Buick fan from Valparaiso, Chile.Thanks,Lars Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest p foley Posted September 6, 2009 Share Posted September 6, 2009 The 37 and 38 Buick fender lights are distinctly different from the 39. They look similar to but are different from the 1940 Packard. Be careful when buying these as most sellers are unaware of the difference. It is best to find someone in the Buick club who is restoring a 39 and have them draw a templet for the location of the holes to be drilled. It is conceivable that the holes already existing are in the correct position. Suggest you look on ebay as these lisghts come up for sale periodically.Cheers, Paul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1939_Buick Posted September 6, 2009 Share Posted September 6, 2009 (edited) IMy question is twofold:1) which would be the correct light for a 39 when fitted?Correct is as image attached [not my car] 1939's have a chrome strip on top of the fender light. 2) Can anybody help me as to the exact position this fender light should be positioned? (How far from the front fender edge and how far from the headlamp, for instance).Thats the information you need but the curvature on 1937-38 repro you have may be the same as your fender.I also need a template as have a set of fender lights (ex ebay.com)Edit:Found this image (red fender) on a CD sent to be me by Janne. Unsure if these 4 holes are in the correct place for a series 40. Can you help Janne ? Edited September 6, 2009 by 1939_buick added image (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest LarsG Posted September 6, 2009 Share Posted September 6, 2009 My appreciation to you all, folks: P Foley, 1939_buick, Ed as well as Janne!The procedure to follow is now clear to mew: remove the present lights and fill the holes, then try to locate a pair of correct 39 lights and fix them in the correct position.Thanks very much,LarsG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
39BuickEight Posted October 9, 2009 Share Posted October 9, 2009 Those are the correct lights, but mine only has 3 holes like this. Maybe mine were added aftermarket. I have no idea which is correct personally. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barney Eaton Posted October 11, 2009 Share Posted October 11, 2009 I believe your will find the 1939 lamps are split via a seam down the center (of the top) and the screw that holds them together comes in from the engine side. In the case of 1939's you need a right and left.The 1938 (and possibly the 1937) is split along the horizontal plane. The screw comes in from the top. There is no right or left, they are both the same. Someone with a parts book could verify the part number difference... I don't know if the lense is the same. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Kejsaren Posted October 11, 2009 Share Posted October 11, 2009 Lars . where you from ?sounds like you are from Sweden or Norway, could it be correctJanne Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest LarsG Posted October 15, 2009 Share Posted October 15, 2009 Hello Billy, Barney and Janne:I am sorry I took me so long to reply to you, I was away at an antique auto show.Thanks so much to the three of you for your comments!No, I am not Swedish nor Norwegian...you forgot to mention "Danish", Janne!Actually, my parents were Danes but I was live and was born here in Chile!Regards,Lars Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest 39convertible Posted October 16, 2009 Share Posted October 16, 2009 sorry Lars :-)))danish is ok too :-))) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1939_Buick Posted October 19, 2009 Share Posted October 19, 2009 Those are the correct lights, but mine only has 3 holes like this. Maybe mine were added aftermarket. I have no idea which is correct personally.Yes. I think 3 holes is correct as the gasket [centre] in the attached image Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest LarsG Posted October 19, 2009 Share Posted October 19, 2009 Noted, Allan.Thanks,Lars Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MajesticDean Posted July 30, 2021 Share Posted July 30, 2021 Just wondering if anyone has a picture of the 1940 packard light to compare to the 39 buick? Would the 40 packard fit the 39 buick fender of it it totally different? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buick looks fine for 39 Posted August 2, 2021 Share Posted August 2, 2021 40 Packard parking lights are very close in appearance to 39s, but the lenses are not interchangeable. Also the 39 Buick has a chrome plated diecast backbone with 2 side halves. The Packard has a stainless ring fitting up against the glass lens and is separate from the chrome backbone. If I remember correctly the Packard parking light is slightly shorter as well. I have a factory template for installing 39 parking lights and I'll post it if I can find it Thanks Leif 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buickbill39 Posted December 1, 2023 Share Posted December 1, 2023 Hello hope everyone is having a great holiday season so far, I am looking for a light lens for a 1939 Buick Fender light need one but anyone has a pair for sale please let me know. alfredbill1964@gmail.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fosbreed1 Posted December 2, 2023 Share Posted December 2, 2023 Good Luck Lars ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1939_Buick Posted December 2, 2023 Share Posted December 2, 2023 1 hour ago, fosbreed1 said: Good Luck Lars ! Lars posted in 2009 and now is not an active forum user. I had several email with Lars, but not for some years now. I think he did get the correct 1939 Fender lights. He has/had a many collectable cars. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buick looks fine for 39 Posted December 6, 2023 Share Posted December 6, 2023 I have a factory template for placing 39 Buick parking lights correctly on the fenders. Unfortunately I've spent 45 frustrating minutes trying to post a photo on line. I hate technology that is more smart than I am, but for me it happens all the time. If someone is interested maybe a Vulcan mind meld will work. Thanks Duh Leif Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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