Original Taillights???

What do you guys think of these? I don't think they are NOS but they are close...Only problem is I have 2 lights with the license plate glass. How do you tell real lights from fake anyhow?

 

They look very much like the originals. Why don't you post some specs on them for the benefit of others? Like part numbers, brand name, vendor that sells them, etc? Simple solution to the license plate glass is to just spray paint one of them black, making it opaque.

 

Agreed, although I've never found a vendor that sells exact replacements for the housings, only the lenses. The original set on my CJ and the two sets of spares I have look exactly like those except I have the original pressed in mount studs vice bolts. Eventually, one set will wind up on my BT3-C... eventually.
FWIW, the following stamps are on my originals:
Auto Lamp Chicago, Ill (on top) No.- 461 L-5-1A-1-1-63 (with license lamp lense)
Auto Lamp Chicago, Ill (on top) No.- 462 1-S-1A-L-T-63 (without license lamp lense)

 

I got the lamps from an ebay sale - they were billed as CJ6 taillights and shipped from Bankok...Here is the link there are still some available:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=350336411390&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

Took a few weeks to get here but worth the wait and really not too pricey for a pair.

The one thing that I can see is I believe that the bases (buckets) are a little larger than the originals but the red lenses are as close to the original as can be.

There is some writing on the lenses that says:

Autolamp-460-REX

T.S. Motor-T-P-63

Not sure if anyone can figure anything out from those codes.

I have not opened them up yet but I will later and post anything I find.

 

Here are some post 1968 NOS tailights that I plan to to import from Vietnam.

http://z4.invisionfree.com/CJ3B_Bulletin_Board/index.php?showtopic=2249

If anyone is interested in purchasing a set PM me.

 

The lens originaly were "Grote SAE A-1A-T-68"
The left light was a Grote 416, SAE ST1AL 68
The right was a GROTE 416, SAE STIA 68 (notice no "L" on the end)
The bulbs were trade size 1157NA

The ones in your pictures are close, but not quite the same. One thing is the lic. plate lens is much bigger.

At least that is what is on my original 71

 

I think it looks great. On the right side you could paint it on the inside which would give you the nicest finish on the outside without changing the finish on the exterior paint.

 

Thanks for the info. Yeah I thought the lic plate glass was bigger too. Also the bases have a little bit bigger radius but are slightly smaller depth wise. At least I think they are judging from pictures. I do not have an original to compare. But regardless they are close enough for me.

 

Pretty sure you want an 1157, not an 1157NA (natural amber). You can use the 1157A or 1157NA for the front indicators though. The 198 will work too.

Cheapest I've found for these is about 50c each from RockAuto - buy a box of 10 and choose the bulbs that ship from the same location as your other parts.


I like those lights - they have the 'spirit' of the original lights, even if they aren't exactly right. Much better than the boat trailer lights, or the square Jeep taillights.

 

Anyone know where to get replacement lenses for the original taillights?

 

The red lens replacement is Grote 9034 I believe. I've seen them on ebay...and I'm sure some auto stores, maybe Napa, will carry them.

Never have found the replacement clear license lense.

 

Excellent. Thanks.

 

I think the original lenses may have been made by a company called Sate-Lite. I bought my 74 CJ5 from the original owner and i think the ones on it are original too. They both have the Sate-Lite imprint on them and they are 5 3/16" with the three-holes and reflex ring. I just ordered some b/c someone backed into mine last week. Still trying to find the oem replacement or original housing cuz the window on mine got pretty crushed. These are the lenses...

 

Ken, have you imported any of these yet?

 

I have a NOS red lens made by DO-RAY. I bought a pair, used one and never needed the other. If anyone wants it, just pay the shipping.

 

Well this is a long distance story...
John lives in Vietnam.
John has his driver to dig up old jeep parts for him when and where ever they surface.
John, bought three complete NOS sets of the Grote tailights.
John says he has no use for them since his jeeps are earlier vintage.
Therefore, I planned to buy them simply to find them a good home.
And you know me I'll likely stash away a set for myself.
John works out at sea and has been out for several months now.
So I'm still waiting for John to get back onshore.
Hang in there....Time will tell......