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  • #1

    Taillight Different?

    Posted this in "garage" -- will also try here! Help!
    Recently in an accident that needed the driver's taillight replaced on our 2002 TB . . .
    Problem is, this replacement looks completely different! The original passenger taillight is very bright to where you can always see the faceting in the lens, whereas the replacement lens has a muddy dull finish. It's very obvious -- & pretty ugly!
    Part number shows 2002 on both lens. Question is, did the taillight change over the next few years in appearance? If so, that means we'll have to find that original style 02 -- that's what the car had, that's what we need to get!!
    (Have you noticed when you google "2002 Thunderbird Tallight" you see everything but??!! Sites usually show some pickup truck yet!!)
    Thanks for any help on this . . .
    Attached Files
    Last edited by frankstbird; Oct 1, 2008, 10:42 AM. Reason: adding picture . . .
    Tags: None
  • #2
    Re: Taillight Different?

    I'm pretty sure the tail lights are the exact same for all four years. Sounds to me you got a defective part. I wouldn't accept it, and would make them order you a new one.

    Comment

    • #3
      Re: Taillight Different?

      thank you, that's what I'm thinking -- other things changed (mostly trim) but wouldn't make sense the taillight'd change!

      Comment

      • #4
        Re: Taillight Different?

        Looks like you did not get a real FoMoCo part.
        Lonestar
        It was a smile in every mile
        Gotta love that American Ride

        Comment

        • #5
          Re: Taillight Different?

          Now that's interesting. Replacement does have a Ford number, but that sure doesn't mean it's "real" . . .

          Driver's Lens says: DOT LH SAE AIST 02TD

          Passenger Lens (the original one) says: DOT RH SAE AIST 02TD

          Both have the Ford oval in lower area. Understand that LH & RH are which side . . .

          Appreciate all your help -- this is my late husband's pride & joy, & I have to get it right!

          I know the muffler's wrong too after this (if that photo shows it), but here we're waiting for Ford, as the thing's only available from Ford!! (This after they did install an aftermarket, then cheerfully pointed out to me why it's wrong after the hanger broke on it!!)

          (Irony is my insurance company strongly discouraged my going to the shop I wanted to, as in "we can't guarantee the work if you don't go to our choice")

          Thanks again. Will keep watching for more ideas . . .definitely going after the body shop.

          Comment

          • #6
            Re: Taillight Different?

            Ya know, we proabbly have some member near you who would be happy to go discuss this situation with the shop so that the car is done corectly.

            So sorry about your husband - sincere condolences.
            Lonestar
            It was a smile in every mile
            Gotta love that American Ride

            Comment

            • #7
              Re: Taillight Different?

              .. and as far as mufflers go, there are probably members here that have the complete rear half of the exhaust leftover from a Borla upgrade.
              Do you know the difference between education and experience?
              Education is when you read the fine print; experience is what you get when you don't.

              Comment

              • #8
                Re: Taillight Different?

                Thanks all! Info let me talk to body shop intelligently, & they're ordering a new taillight (this one's "used"-- why??!!); guy agreed that it does look bad.

                Seems we have to replace the WHOLE exhaust -- the 2 pipes come together under the car side by side & are tied together some way, so apparently the whole assembly comes as 1 piece!! (I know something about cars & I kept saying "but it's dual exhaust, why do we have to replace BOTH sides?" Well here it is. The never-ending quest to complicate things s much as possible, by car makers. Insurance should be good on this so waiting to hear that.

                Thanks everybody!

                Definitely will let you know if I do need "back up". Thanks for offering!

                Comment

                • #9
                  Re: Taillight Different?

                  I think you got a FLOOD LIGHT. A light from a car that was in a flood. Water gets inside and then dries causing a foggy light. Same with headlights that are in floods, but they are alot easier to spot.
                  Leroy

                  Comment

                  • #10
                    Re: Taillight Different?

                    Frank, As many on here that know after replacing their system with a Borla system know that the exhaust IS one piece from the cats on back. I replaced mind myself and the stock system comes off in one piece, all welded together. There isn't much of a need for these because they are all stainless steel so when we made the move from PA. to FL. the beginning of this year I threw my stock system into the Dumpster with a lot of other things I didn't want to bring down with us.

                    There may be some members that may have one laying around that you could get if they are close to you.
                    They are Here. Scotty, beam me up!
                    IT'S 5 O'CLOCK SOMEWHERE
                    Visit the TBN Store

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                    • #11
                      Re: Taillight Different?

                      I just tossed mine (actually, recycling came and picked it up...had it 'hanging around' for over 3 years!).

                      Comment

                      • #12
                        Re: Taillight Different?

                        Good news is insurance agrees with whole new exhaust (not that they have much choice!) Don't know what the muffler guy was thinking . . .

                        Interesting thought on the "flood" taillight -- body shop did say something about it could have come (used) from anywhere and "could've been sun or whatever". Hmm. So "flood" makes sense . . . you can tell even in my little picture how it looks. I call it the "cataract" effect for that dull foggy look . . .

                        Thanks all! Will keep you posted. Everything's supposed to be in next week, & put on . . .

                        Comment

                        • #13
                          Re: Taillight Different?

                          ...to those that have'nt discarded their stock exhaust....hang on to them....I had a tough time getting a replacement for mine....waited ages for it to come from Michigan....I'm guessing there is not a lot of stock.....like most of our Thunderbird parts it seems....

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                          • #14
                            Re: Taillight Different?

                            Good news is insurance will buy BOTH the NEW taillight & complete exhaust system -- this should all finally be done next week.

                            Thanks so much everyone for your support & help. Will post pic of Red when she's finally looking right!

                            I AM going to find out why this all wasn't done 2 months ago when the accident happened . . . .

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