Rear tail light panels, 1977 to 69-73 ?
 

Hello, my name is Dan, im a new member. I have a chance to purchase a friend's 1977 C-3. I've always wanted a C-3, never owned one, but I much prefer the 1969-1973 versions. My question is, will a rear tail light panel from a 69-73 fit on a 1977 version C-3 if I tried to make the swap out ? This may not seem like a huge deal to some people, but I just truly DO NOT like the newer, protruding style of rear panel like is on the 1977 version. Thank you very much. Dan

In short the answer is no. 68-73 is not bolt on and is part of the main body.

You can do the recently introduced Glasworks stylized kit.

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...onversion.html

There are a couple threads going with forum members doing this swap.
Doorgunner... who`s early car had a later rear, is now replacing the rear clip back to the original style.
Priya, is also putting a "duck tail" on her later model C3.
Both threads packed with pictures and very good information.
The other thread noted above is also a great option.

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...e-project.html

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...n-project.html

Thank you both for taking the time to answer my question. I did assume it wouldn't be as easy as a bolt off/bolt on project, I was more concerned with how the older panel would fit and line up. I also wasn't sure if either panel is actually part of the main body, I didn't want to make the car structurally unsound in any way and in turn have to do any crazy fabrication just for a matter of personal taste.

I will read up on this subject further within the great forum this site has, I will also check out the links you guys provided. Thank you again ! Dan

Hi Dan,
Welcome!
First posts!!!!
If as you you posted, you really don't like the 1974+ rubber bumper, I think it would be unwise to buy your friend's 1977 car.
To do the change to bumpers well will require a LOT of work by someone with extensive fiberglass skills and a LOT of time and money.
There's no reason for you to get started down that long road when you still have the option to buy a 68-73 car.
I hope that you start learning about 1968-1973 cars and then begin looking for one that you can buy.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan

This :iagree:

There are still plenty of reasonably priced chrome bumpers cars out there. No need to go to all that work unless you really enjoy bodywork and painting.

As many can attest to, buy the best you can afford up front as buying crap and then spending every weekend buying parts and wrenching is false economy and the quickest way to hate your new Corvette.

Does "OZ" = Australia? If so then that may limit your options and a conversion may be a consideration

Hi DD,
Dan's profile indicates the U.S. as "Country of Residence".
Regards,
Alan

The aftermarket or used parts and fiberglass materials needed to make the conversion will cost you $1,500+ IF you do the work yourself. I have never done bodywork before....the members are giving me great advice as I progress (slowly).

So.....add at least $1,500 to the cost of the car you are looking at....then decide if it is cost effective.

:thumbs:

:iagree:

Yeah, it's one thing to already own a car that you have decided to completely change the rear fascia on, but it's just not a great plan to actually know this ahead of time, and buy a '77 planning on cutting up the back to kinda make it look like an early car from behind.

There's lots of 68-72 coupes available for sale, and their prices are still very affordable. Many good cars well under $20k. And that car will retain a much higher value going forward.