rear tailight gaps?

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Hwy78Cruiser
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Years Owned: 1966

rear tailight gaps?

Postby Hwy78Cruiser » Sat Sep 15, 2018 7:23 am

I recently acquired a '66 Toro when my Dad passed away. He was in the process of re-assembling it so most of the parts were off the car. My first job was to inventory the parts, and I could identify almost everything and the car seems largely complete.

However, per the attached pic, there is a gap on each side between the taillight lenses and the license plate mounting area, that look like they would have a lens form. I don't recall seeing anything like these during my inventory and can't for the life of me figure out why they are there. I see from pics on line that these gaps are filled with something but I can't see enough detail to figure it out.

Can someone please enlighten me, what belongs in these gaps?
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Otto Skorzeny
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Years Owned: 1966 Toronado

Re: rear tailight gaps?

Postby Otto Skorzeny » Sat Sep 15, 2018 5:11 pm

There are two little square reflectors that go there. I've never understood their purpose and why they weren't made as part of the taillight assembly. It's like someone in the design studio measured wrong and they had to put those little squares in there to fill the mistake.

Sorry about your dad. He'd be happy to see the good work you're doing on his car.

What type of sealant did you use between the taillight assembly and the rear valence?
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Hwy78Cruiser
Posts: 74
Joined: Fri Sep 14, 2018 11:23 am
TOA Membership Number: 1373
Years Owned: 1966

Re: rear tailight gaps?

Postby Hwy78Cruiser » Tue Sep 18, 2018 6:06 am

Thanks Otto, that sure does look like some design mistake. On this, GM's design classic no less ...

I used standard butyl rubber (dum-dum) sealant as it doesn't set up so can be removed, and seals well.

if I don't find those lenses in my Dad's boxes, how are they attached?, that is to say if I spot a pair in a junkyard, what tools will I need.

Thanks again!

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Otto Skorzeny
Posts: 1721
Joined: Fri Feb 28, 2014 12:41 pm
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Years Owned: 1966 Toronado

Re: rear tailight gaps?

Postby Otto Skorzeny » Tue Sep 18, 2018 7:55 am

I just went out and looked at my car. It looks like they can only be accessed with the bumper off from below. The mounting area is behind the stamping for the fuel filler neck

Here are two spares I have. It looks like they screw or bolt on from behind. I don't see any screw holes or brackets in your photo, though.
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Hwy78Cruiser
Posts: 74
Joined: Fri Sep 14, 2018 11:23 am
TOA Membership Number: 1373
Years Owned: 1966

Re: rear tailight gaps?

Postby Hwy78Cruiser » Wed Sep 19, 2018 6:28 am

I will have to take a look next time I go visit (it's in storage right now while I finish my '71 Suburban). If I don't find mine, would you consider parting with your spares?

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Otto Skorzeny
Posts: 1721
Joined: Fri Feb 28, 2014 12:41 pm
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Years Owned: 1966 Toronado

Re: rear tailight gaps?

Postby Otto Skorzeny » Fri Sep 21, 2018 5:17 am

Send me an email at the link below my name. I sent you one.

Hwy78Cruiser
Posts: 74
Joined: Fri Sep 14, 2018 11:23 am
TOA Membership Number: 1373
Years Owned: 1966

Re: rear tailight gaps?

Postby Hwy78Cruiser » Mon Apr 06, 2020 9:24 pm

I found my "filler lenses". My Dad took the car apart, so every box I dive into is a treasure chest that helps solve the puzzle. Unfortunately, he liked to collect spares, so I keep coming up with extra parts, which is a good thing, but has confused me several times. Meanwhile, I get ever closer to the "finish line" - when I can start driving this beauty!

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Otto Skorzeny
Posts: 1721
Joined: Fri Feb 28, 2014 12:41 pm
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Years Owned: 1966 Toronado

Re: rear tailight gaps?

Postby Otto Skorzeny » Tue Apr 07, 2020 5:50 am

That's good.

You can see that crease I mentioned in the rear shot of my car.


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