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#1
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70 -72 tail light lenses
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?
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#2
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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
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Pat Brown Last edited by PB; 08-26-2010 at 10:10 PM. |
#3
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Here's a '71 '71's edges are painted argent silver, including the fins.
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Pat Brown Last edited by PB; 08-26-2010 at 10:09 PM. |
#4
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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.
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Pat Brown |
#5
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Yes, the '70 had 2 different styles...
http://www.forums.maxperformanceinc....d.php?t=436754 |
#6
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I kind of like the silver painted.
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Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after. ~Henry David Thoreau |
#7
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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?
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#8
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Quote:
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.
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Pat Brown |
#9
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Based on Pat's descriptions my '72 LeMans Sport seems to have '71 lenses?
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Drew Fifteen hundred years ago everybody knew the Earth was the center of the universe. Five hundred years ago, everybody knew the Earth was flat, and fifteen minutes ago, you knew that humans were alone on this planet. Imagine what you'll know tomorrow. - K (from MIB) 1972 LeMans Sport convert (T41) '70 XF 455, TH400, 3.31 12-bolt Posi |
#10
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My 72 GTO had the same ones.
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72 GTO 400-M20 Lucy Blue 86 2+2 Black 09 G8 GT red 08 Torrent GXP (wife's) 09 G8 ST (UTE) black A pissed off fat house chimp on dope would be a lot more deadly. |
#11
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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? |
#12
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Quote:
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#13
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Quote:
The ONLY '72 to use the ribbed, "1971 style" lenses was the Luxury LeMans.
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Regards, "455HO" Lloyd 2008 GMC Sierra Denali 2WD Crew, L92 6L80E, Silver w/ Ebony guts, 14.26 @ 98 |
#14
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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.
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#15
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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.
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Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after. ~Henry David Thoreau |
#16
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Quote:
Yes, all will have the GUIDE 70 markings.
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Pat Brown |
#17
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Quote:
Was this a '70 only thing HFR??? or are there other years this is found?
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Pat Brown |
#18
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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.
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P.O.S.I - It's not just a club...it's an addiction! |
#19
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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? |
#20
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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.
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72 G.T.O. 455HO Auto 69 Firebird 400 Conv. Auto. IAII 540 and damn vroomy.... |
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