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History / OriginalityGot a question about 1982-1992 Camaro or Firebird history? Have a question about original parts, options, RPO codes, when something was available, or how to document your car? Those questions, answers, and much more!
OK, third gen gurus - I have run a search so as to not be a pain in the backside, but could not find anything definitive. I believe this to be an "originality" question, so here goes - when our Camaros rolled off the line, did the front turn signal lenses have a little smoke to them? I need to replace mine, but I've seen some aftermarket ones that are crystal clear, and I don't want that. I don't remember them being so bright when new. I'm hoping someone can push me in the right direction as to the best replacements for my old, worn out, original lenses. Thanks in advance!
From my own experience, my original bumper lights appear dark or tinted . . are they? Not sure, or did the chrome degrade over the years . . . my new GM replacement lights certainly do appear brighter, again is the lens clearer than original? Or is the chrome just that bright.
Youre right, aftermarket lights have that "crystal clear" look to them. Even the GM licensed reproductions...
The original lights, like these NOS units I found on Ebay in their original boxes, have a black trim behind the lens. Aftermarket lights have chrome plated housings giving them that "too clear" look.
NOS lights can be quite a challenge to find. I am proud to have these, haha.
Do what I did and restore the original ones. Find a decent looking pair, cut the fronts off neatly with a Dremel, clean and polish the insides, and RTV them back together. I think they turn out well without being too clear! The thread is here somewhere that I used to do it.
Youre right, aftermarket lights have that "crystal clear" look to them. Even the GM licensed reproductions...
The original lights, like these NOS units I found on Ebay in their original boxes, have a black trim behind the lens. Aftermarket lights have chrome plated housings giving them that "too clear" look.
NOS lights can be quite a challenge to find. I am proud to have these, haha.
Hope this helps.
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Very helpful. It verifies that I'm not seeing things, the reproductions just seem eye-poppingly bright. I thought I remembered the originals being more subdued by comparison.
Do what I did and restore the original ones. Find a decent looking pair, cut the fronts off neatly with a Dremel, clean and polish the insides, and RTV them back together. I think they turn out well without being too clear! The thread is here somewhere that I used to do it.
I'll have to give that thread a search. Mine look as though they have some spiderwebbing on the front, so I don't know if they are good candidates for a refurb. I'll look into it, though. Thanks.
07-12-2016, 09:32 AM
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