Jim,
It would be awsome if you could post some images of your early louvred blackout lights as it would certainly add to this thread. It is my understanding that those lights were installed on mostly prewar models and were largely switched over to the cats-eye type for consistency in night time convoy driving. Ever try to drive one of these beasts with just the blackout lights? I would be just as good driving with my eyes blindfolded, even with the blackout drive light! I guess the eyesight of a teenager makes a difference.
Just out of curiosity, I dropped the headlight retainer in a crockpot to get the paint off of it for a little closer inspection. BTW, a crockpot set on high for a few hours is a fantastic low effort method of removing paint on small and or delicate metal parts. CAUTION: DO NOT use your wife's crockpot as it will really piss her off! Often a good useable crockpot can be purchased for $5 or less at a second hand store or yard sale, it will avoid a lot of hassle at the homefront, trust me!
Anyway, below is the result:
Image of a brass and steel head light retainer ring. Sorry for the upside down image...Ron's photo image editor doesn't seem to work this morning...this image was not taken in Australia. The presumed older brass retainer ring looks to be an exact duplicate of the more common steel version also shown.
Image comparing paint colors. Note that the remnant paint on the older brass retainer ring is darker than the later retainer ring. Contributing evidence as to age anyway.
Hope you all enjoy, and hope you all have some time to go out and play with your trucks!
Paul