A few days ago someone posted as to what the correct license plate light for
the '74 Midget is. Thru '69 is supposed to be above the licence, Split
bumpered cars to '73 were hidden in the bumper ends, '74 with big overriders
and '75 rubber bumper cars have chrome lights mounted to the plate assembly,
and 76 to '79 have black light housings mounted to the plate assembly. I
find it kind of interesting to see people try and figure out what is the
"correct" way something was done at the factory. Assembly lines opperate on
a simple principle: produce mass quantities quickly and cost effectively. I
have talked to some people who worked on automotive assembly lines in the
50's and 60's. They grabbed what ever part was available. On transitional
year cars this made for some interesting combinations, as one day they
thought they were out of one kind of license plate lights for good, and the
next day someone found some more. 1974 & 75 Midgets and B's are famous for
messing with SMOG inspections, and the like. I have seen origional Rubber
Bumper B's with twin SU's, and origional Rubber bumper Midgets with 1275's.
Also Non catalist 1500 Midget engines. Dealerships are responsible for
installing loose parts, which often means incorect rear view mirrors, and
varying radio antenna placement. By the way, if your car does have the chrome
licence plate lights, check them carefully. As the clear plastic lense ages,
it becomes brittle, and is the only thing that keeps the wiring from shorting
out against the metal housing. Failure of the plastic can cause the smoke to
escape.
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