Rear Reflectors--Can You Swap Sides?

[BKGolde02]

I purchased a NOS rear reflector for the back side panel of my '73 roundie. I needed a replacement for my left side rear, but accidentally bought one labeled 'rear right'.

 

Does anyone know if I can just flip the 'rear right' reflector and use it on the left side? The only issue that I see could be that the rubber wiring/gasket for the bulb would be turned up (instead of facing down) when it is applied to the car.

 

Hopefully someone has some experience with this and understands my issue. Would love to make this reflector work on the left side if possible.

 

Matt

[dlacey]

Hi Matt,

 

they are asymmetric, you cant flip it...it wont mechanically fit.  Not sure if you could modify it...  

can you restore a second-hand one??

 

[Mike Self]

When you say "rear reflector" do you mean the reflectors on the back panel of the car (between the tail lights) or the illuminated ones on the rear quarter panels?  

 

If the quarter panel lamps, you can use 'em on either side by simply turning over the bulb housing and rubber protective cover so the wire outlet faces down. 

 

If those on the rear panel, they are handed, and carry two different part numbers (63141353055/56).  If you look carefully, the rubber base gaskets are angled so the reflectors remain vertical while attached to a downwardly curved panel.  So if you put a left on the right side, it will point downward rather than being vertical.  

 

mike

[BKGolde02]

1 hour ago, mike said:

When you say "rear reflector" do you mean the reflectors on the back panel of the car (between the tail lights) or the illuminated ones on the rear quarter panels?  

 

If the quarter panel lamps, you can use 'em on either side by simply turning over the bulb housing and rubber protective cover so the wire outlet faces down. 

 

If those on the rear panel, they are handed, and carry two different part numbers (63141353055/56).  If you look carefully, the rubber base gaskets are angled so the reflectors remain vertical while attached to a downwardly curved panel.  So if you put a left on the right side, it will point downward rather than being vertical.  

 

mike

Thanks, guys. The reflector/lamp I wanted to flip is the one in the photo here.

 

Mike, as you said, I thought I may be able to take it apart slightly and rotate the rubber housing and then it would sit aimilar to the right side. I know the lens is angled, but I think I can flip it on to the other side of the inside rubber part can be adjusted.

 

Matt

 

 

[BKGolde02]

Shit. Just took a closer look. Not going to work.

 

Thanks, guys.

 

haha anyone looking for the rear right side reflector!!?! Let me know.