I need new 107 taillights (Lenses at least)

[rzrob]

Does anyone know where I can get new taillight lenses for my 1976 450SL - CHEAP!!!?

I really don't want to bay $200+ each and that seems to be the cheapest I've found so far. Somebody help me as the old ones really bring down the look of my ride.

Thanks,

RZ Rob

[Strife]

They really are very expensive. I'd be extremely wary of used ones and wouldn't take one without a money back guarantee. I "crack up" when people have the nerve to ask $150 for one with a few minor "stress cracks".

What is wrong with yours? Are they cracked, faded, or just dull? I have just taken off a lot of plastic lenses from my car, cleaned and polished them on a bench buffer with industrial polishes. MAJOR, MAJOR IMPROVEMENT.

Are you aware that a "New" assembly might not also include the gaskets (around $180 a pair!!). No doubt you've seen a 107 with rust in this area. That's why I'm going to bite the bullet and get a set this summer.

I found a place that sells a new lens (only) for under $200. Unless something is very wrong with your assembly, this might not be a bad idea.

I bought a new one last year and although it's very nice, it is definitely deeper in color (yellow and red) than the original. I'd get a set new or used as a set if I could.

Be EXTREMELY careful when removing these. I had one with one of those "stress cracks". By the time I had separated it from the not too good anymore gasket, it was a plain old enormous crack.

[rzrob]

Yeah each of mine have a minor poke/crack and they look dingey. Car otherwise looks tidy. When I changed the lenses on my old Toyota pick-up it made a big difference. I found the lens only for just under $200 - and I won't buy used. Cleaning would probably help, but won't cure the crack. Thanks for the ideas.

RZ Rob

[airedale]

I found a used pair on eBay last summer for $105. My originals had some small pieces chipped out that 3M clear duct tape made presentable and watertight until the replacement set was found.

[sublettd]

I've got a couple rear tail light assemblies that are in pretty good condition as I recall. Been awhile since I looked at them. Make an offer.

I just might be interested in those tail light assemble's. ANy thing is better than what I have now. Had a accident shattered both of them. Any way to send a picture via email

[sublettd]

I could take a picture of the lenses, but the defects in them are so small you probably wouldn't be able to see them. I honestly don't think I can get close enough with my digital camera to get you a good enough picture to see clearly, so I'll try to describe them in concise detail.

The right lens appears to have some of the glue between the brake light and turn signal sections missing on the bottom two shelfs of the lens. This allows it to 'flex' slightly in that area, but it's not broken. I'd probably put some clear silicone in that joint to hold and strengthen it. There is a very slight crack of about 3/16" width in the orange turn signal section on the bottom shelf at the joint.

The left lens has a small crack on the left third of the brake light section of the lens. This crack is in the top vertical area and extends down to the flat front part of that first (top) shelf. It runs about 3/4" vertically and about 1" horizontally. Certainly you can see the crack if you're looking for it, but it's really not very discernible. However, it would probably be more noticeable when the brake is pressed than it is under normal operating conditions.

I have a second left taillight lens...but it is MISSING the approximately 3.5" x 4.0" reflective lens that sits in the center third of the brake light section. I bought it not realizing that part was missing. Should you decide you want the lights and we can agree upon the price I'll toss this piece in. It appears to be new and if you've got some crafty skills...

Finally, I have the lens, frame, and gasket for both lenses. I also have the back cover and light assembly for the left. Let me know if you're interested and in what part(s).

I took both rear lens completely apart to clean the 25 years of fine black road dust off with dish detergent. I found the chromed plastic insert that reflects the light bulbs to be eroded away of the chrome. I had a can of that CHROME in a spray can, it's close, but I used it anyway, and my taillights look pretty darn near like new. A little spraying of furniture polish makes them shine like new............BB

[rzrob]

Thanks for the ideas. I think for now I'll pass on the used assemblies. Mine are fine, just dingey. I'm going to try your thought of doing an overhaul on them. They each have a small crack too. I want bright fresh new ones, as the car otherwise looks tidy.

Rob

[airedale]

How much for the pair?

[sublettd]

John,

I've already priced them to another individual in a PM. If he doesn't want them, then we can discuss price.

Thanks,