parking light lens

My solution isn't going to win any points for originality, but then my Jeep isn't by any means a show rig!

My late '2A had the same style grille as the Jeep in the write-up, it had the "dimpled" grille shell and the single-bulb lamps. No way I could see to add a dual-filament bulb and I didn't want to add a second set of lamps.

I ended up sourcing a set of the "beehive" turnsignal lamps from a late '50s Willys wagon. These have the uncolored glass "beehive" lenses and a small two-pin socket assembly that bolts onto the grille shell. The problem I ran into was the "dimple" in the shell wouldn't allow me to bolt the sockets on. 15 minutes with a buddy's chassis punch set and I had the holes knocked out and the dimple was history.

The lights I used look more-or-less period correct, and they are Willys-specific. I'm happy with the look.

 

The ones on that tan Jeep are aftermarket "backup" lights, the one I used are geniune Willys. The difference is quite noticeable in person.

I think you are going to have a tough time not modifying the grille shell in some manner to get dual-element lamps in there.

 

Most likely. If you are truly wanting to preserve the grill shell your options are very limited. What about finding another grill shell to use with your conversion and keep yours intact and in storage?

The only reason I ask is that I had the same dilemma 7-8 years ago when I did my conversion and I decided to bite the bullet and cut my grill. The late CJ3A/late '2A grills are not exactly rare when compared to the early '2A and MB/GPW shells.

 

That is not a dual-filiament bulb, it only has one contact on the base.

Before you spend any money on this, take a measurement of the space between the bottom of the "bowl" on your grille shell and the front of the stock lens. Subtract the thickness of the lens and add a small buffer to keep the lens from contacting the bulb so it won't melt it. The space left over is going to be very small, and this is why I think that you don't have many choices here. Even if you can find a MC bulb that will fit (they are out there) you will still need to find a socket that will fit your grill shell AND have a two-pin base.

Please don't think that I'm trying to be argumentative here, I'm just sharing my experiences from restoring my '2As. My first one had the early "bullet" lights that were easy to swap out for a MC light but my current one has the same grille you have and I chose to punch out the holes for the wagon/pickup lights because I couldn't find anything else that would work. BTDT.

Best of luck to you in your search!