71E vs 71L
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 155
Likes: 4
From: Florida
71E vs 71L
I know this is a stupid question but here goes anyway.
I am looking to replace my cracked back up light lens and every site or catalog says for "Early 71 or Late 71" How do I tell which version I have?
I've searched everywhere and I can't find the answer.
Do you go by the VIN or is there another way to tell?
Thanks
By the way I do have a 71!
I am looking to replace my cracked back up light lens and every site or catalog says for "Early 71 or Late 71" How do I tell which version I have?
I've searched everywhere and I can't find the answer.
Do you go by the VIN or is there another way to tell?
Thanks
By the way I do have a 71!
Last edited by tmd442; Jun 2, 2010 at 07:43 AM. Reason: Info
Race Director
Joined: Sep 1999
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From: Plano TX
If you have clear front parking light lenses it's early. Amber is late.
But we have learned the hard way that there are no firm rules on these cars. All parts were not changed at the same time for early/late. They would continue installing the old parts until they ran out. Nothing was wasted.
But we have learned the hard way that there are no firm rules on these cars. All parts were not changed at the same time for early/late. They would continue installing the old parts until they ran out. Nothing was wasted.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
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From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Check the title block along the bottom of the AIM page for a revision date. It might show a date and a notation "was (the old part number)".
Remember, if a revision date is shown in the AIM, it is possible the new parts were already being installed on the assembly line by the time the AIM was revised.
If memory serves, early 71 taillight/backup lenses had round centers, later lenses were conical.
Remember, if a revision date is shown in the AIM, it is possible the new parts were already being installed on the assembly line by the time the AIM was revised.
If memory serves, early 71 taillight/backup lenses had round centers, later lenses were conical.
Last edited by Easy Mike; Jun 2, 2010 at 03:05 PM.
Drifting
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From: Woodinville WA
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2009
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From: Providence RI
FWIW, my June-production '71 shows virtually none of the purportedly late-'71 features (except the above-mentioned taillamps; mine are non-conical).
So late-production is REALLY late production, like maybe last month or so. at most.
So late-production is REALLY late production, like maybe last month or so. at most.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
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From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
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Race Director
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From: Shamong, NJ
From the April 72 Corvette Parts Book, "70-71 (1st Design) Note 1 Center portion of lens is conical shape. 71-72 (2nd Design) Note 2 Center portion of lens is spherical." GM didn't give any information as to when the change took place, and I've never seen any diffinative date or VIN for the change. I suspect that most 71s had the domed, or rounded, 2nd design lens, though I have no prove of this.
Besides the cone vs dome shape, the 1st design and 2nd design (I'm not getting into early & late
) lenses are marked with either "70" (1st design) or "71" (2nd desgn) as part of the lens' SAE markings. As an example, the markings on a cone shaped, 1st design, back-up lens are: "GUIDE 19 SAE RA 70" and the dome shaped, 2nd design, back-up lens is marked: "GM 19 SAE AR 71". The all red tail lamps have similar markings and dates.
Besides the cone vs dome shape, the 1st design and 2nd design (I'm not getting into early & late
) lenses are marked with either "70" (1st design) or "71" (2nd desgn) as part of the lens' SAE markings. As an example, the markings on a cone shaped, 1st design, back-up lens are: "GUIDE 19 SAE RA 70" and the dome shaped, 2nd design, back-up lens is marked: "GM 19 SAE AR 71". The all red tail lamps have similar markings and dates.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Crossville TN
I believe that ALL '71 parking lamp lenses [from the factory, anyway] were clear. This discussion has been processed many times on this Forum and no one (to my memory) has produced a verified original '71 with amber parking lenses.
P.S. My Dec. 70 built '71 has the 'early' version of the back-up lenses.
P.S. My Dec. 70 built '71 has the 'early' version of the back-up lenses.
Melting Slicks
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2024 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Nevada City California
I can give you some specific information. I have 2 '71's, both coupes. VIN 15065, Trim tag I 20 has conical lense back-up lite and dome lense tail light.
VIN 12659, Trim tag H 18 has dome lense back-up lite and dome lense tail light.
VIN 12659, Trim tag H 18 has dome lense back-up lite and dome lense tail light.
