Correct tail light lens for 1971 2002

[Andrewp]

I would like to replace my tail light lenses on my 1971 2002. The current lenses on my car have a red center for the turn lens.

What I have found online all have amber center lenses. This is not a concours car by any means but since I want to replace them thought I might as well get the correct ones.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

Edited February 25, 2020 by Andrewp

[tomphot]

Red center lenses were used for US cars from ‘67(?) to early 1970 production.   They then went to amber centers.

Edited February 25, 2020 by tomphot

[adawil2002]

Your car, do what you want, URO make great repro lenses both red & amber centers.

[m42002]

I prefer the amber. A driver behind trying  to see a red blinker over a simultaneous red brake light is a sketchy proposition. 

Edited February 25, 2020 by GoGo Garnet

[jimk]

I seem to remember some Fed rules about amber on the front lamps and red on the rears and so the changeover.  Supposed to tell something when about which end of the car is lit up, but some people can't tell their front side from their lower back side.

 

This doesn't completely answer the question, watch out for Trooper Richardson, he has the straight scoop.

https://www.nhtsa.gov/interpretations/24200ztv

Edited February 25, 2020 by jimk

[Conserv]

On 2/25/2020 at 9:08 AM, adawil2002 said:

Your car, do what you want, URO make great repro lenses both red & amber centers.

But... if what you want is a stock appearance, respecting the year and date of your car, follow @tomphot’s guidance: U.S. cars had red-center taillights until just before January 1, 1970. Thereafter, they had amber centers. Many taillights, especially the early ones, are date stamped. Below is a red-center taillight manufactured August 13, 1969. It was original to my very early 1970 model (VIN 1668093, manufactured September 8, 1969).

 

Euro-spec cars, of course, did not follow the U.S. regulations. I think they may have always had amber-center taillights — or maybe that was red-center.... ??

 

Regards,

 

Steve

 

Edited February 26, 2020 by Conserv

[Mike Self]

32 minutes ago, Conserv said:

Euro-spec cars, of course, did not follow the U.S. regulations. I think they may have always had amber-center taillights — or maybe that was red-center....

I believe the Euro spec cars had amber center lenses from the very beginning but those destined for the US--even  before the US-specific VINs began with the 1968 model year (156xxxx for 1600s; 166xxxx for 2002s) were equipped with red center lenses.  These, along with mph speedometers and Hoffman's "non optional options" (bumper guards, chrome exhaust tip etc) are what denote a US-bound 1600 prior to the US-specific cars began production with the '68 model year.  These are cars with 150/1/2/3/4xxxx VINs.

 

mike

[02Les]

I can't think of another Country that has/had red blinkers on the rear. Maybe another Country owned by the US?

[Conserv]

5 hours ago, 02Les said:

I can't think of another Country that has/had red blinkers on the rear. Maybe another Country owned by the US?

That makes us special, Les... ??

 

Best regards,

 

Steve

 

[Andrewp]

Thanks guys for the info.