Riviera63 Posted February 18, 2019 Share Posted February 18, 2019 I am thinking of purchasing the CARS 63-64 front turn signal lenses. I am wondering if anyone has purchased these. If so, I would be very interested in finding out how they are. Fit, finish, etc. Please let me know if you have. Thanks. Bill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RivNut Posted February 18, 2019 Share Posted February 18, 2019 Call and talk to Glenn and see if they're not returnable if they don't fit. Ask him to make you a deal. If they're good, you'll write a raving review of them here on the forum. Ed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zimm63 Posted February 19, 2019 Share Posted February 19, 2019 Pretty sure thats where I got mine and they fit fine. Can look in the file if you need me to. My guess is there is probably only one source of reproduction, with multiple retail sellers. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Riviera63 Posted February 19, 2019 Author Share Posted February 19, 2019 10 minutes ago, Zimm63 said: Pretty sure thats where I got mine and they fit fine. Can look in the file if you need me to. My guess is there is probably only one source of reproduction, with multiple retail sellers. Thanks for that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zimm63 Posted February 20, 2019 Share Posted February 20, 2019 Pulled the file. The lenses actually came from GM Obsolete in Phoenix. Purchase was in October 2012. For what its worth. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Riviera63 Posted February 20, 2019 Author Share Posted February 20, 2019 58 minutes ago, Zimm63 said: Pulled the file. The lenses actually came from GM Obsolete in Phoenix. Purchase was in October 2012. For what its worth. Thanks for that. I checked those out. I decided to go with the CARS version as they have have the blacked out areas as original and the cost was significantly less for a pair. I will see how they work out and report back. Bill 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Riviera63 Posted February 24, 2019 Author Share Posted February 24, 2019 (edited) I received my new lenses on Friday. They appear to be very nicely made. It will be awhile before I can actually put them on and report back with information on the fit. So far, so good. They came with 4 screw retainers (5/8" X 1/4") for each lens. I have had my lenses and turn signal assemblies out/apart a couple of times and did not run across any retainers like these. Does anyone know how/where these are used when the lenses are installed? Are these retainers one of those things that originally were installed on the car when new but, were discarded or lost over the years? Input appreciated. Thanks. Bill Edited February 24, 2019 by Riviera63 revise text (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DualQuadDave Posted February 25, 2019 Share Posted February 25, 2019 They are decent for repro's, but they seem a little small vs the original ones. Originals fit perfect, even after 50yrs. These just seem off some when I put them in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Riviera63 Posted February 25, 2019 Author Share Posted February 25, 2019 50 minutes ago, DualQuadDave said: They are decent for repro's, but they seem a little small vs the original ones. Originals fit perfect, even after 50yrs. These just seem off some when I put them in. Dave, you could have said that before I ordered them. Just kidding. Were yours from CARS? Time will tell how they fit. If they do not fit properly they will go back. Too much money to spend on something that does not fit correctly. If they fit correctly then it is money well spent. I do find it hard to believe that with today's technology that reproduction parts can't be made to fit the same as the originals and that they would be marketed and sold if they didn't. Too be continued. Anyone have any insight on the retainers? Bill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DualQuadDave Posted February 25, 2019 Share Posted February 25, 2019 I think you will be ok, I am super picky. Mine were from OPGI, but you can bet only one company is actually making them for both. Yeah, I agree, with today's tech, there is no reason to make a part that doesn't not fit correctly. I think the acrylic they used might have shrunk after processing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1965rivgs Posted February 26, 2019 Share Posted February 26, 2019 Bill, This is an NOS example. The first overall pic is not in focus but if you look closely you can see the small push nuts that holds the lenses together. I would imagine the push clips you received with your repro lenses are to take the place of the originals, Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Riviera63 Posted February 26, 2019 Author Share Posted February 26, 2019 9 hours ago, 1965rivgs said: Bill, This is an NOS example. The first overall pic is not in focus but if you look closely you can see the small push nuts that holds the lenses together. I would imagine the push clips you received with your repro lenses are to take the place of the originals, Tom Hi Tom, Thanks, that is exactly what I needed. I'm sure these small fasteners were lost/discarded early on after some bulb changes. Not that it is a difficult chore without those fasteners but, having the lens in place and secure would make disassembly/reassembly easier. One does not want to have a lens moving or falling out where it can get scratched. Bill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Riviera63 Posted June 18, 2019 Author Share Posted June 18, 2019 I got my new front turn signal lenses installed today. The CARS repros fit perfectly and look great. Everything went back together without a hitch. These are worth buying and I am glad I got them. Especially after I got my old ones out and did a side by side comparison. Bill 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bodayguy Posted June 18, 2019 Share Posted June 18, 2019 Can you show them on the car? Curious about the difference with new clear lenses. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RivNut Posted June 18, 2019 Share Posted June 18, 2019 If they're clear, will you even be able to see them? 🤔 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Riviera63 Posted June 18, 2019 Author Share Posted June 18, 2019 3 hours ago, bodayguy said: Can you show them on the car? Curious about the difference with new clear lenses. Ed has a point. If you look at the last 2 pictures, you really can't tell that there is a lens in there because the lens is so clear. I will be happy to shoot a picture for you. I just cannot do it right now. I will be able to do later this evening or tomorrow morning. I will say this. I had been going back and forth for 2 years about this. I really did not want to spend that kind of money and it was still not clear that the fitment was good. I finally said to hell with it during the winter and bought them. As soon I looked at the old ones and then at the new ones in the bezels I knew I had made the right decision. Bill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Riviera63 Posted June 19, 2019 Author Share Posted June 19, 2019 5 hours ago, bodayguy said: Can you show them on the car? Curious about the difference with new clear lenses. Here you go. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RivNut Posted June 19, 2019 Share Posted June 19, 2019 All you can see are the ribs in the back glass. If it weren't ribbed, there would be nothing to see. Very nice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
telriv Posted June 19, 2019 Share Posted June 19, 2019 That's only one part of the lens. There's another piece that goes behind the lens if I remember correctly. Tom T. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RivNut Posted June 19, 2019 Share Posted June 19, 2019 That's what I was referring to when i mentioned the "ribs in the back glass." Vertical ribs in a flat piece of plastic. Probably used to difuse the light from the turn signal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bodayguy Posted June 19, 2019 Share Posted June 19, 2019 One of mine is cracked so you’re certainly convincing me. Looks sharp. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Riviera63 Posted June 19, 2019 Author Share Posted June 19, 2019 7 hours ago, bodayguy said: One of mine is cracked so you’re certainly convincing me. Looks sharp. Your chances of you finding a used one that is not cracked is slim to none. If you would get a replacement set you would have a backup spare in the event something should happen to one of the new ones. On the other hand, since uncracked originals are so rare, you could sell the one you have for a pretty good price and offset some of the cost of the new ones. If you should decide to buy a set, check e-bay to see if they have them listed there. CARS has many of their items listed for sale there. I have purchased several items from CARS in the last couple of months and all have been on e-bay. Many times the items they have listed have free shipping or reduced shipping costs compared to ordering from their online site. I have saved quite a bit of money doing that. Bill 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1965rivgs Posted June 19, 2019 Share Posted June 19, 2019 It is possible to find originals which are not crazed but most will show deterioration. I sorted through all my lenses, about 25 or so, and have a few pairs....but I`m hitting the road for awhile, will be back in a few weeks if anyone would like a pair send me a PM, Tom Mooney Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Riviera63 Posted June 19, 2019 Author Share Posted June 19, 2019 (edited) Here are a couple of shots of what mine looked like. Bill Edited June 19, 2019 by Riviera63 add pictures (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1965rivgs Posted June 19, 2019 Share Posted June 19, 2019 Wow...dont think any of mine are cracked like that...my worst examples have more what I would call a "field" of crazing as opposed to long cracks, Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chasander Posted June 20, 2019 Share Posted June 20, 2019 Lens still clear after 56 years. Why are so many newer cars fogged just after 4-5 years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RivNut Posted June 20, 2019 Share Posted June 20, 2019 Listen to the birdie. "Cheap." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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