Rear Tailight Difference ???

[Guest]

When I aquired my '88 Reatta, I was aware that the left rear Quarter Panel had been replaced per an accident. Since then I have noticed that the Left Lower Brake Light is Much Darker and Duller than the Right, Which is Very Bright and Reflective. I assume that the Right Lense is the original '88. So I would like to replace the Left Lense. My question is, Is anyone out there familiar with these variations? So I dont replace or purchase the wrong year Lense.

[reattadudes]

all the reflectors are the same for all years. I think you will find that the "darker and duller" lens is filled with water, a common problem. we do have dry reflectors available.

Mike, buickreattaparts.com

[Rattaboy]

It seems a production problem allowed the front (red) portion of the reflector to delaminate from the rear (gray) portion of the unit, allowing water to enter the top of the reflector. You can drill a small, 3/16, hole in each end of the back and drain the water and flush. Tou can seal the leak, and seal the holes with silicon. The leak is along the top edge, probably along the curve, you will have located it while flushing as water will come out there.

[2seater]

The reflective part below the tailight is a separate part which can be removed. The technical term is a "reflex". I have noticed this on the left side of more than one Reatta, including mine. It was indeed filled with water, and there was a brown slime growing inside. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> I removed it and pried the two halves apart and cleaned it with a toothbrush. It's better, but not as reflective as the right side. I glued it back together with model cement and drilled two small holes in the lower edge on both of them. Since it seems to be more common on the left side, I suspect it has something to do with the moisture in the exhaust.