Tail Light Lens Dates (1971)

[Monte M.]

I have run across some NOS tail light lenses. There are side markers too. These lenses have a "1971" date on them. I know that lenses have earlier date for production cars.

My real question is: Did they put the extra production run of parts to be used as over the counter parts? Or, did they use the extra parts for the following years cars until they ran out and the next years dated parts showed up? My guess would be they used what they had and just kept going until the parts with the following years dated showed up. I dought they even knew when the date change over happened.

The lenses are the same for 68-72 and maybe even a little later (68-no back-up lens) Is it just luck that these are "71", or is it just luck of the draw on what you got when you purchased an over the counter set.

These were purchased from GM in 1978.

[Joe L.]

Re: Tail Light Lens Dates (1971)

I have run across some NOS tail light lenses. There are side markers too. These lenses have a "1971" date on them. I know that lenses have earlier date for production cars.

My real question is: Did they put the extra production run of parts to be used as over the counter parts? Or, did they use the extra parts for the following years cars until they ran out and the next years dated parts showed up? My guess would be they used what they had and just kept going until the parts with the following years dated showed up. I dought they even knew when the date change over happened.

The lenses are the same for 68-72 and maybe even a little later (68-no back-up lens) Is it just luck that these are "71", or is it just luck of the draw on what you got when you purchased an over the counter set.

These were purchased from GM in 1978.

Monte-----

For the most part, the date seen on tail lamp lenses is the year model of the lamp's first use and not the date when it was manufactured.

The tail lamp lenses were NOT the same throughout the 68-72 period. One set of lenses was first used for late 1971 or 1972 and I expect those are the ones you found.

I have no idea why side marker lenses would have "1971" on them since no side marker lenses began for that model year.

[Monte M.]

Re: Tail Light Lens Dates (1971)

Joe,

Tanks for clearing that up. Looking back, I do remember there being a difference in the 69 and later lenses. Thirty years or so ago I remember replacing my 69's lenses. I now remember the difference. Remembering what I did thirty years ago is becoming the issue. LOL
Thanks again,
M

[Tony L.]

Re: Tail Light Lens Dates (1971)

I have a 72 and original owner, purchased new. The tail lights are dated 1971.

[Edward J.]

Re: Tail Light Lens Dates (1971)

Monte, the way to tell the difference between the 71L/72 and 68-71E is The earlier has a pointed lens and the later 71L the lens Is rounded.

[Terry M.]

Re: Tail Light Lens Dates (1971)

There are photos of each in almost all reference books, but most especially in the 1970-72 TIM&JG. Buy one.

[Monte M.]

Re: Tail Light Lens Dates (1971)

Terry,
I do have a JG for my 72. The problem is I have been out of state for a few weeks helping out a family matter. If I would have know this matter would take so long, I would have brought more things to keep me entertained. Not having much to keep me busy, when I am not dealing with family matters, I have been trying to find things to keep busy and I have been lucky enough to find some old Corvette parts on the local Craig's list here.
So, I am sorry for asking pretty basic questions, but I did not have my reference materials with me and I did not expect to be here this long.

After saying that, in hind sight, with all the time I have when I am not handling family matters, I could have spent a little time on the internet trying to resolve the question myself. The fact that I was dealing with dates led me to believe it was not going to be something so easily resolved. My mistake.

So, point taken about asking what seem to be dumb questions, but depending on certain situations, these things are going to happen. Plus, nobody has to answer if they feel I can find it easily on my own.

When people do answer questions for me, I do make sure I send them a "Thank you" in some way to show my appreciation. I never forget that it has taken someone's time to do it for me and I make sure they know I am aware of it.

I know you do a ton for this site and it is appreciated by many, including myself. So, once again, thamks for all you do.

Monte

[Terry M.]

Re: Tail Light Lens Dates (1971)

Terry,
I do have a JG for my 72. The problem is I have been out of state for a few weeks helping out a family matter. If I would have know this matter would take so long, I would have brought more things to keep me entertained. Not having much to keep me busy, when I am not dealing with family matters, I have been trying to find things to keep busy and I have been lucky enough to find some old Corvette parts on the local Craig's list here.
So, I am sorry for asking pretty basic questions, but I did not have my reference materials with me and I did not expect to be here this long.

After saying that, in hind sight, with all the time I have when I am not handling family matters, I could have spent a little time on the internet trying to resolve the question myself. The fact that I was dealing with dates led me to believe it was not going to be something so easily resolved. My mistake.

So, point taken about asking what seem to be dumb questions, but depending on certain situations, these things are going to happen. Plus, nobody has to answer if they feel I can find it easily on my own.

When people do answer questions for me, I do make sure I send them a "Thank you" in some way to show my appreciation. I never forget that it has taken someone's time to do it for me and I make sure they know I am aware of it.

I know you do a ton for this site and it is appreciated by many, including myself. So, once again, thamks for all you do.

Monte

Sorry Monte, I didn't mean to offend. Of course I had no way of knowing your instant situation. I hope you resolve it in the best way possible.

On occasion I get frustrated when many of us spend a good deal of time in an effort to turn out the best judging manual we can, and it appears folks don't avail themselves of that resource. I suppose I shouldn't let that frustration get the better of me, but sometimes I just can't help it. I could blame it on being tired late at night, or being off my meds, or any of a host of other excuses. The bottom line is I shouldn't let that frustration show, but it sometimes just leaks out.

[Mike E.]

Re: Tail Light Lens Dates (1971)

Sorry Monte, I didn't mean to offend. Of course I had no way of knowing your instant situation. I hope you resolve it in the best way possible.

On occasion I get frustrated when many of us spend a good deal of time in an effort to turn out the best judging manual we can, and it appears folks don't avail themselves of that resource. I suppose I shouldn't let that frustration get the better of me, but sometimes I just can't help it. I could blame it on being tired late at night, or being off my meds, or any of a host of other excuses. The bottom line is I shouldn't let that frustration show, but it sometimes just leaks out.

You're human. Welcome to the club, Terry.

[Terry M.]

Re: Tail Light Lens Dates (1971)

You're human. Welcome to the club, Terry.

I try not to be, but occasionally I am reminded of the futility of those efforts.

Thanks Mike. Marry Christmas to you and the family.

[Monte M.]

Re: Tail Light Lens Dates (1971)

Terry,
Don't worry about. I am sure it can be very frustrating at times dealing with some of what goes on here. I find this group (68-72) to be very good people to deal with. I cannot say the same of other groups i have dealt with on this site. You make a big difference for a lot of people. You are allowed to be one of us every once in awhile.

Again, thanks for all you do to make our lives and this hobby much better. Lighten up on yourself. You are still the best thing we've got going here.

Take care,
Monte

[Terry M.]

Re: Tail Light Lens Dates (1971)

Terry,
Don't worry about. I am sure it can be very frustrating at times dealing with some of what goes on here. I find this group (68-72) to be very good people to deal with. I cannot say the same of other groups i have dealt with on this site. You make a big difference for a lot of people. You are allowed to be one of us every once in awhile.

Again, thanks for all you do to make our lives and this hobby much better. Lighten up on yourself. You are still the best thing we've got going here.

Take care,
Monte

You are quite kind Monte, and I thank you. I have a job (for the last 44 years) that requires perfection. We don't always make that, but when we don't the results are very public. Generally no one dies, but it is close to that, and on occasion it can be that. I have been trained for all of that time to aspire to perfection, and my OCD helps with that goal. Of course working with 150 or so others similarly bent helps as well. I can not have one part of my life one way and another different. It is just me/us.

[Monte M.]

Re: Tail Light Lens Dates (1971)

Terry,
I was in the same situation for many years. This trait in us is also what make us good restorers of these vehicles. It is the love of details that makes us tick. It is also the love of details that drives the others in our lives crazy.
I was lucky enough to have a life altering experience that changed how I looked at everything. Something so terrible has turned around and made me appreciate how good we have it and to try to remember that there are very few things in life that really matter.

Yes, at work the details matter, but in the rest of life, it is just part of who we choose to be, or fight not to be.

Just enjoy whatever it is you choose to do, or however you choose to be. That is the important thing. So, don't be so hard on yourself. If I have to put up with a grumpy Terry, every now and then, to keep getting the quality information you give all of us, I consider myself lucky.

Monte.

[Monte M.]

Re: Tail Light Lens Dates (1971)

Enough said on the matter.

Happy Holidays to all.
Monte