1966 Auto Dimmer lens on fender

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JCSLOCUM
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1966 Auto Dimmer lens on fender

Post by JCSLOCUM »

Hello all,

I need a new lens for the auto dimmer that is inside of the fender trim. It's a small rectangular lens and mine is cracked in a few places :( and probably fall apart is I fool with it.CAn anyone recommend where to get this item?
1623347051495d565ef66eDSC_0111-scaled (2)_LI.jpg
1623347051495d565ef66eDSC_0111-scaled (2)_LI.jpg (838.25 KiB) Viewed 894 times
Jon

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Re: 1966 Auto Dimmer lens on fender

Post by action »

I have been looking for a used one for the better part of a couple of years.
I would like to find one as well without buying a whole parts car. (I have passed up that offer already)

Action
Phoenix - Yeah, it's hot, however it's a dry heat
2006 Lincoln Navigator Limited 5.4l 3V
1996 Lincoln Mark VIII 2DR Coupe Diamond Anniversary 4.6l DOHC, 4R70W, 3.07
1970 Continental Mark III Triple Black 460 4v, C6, 2.80 (Used for Woodward Dream Cruise or just generally stored in Michigan)
1966 Lincoln Continental 4DR Convertible 462 4v, C6, 3.00
1966 Mercury Park Lane 4DR Breezeway 410 4v, C6, 2.80
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LithiumCobalt
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Re: 1966 Auto Dimmer lens on fender

Post by LithiumCobalt »

I thought these were being reproduced by someone? May check with Lincoln Land. They will have either new or good used.
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JCSLOCUM
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Re: 1966 Auto Dimmer lens on fender

Post by JCSLOCUM »

Well, then I will break out the crazy glue and keep it mostly in 1 piece. They must be out there somewhere.

Maybe this is the way forward, make our own.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WME8R2-Ot8E
Jon

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Re: 1966 Auto Dimmer lens on fender

Post by Solid »

It’s just a clear rectangular lens with what, two screw ears? Anyone have a picture or better yet one they can measure?
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Re: 1966 Auto Dimmer lens on fender

Post by action »

It is not flat
And has to fit the opening of the peak fender trim.
Not sure how many years this arrangement was used for auto dimmer. It is just not a high volume part.

Action
Phoenix - Yeah, it's hot, however it's a dry heat
2006 Lincoln Navigator Limited 5.4l 3V
1996 Lincoln Mark VIII 2DR Coupe Diamond Anniversary 4.6l DOHC, 4R70W, 3.07
1970 Continental Mark III Triple Black 460 4v, C6, 2.80 (Used for Woodward Dream Cruise or just generally stored in Michigan)
1966 Lincoln Continental 4DR Convertible 462 4v, C6, 3.00
1966 Mercury Park Lane 4DR Breezeway 410 4v, C6, 2.80
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Re: 1966 Auto Dimmer lens on fender

Post by Solid »

It doesn’t look like it would be hard to model and print in clear. I’d be interested in seeing one.
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Re: 1966 Auto Dimmer lens on fender

Post by TonyC »

It was used for two years only: '66 and '67. Due to the changes to the fender edges for '68, to comply with the profile-light mandate (which, incidentally, the engineers overthought to the point of inadequacy, but that's another argument for another time), the electric eye could no longer be hidden in the fender, so they took a step backward and designed a freestanding pod for the dimmer option in '68.

Yes, it is a fairly rare option. With only 100,000 cars made in those two years, and maybe one third of that figure fitted with the auto-dim option (if that many), then factoring in the survival rate, one would be hard-pressed to find such a lens, let alone in good shape...though not nearly so much as another rare option. As Dan pointed out, that lens is not a flat piece; it has a complex molded shape to it, in order to fit within the peak molding. I had thought about reproducing those lenses, either in clear plastic or glass; just never really went beyond a thought. To do that one would need a lens to serve as a template...which I already have covered, as Frankenstein happened to be one of those cars fitted with the option from the factory (one of the factors that sold me on him from the onset).

Maybe, if someone has the equipment but not the template, maybe we could collaborate...

---Tony
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1966 Continental Sedan, affectionately known as "Frankenstein" until body restoration is done (to be renamed "General Sherman" on that event)
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