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Question on reverse vs tail light

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Old Apr 23, 2025 | 05:30 PM
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Default Question on reverse vs tail light

Does anyone know why the reverse light lens has an extra "ledge" on the interior vs the tail light on the 73 and earlier lights? See the photo below. On the reverse light it's almost like there's a flange for a second seal on the back side. I don't see that mating up with anything in the housing. Why is it there? The second photo I'm pointing to what I'm talking about.



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Old Apr 24, 2025 | 07:41 AM
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Maybe so the purely red lens cannot be seated into the back cup section of the backup light housing?
Prevent a mixup in assembly?
I know the backup light assembly will not fit into the tail/brake light opening in the bumper to prevent mistakes during assembly of the rear bumper.
Just a wild guess.
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Old Apr 25, 2025 | 12:49 AM
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Originally Posted by DWAVette
Maybe so the purely red lens cannot be seated into the back cup section of the backup light housing?
Prevent a mixup in assembly?
I know the backup light assembly will not fit into the tail/brake light opening in the bumper to prevent mistakes during assembly of the rear bumper.
Just a wild guess.
Seems reasonable.
.........
I have the 68 tail lights and backup light configuration on my 70. Didn't want to part with the four red tail lights that my 68 has.
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Old Apr 25, 2025 | 05:11 AM
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I agree. I like the four red tail light look so much, I converted my 75 to the look!


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Old Apr 25, 2025 | 07:48 PM
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And then the previous owner had a old show car, with 'custom' lights in back.......

as I recall they were '68 Oldsmobile......



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Old Apr 26, 2025 | 02:42 PM
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So the answer is, it doesn't do anything. I cut mine out with a dremel and it seems to not have harmed anything. Looks no different from the outside. Sneak peek on why I was asking this question in the pictures below.





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Old Apr 27, 2025 | 08:27 AM
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I went with 4 bubble lights with led’s and put 2 LEDs in plate bolt holes for a little help at night

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