70 Challenger Taillight Bezels and Lenses?

[filmsurgeon]

Fellow Members,

I'm certain that this topic has been discussed previously, but I can't seem to find the right postings that pertain my my query.  I am looking to replace my taillight bezels (pitted) and lenses (warped) and have found only a couple of options for aftermarket ones.

Regarding Bezels:  In a older thread I read of a guy by the name of David Seward in Florida who manufactures these, but can't seem to find how to buy them or learn of the quality.  I know PG Classic ($425) and Year One ($655) sell them, but that's about it.  Also, I'm confused about the correct finish on these.  Both of the previously mentioned suppliers sell these chrome with black paint around the edges.  My old, pitted bezels (don't know if original or not) are ALL chrome, no black paint anywhere.  Were the bezels produced in two versions?  Did the base Challengers have all chrome and the R/Ts and T/As have bezels outlined with black paint?  Does anyone know who makes/offers (or where can I get) the best quality bezels without braeaking the bank?

Regarding Lenses:  I believe mine are original, but they are quite warped.  I know these are available also from Year One ($420) and Mopars by Crane ($315) and possibly others.  Both sell as 3 piece set including back-up lense w/letters.  Has anyone had experiences with either of these parts from these sellers?  Is one set any better than the other?  Is Year One's prices higher because theirs are better repops or are they selling the same ones as Mopars by Crane, but with a considerably higher mark-up?

Your help with this is much appreciated.  Thanks

[MEK-Dangerfield]

This is an expensive can of worms you just opened.  All of the tail light bezels were chrome, with black paint around the outside. If your's doesn't have black paint, then it probably started to peel, and someone stripped the rest off. These were made of cheap pot metal, and over time, most have pitted. I have replaced mine with aftermarket stuff. This was all about 5 years ago. At that time David Seward was the only one I saw repopping the bezels. He does the side marker lights too. The last contact info I have for him is TWOBLUEVETTES@aol.com I can't comment on any place else that makes repop bezels. I also have repop lenses that I bought on E-Bay. They look good, but my fit wasn't perfect. I let them sit in the sun for a while to soften up a bit, then I got them to fit just fine. Good luck with yours. This is an expensive way to go, but it looks so nice when you are done. 


  Mike

[filmsurgeon]

Thanx Mike for the feedback, but if you look at the attached photos of this restored original R/T (this was the debut show car that promoted the Panther Pink color), it looks like the bezels don't have any black paint on them.  They may have not been restored correctly, but I think this car was done to factory specs, a concourse restoration.  I realize this is "an expensive can of worms" issue, but I'm hoping to discover the best solution at the fairest price.  Thanx, Joe

[ksierens]

It looks like B/E&A sells the bezels with the correct black edges.

http://www.beaparts.com/list_items.aspx?body=e&cat=e

[LAA66]

 Don't mean to but in but are the deck and quarter trim on the pink challenger correct for a 70? I am currently replacing mine and they are rounded without the detail running down the middle.

   My original tailight bezels are timmed in black.

[Chryco Psycho]

I bought a set of billet alum ones at Carlisle last year & they & the ones on my car are painted black
 I will se if I can find the vendor

[Challenger6pak]

Don't mean to but in but are the deck and quarter trim on the pink challenger correct for a 70? I am currently replacing mine and they are rounded without the detail running down the middle.

   My original tailight bezels are timmed in black.

The bezels should be trimmed in black.  The rounded trim is original for the 70.  It should be the same as the edge on your headlight bezels.

[MEK-Dangerfield]

The bezels should be trimmed in black.  The rounded trim is original for the 70.  It should be the same as the edge on your headlight bezels.

   

  That pink Challenger looks nice, but it isn't how it came from the factory. Possibly someone restored it to their liking. Alot of us do it that way. I'm a good example. 


  Mike

[LAA66]

 Thanks guys. I heard the trim with the detail was the only product available for many years. The YO trim I just purchased must be correct.  

 I read a post about the rear bumper guards that were available from Jacks Auto Parts. They don't have the rubber inserts like the ones on the pink Challenger though. Was that an option?  

[TommySS]

The bezels should be trimmed in black.  The rounded trim is original for the 70.  It should be the same as the edge on your headlight bezels.

Absolutely correct.  If the panther pink R/T (presented above) is being touted as a concours restoration, it's not accurate.

[filmsurgeon]

Thanx to all for the feedback.  So, all-chrome bezels were not used on any 70 Challengers, not even base models?  Does anyone have recommendations for the lenses?  Also, I think "B/E&A Parts" is selling the same stuff as "PG Classic" but at higher prices.  Thanx, Joe

[MEK-Dangerfield]

Thanks guys. I heard the trim with the detail was the only product available for many years. The YO trim I just purchased must be correct.  

 I read a post about the rear bumper guards that were available from Jacks Auto Parts. They don't have the rubber inserts like the ones on the pink Challenger though. Was that an option?  

I believe the rubber on the rear bumper guards was just available on S/E models. All the after-market rear bumper guards don't have that on them.

  Mike

[Alaskan_TA]

The rubber strips on the rear bumpers were available as sales code M85, it included the rubber strips on the rear guards and front bumper guards. It was available on all 1970 Challenger models.

Barry

[mr.mopar]

hello
my untushed 70 challenger convertible have chrome bezels with black edge.
where can i bay som new rear bumper guards.year one does not sell them anymore.jims autoparts have them on the web but they overcharge the shipping cost to much on overseas shipping and have some bad mail problems.they newer respond on mail exept those where the visa card# is on.
thanks runar

[Tropicalcats]

So who re-pops the bezels?
 I just sent my pot metal ones out to be restored and I'm waiting for the estimate. I hope I'm sitting down when they call.