78-81 Camaro Tailight Ideas?

[kursed56]

Im looking for an affordable car to build. Im looking at the late second gen Camaros (78-81) but cant stand the tail light design.

Any ideas? Thanks.

[Boyd]

:ssst: I, uhm, know somebody that , uh, had the same problem...I, uhm, I mean he, bought a second gen because it was very affordable...and he also hates the late second gen tail light design. Not to mention the fact that no one reproduces them. Anyway, he came up with an idea that's kinda crazy. This person...whoever he is....is actually considering using Toyota Supra taillights. I know, that sounds crazy. I,uhm, I mean he is kinda afraid that most people won't get past the "ricer" stigma associated with these lights, but they look cool as can be mounted on the car. He'll have to fab a fiberglass filler panel, and fab some mounting brackets, but the Supra lights came with four bulbs just like the late second gen Camaros, so wiring is a snap. Here, I have some spy shots...


https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[silverz28]

Hey, I'm all for trying something different but I think you should look for some other tail lights they just don't seem to fit the look of the Camaro. My .02 cents.
I'm on my third second gen Camaro and yeah the tail light are kinda boring. I think I would just get some tail light covers and paint them body colour, minus some openings for signal and break, and remove them at night.

Good luck with what ever you decide.

[ahowudoin]

If you are going to change, Why not put 70-73 lights in

[kursed56]

Thanks Boyd for sharing your ideas. I think the Supra lights will look cool. Keep me posted.

I do love the 70-73 taillights but I think the later Camaros need a little newer look to go along with the front end.

If I have time, Ill sketch up some ideas this weekend.

[JoshStratton]

Dude dejavu. Do a search and you will find some posts on this subject.

I was doing the exact same thing, but it is a PITA.

https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/showthread.php?t=21182

https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/showthread.php?t=13124


Hey Boyd, your lights look close, but backwards. Can you switch the individual glass around in those? The curve is close if you can switch the left and right. I think it will look ok.

I purchased a coupla crappy stock glass pieces from ehell. I am going to get some epoxy and make myself a mold for one-off, smoothed and smoked tail lights.


If you are going to change, Why not put 70-73 lights in

This would be somewhat difficult if you dont have metal working skils. You basically have to rebuild the rear panel of the car. The bulbs enter differently.