1972 Cutlass Tail Lights Question.....

[Eightupman]

Does anyone know if there were subtle differences in the tail lights in the 72 models between the S, Supreme and convertables??

Here is why I ask. I have a lone lower tail light lens that is not the same as the others that I own (including the ones on my car), HOWEVER it has the same part numbers and SAE lettering cast in it (5965251 2). The difference in this lens is that the center two... dividers if you will....are sloped inwards from the top of the lens and are lower than the perimeter. All of my other lower lenses are all straight across and the dividers are the same hight as the perimeter.

Any thought on why this is an oddball?????

John

[texasred]

I have one taillight on my 71 that appeared slightly different from the rest. I removed it and it was apparent (from looking at the back side) that it was heat warped.

Take a look and post a pic.

C.J.

[Eightupman]

This one is in no way heat warped...once I figure out how to post pics, I'll do that...

[Eightupman]

Here they are....the odd ball and the one on my car.

[Oldsguy]

That is very strange. Is it possible that someone sanded those ridges down and repainted the silver on the lens in the past? Never seen one like that before...

[Eightupman]

Originally Posted by Oldsguy

That is very strange. Is it possible that someone sanded those ridges down and repainted the silver on the lens in the past? Never seen one like that before...

If they sanded it, it is an absolutely flawless job. The silver appears stock as I cannot remove it with any (standard) chemicals. I can sand it off. I wonder how these were coated from the factory. The ONLY paint that I have fount even close and it is not perfect is Krylon Silver for plastic. It is a shade darker. I am wondering about durability from the weather or car washing. I'll find out eventually.....

John

[texasred]

I think I found an answer or two...but only by deduction. These are NOT proven theories!

I picked up an early 72 build (Jan 72) parts car (thanks again, certified!). The upper tail lights have the "flat" fins and the lower ones have the "concave" fins.

Sometimes, there are minor mods during a model year run. Perhaps they changed the design slightly later on in the model year, which would explain the same P/N for different looking tail lights.

Alternatively, maybe they came from a different factory that used a different casting mold.

Either explaination fits...YOU BE THE JUDGE!

C.J.

[Eightupman]

Interesting. The light I have is intact, and useable for a daily driver but is not for a decent show piece. Even if I take the time to paint it, the flaws in the red lens are pretty prevelent.

You would not still happen to have that pair of lenses? And would you be willing to part with said items? I think the "concave" look is nicer...

PM me if you have them and want to deal.

Thanks

John

[texasred]

I have 2 concave and 2 flat ones...didn't look to see how "concours" they are. I'll be canibalizing the car as I have time, but I probably won't start until next Sunday. I'll make the taillights priority one and take some pictures.

I got a good deal on the car and I promised the previous owner that I wouldn't ebay my way to a fortune with it. I'll send you pics and if you want them, I'll make ya a deal!

C.J.

[Eightupman]

I just got one off of e-bay...the last digit is different than mine yet is it still sloped exactly like the one I already had....the mystery continues. It is 10X better than the one I have so I still dont have a good pair.

John