Clear domes?

[Bill Leverett]

Does anyone know when clear domes for the Federal Model 17 were introduced?

 

[Paul Steinberg]

I was told by John Dorgan that the clear domes were introduced when Federal went to the larger opening to accommodate the newer styles of 3 & 4 bulb lights. I have seen clear acrylic domes for the older style of rotating 2-bulb lights in the past, however, I don't know if they came about at the same time the 3-bulb beacons with clear domes popularity started. I would think that either the clear or the colored domes would be appropriate for almost any car that had a rotating light on it.

 

[Tim Prieur]

The earliest car I was able to find with a clear dome, in a period appearing image was a 55 Superior Cadillac. As above, not a 17, but a 4 bulb variant, cannot make out the type.
I agree with Paul, it will look good on your 53. I have a 17/clear dome on my 57

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[Paul Steinberg]

Upon close examination the Pontiac posted above is a Federal Model 17 Beacon.