[gtoric]

Can someone describe for me the differences between the 1970, 1971, and 1972 Tempest, LeMans and GTO tail light lenses? Photos would be helpful. How many different variants in each year? Did different models have different lenses within each year?

[PB]

Here's what I've gathered....

70 GTO, has stainless trim, I believe lemans did not get the trim
71 GTO, has 3 Fins b/n lights...also used on '72 Luxury Lemans ....71 GT 37 and T37 were plain...no fins, like '72's
72 GTO, has smooth finish without fins or stainless trim. Also with std. lemans

Not sure if stainless trim was standard on GTO or if it was on all GTO / Lemans...


first 2 are '72's...orbit is the '70...next one is a 70 lemans..blue 71 GT-37

[PB]

Here's a '71 '71's edges are painted argent silver, including the fins.

[PB]

Another interesting thing to note is there is variants between some tail light lenses and the housings themselves. Some are deeper (recessed) than others. I do not know if this is a plant thing or a year thing or MFG thing. Basically, you have to match the lense to the housing. Some do not interchange. I think some found this out when purchasing after market lenses.

[Held for Ransom]

Yes, the '70 had 2 different styles...
http://www.forums.maxperformanceinc....d.php?t=436754

[pontiacpetey]

I kind of like the silver painted.

[davesjudge]

The repro '71 lenses I purchased from our host were not the best of fit, and did not have the argent silver finish on the ribs. Anyone know where I can get of somewhat correct '71 lenses?

[PB]

Originally Posted by davesjudge

The repro '71 lenses I purchased from our host were not the best of fit, and did not have the argent silver finish on the ribs. Anyone know where I can get of somewhat correct '71 lenses?

A friend of mine has a set of '71 lenses he has on his '72. He want's 72 lenses...if you have a nice set of '72 lenses (original) I believe he would trade you straight up. I believe they are in good condition.

[Drew W]

Based on Pat's descriptions my '72 LeMans Sport seems to have '71 lenses?

[uforacing]

Originally Posted by Drew W

Based on Pat's descriptions my '72 LeMans Sport seems to have '71 lenses?

My 72 GTO had the same ones.

[gtoric]

I took a look at two '72 LeMans at a car cruise last night. Both had plain (no s/s trim), flat (no dividers), lenses. Both also had the "GUIDE 70" markings on the lenses. Of course, I couldn't remove the inboard mounting screws to see if they were long or short style.

Did all '72 lenses, with the exception of the Luxury LeMans, feature the "GUIDE 70" markings?

[gtoric]

Originally Posted by Held for Ransom

Yes, the '70 had 2 different styles...
http://www.forums.maxperformanceinc....d.php?t=436754

Mike, do both of those lenses have the GUIDE 70 markings? The different mounting design would suggest different bumper designs as well. Different year bumpers?

[Lloyd-TX]

Originally Posted by Drew W

Based on Pat's descriptions my '72 LeMans Sport seems to have '71 lenses?

Yep!

The ONLY '72 to use the ribbed, "1971 style" lenses was the Luxury LeMans.

[Held for Ransom]

Eric, the change was during the '70 MY but I don't know the timeframe. I don't think any '72 Pontiac A-body will have a "72" molded tail light.

[pontiacpetey]

I can see it easy to be mixed up, with the lenses being in such a precarious place they were easily damaged and replaced down the road with whatever the owner could get from the dealer or the salvage yard.

[PB]

Originally Posted by gtoric

Did all '72 lenses, with the exception of the Luxury LeMans, feature the "GUIDE 70" markings?

Yes, all will have the GUIDE 70 markings.

[PB]

Originally Posted by Held for Ransom

Yes, the '70 had 2 different styles...
http://www.forums.maxperformanceinc....d.php?t=436754

Was this a '70 only thing HFR??? or are there other years this is found?

[2manyponchos]

My 70 Lemans Sport Convertible had stainless trimmed taillights like the GTO. I was under the impression that Lemans Sport received the stainless trimmed lights as part of the "Sport" package. Standard Lemans for sure did not have the stainless trim in 70. Have never spent the time researching to see what factory documentation says. Should be different part numbers in the assembly manual if this is the case.

[gtoric]

So, to recap our findings:

1970--
T37, GT37, LeMans - no s/s trim, no dividers
LeMans Sport, GTO - s/s trim on outside edge, no dividers

1971--
T37, GT37, LeMans - no trim, no dividers
LeMans Sport, GTO - no trim, two vertical dividers w/painted edges on dividers and outside edge of lens

1972--
LeMans - no trim, no dividers, no paint
Luxury LeMans - no trim, two vertical dividers w/painted edges on ribs and outside edge od lens

There is still a question on inboard mounting screw lengths with two different designs. Do two different lens designs require specific bumpers because of the mounting tab locations?

[hopper146]

Originally Posted by Drew W

Based on Pat's descriptions my '72 LeMans Sport seems to have '71 lenses?

Mine too...except im 99.999% sure they've never been changed....sooo...i'm thinking the 72 GTO's had the dividers with the silver on them.