4th Generation Tailight Assembly [Archive]

4GOTTEN1

30th-July-2006, 09:27 AM

We have all been SCREAMING about aftermarket pieces for our cars RIGHT so ProNova and myself are doing our part to change that.
We sat down w/ a VP from an aftermarket vendor at the Nova Nationals w/ our cars to discuss repro parts needed for the 4th gen. Novas. He said is will consider making the taillight assembly for the 4th gen. Nova (Chrome Bezels. taillight lens (2 light) & housing) if we can get 300+ owners interested in buying these pieces. We said that will not be a problem. We told him we would post something on this site because so many Nova people come on this site for advice. So what we need for you to do is post a reply on this site ONLY IF YOU ARE PLANNING TO BUY that you are in need of these pieces and then when we get close to 300 I will email him this link to see the need to remake these pieces. A price has not yet been determined and he couldn't say. The turn around time should be about a year.

There also was another vendor there and he said they are looking into the reproduction of the door panels for the 4th gen Novas and to get back w/ him later. I will post when I hear something.

I'm am also talking to a guy who might make the SS/Rally grill for the 4th gen. in billet aluminum as well. The turn signals wiil be from a 68 or 69 camaro (because they are easy to get) or can get w/o the turn signals.

Comments, suggestions will be helpful in reaching our goal to get these repro parts made.

jade76

30th-July-2006, 09:45 AM

That'd be cool to see what others come up with.

I have already begun production of my own taillight housings, lenses and gaskets, as well as SS/Rally parking lights and will be available as early as next month. As far as the bezels, I didn't have any plans of reproducting them, but instead I'll be taking original bezels, blast and rechrome them and resell them.

I had a problem with my tooling on the parking lenses as seen in thread below, but that has been corrected as well as the material used to make them.

http://www.stevesnovasite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=40603

A billet aluminum grille might be nice though, but probably more expensive than I'd be willing to pay for one.

Zoom

30th-July-2006, 02:19 PM

I don't care who is making them. If the quality is good, I'd buy them.

We also need the inside door handles made. Every car I have found for parts is either missing them or they are broke like mine are. I fixed mine with epoxy glue sold at a hardware store, but doubt it will last.

We need parts.....We need parts.......We need parts..... please!!!!!! :D

kimer

30th-July-2006, 03:21 PM

Hey giys. Good stuff I got a 4th Gen so I'll be following the progress of these initiatives. Mine is a Custom (3 len rear lights)

novaboy009

30th-July-2006, 03:43 PM

My door handles are broke too:(. Door panels are most important!

Kev

reo78rally

30th-July-2006, 04:18 PM

Not sure, but I get the feeling that interior parts are more important than a set of tail lights. I've been able to find at least 10 sets of lights in the last 6 months. But produce away, we for sure need more replacement parts for these years.

Interior peices however, a whole other story. Pilar post covors, rear armrest panels, dash pads?
These years tend to rot and discolor very fast in the sun.
And door panels are not easy to find without holes or tears.
Sure a good interiors guy can do a half-a** fix it job.
But you can still tell.
I'm almost positive, 4th gen guys would rather see interior parts than anything.

Also, I'm not sure about the idea of trying to replicate the 4th gen SS/ rally grille.
Something similar that looks good to replace a broken one may be ok.
But not exact - PLEASE!
As soon as you make that available, and its cheap to get, every 4th gen nova in the land will have that grille. Then we'll all be clamoring for something else different. Then how will we prove true ss or rally from a cheap copy? Whats next, copies of emblems? Its already hard enough as it is. (as a few of us have recently seen on other posts) As soon as you create cheap copies, the original grille losses its originality.

I'm sorry, but I'm not a big fan of whats happened to Camaro's and Chevelles. You can buy almost every part available for a 60's Camaro, up to and including a unibody with the firewall!!!!
I mean, if i can buy parts and create a car from a catalog. Then its not a collector car anymore, its a KIT CAR!

Since the popularity of the Nova isn't as big as Camaro's and Chevelle's, I probably don't have much to worry about, but I hope for the sake of integrity we don't make these 4th gens into a bunch of cloned out wanna be's.
There are plenty of SS's and Rally's out there to be had still. And I see a lot of grilles and lights on non SS/Rally cars. That's fine, these grilles are OEM and if the original car has seen its last day, and is beyond bringing back from the grave, absolutely, make good use of the parts.

If for some unforseen tragedy, you lose a hard to replace part, I feel for you. I would be devastated as well. But the hunt is half the fun too. Replacement parts that are uniform across all models? Fine. But lets keep the special order packages original and special. Lets not just go out for the quick buck.

4GOTTEN1

30th-July-2006, 04:55 PM

I agree with you reo78rally. We are not doing any of this for a buck in fact not a penny we are just stepping up to the plate and talking with the aftermarket people to let them know 4th generations parts need to be looked at as well not just the 1st to 3rd generations. I called & emailed every other month to Covans since December of 2003 and I finally got them to make a dash bezel for the 77-79 Novas. We will not stop calling until we get more people to listen to us to make 4th generation parts. As I said in the beginning of this post the SS/Rally grill will not look like the original it will have different turn signals or none at all and I think those of us can tell it's not real when we see it. As far as the interior goes we do not know who to talk to yet but we are asking questions to the other aftermarket people to lead me in the right direction. Any help would be appreciated because ProNova and myself can't do it alone.

blue1976nova

31st-July-2006, 12:13 AM

If the price is right and they are good quailty then of course I'll buy.

jade76

31st-July-2006, 01:49 AM

4GOTTEN1 Quote:

...As far as the interior goes we do not know who to talk to yet but we are asking questions to the other aftermarket people to lead me in the right direction. Any help would be appreciated because ProNova and myself can't do it alone.

I have pretty much been doing the same thing with a couple other companies such as Classic Industries since they seem to already have a pretty good hand in offering 4th Gen parts. Door panels I can say is not too far off since I've had a couple contact me through my site about wanting to offer reproduction door panels. I've been seeing the inner cardboard sections and paper linings in reproduction and it don't take much more to add some vinyl and a chrome plastic strip for the standard ones. The custom panels may be a little more tricky.

Perhaps if we work together on this we can get the ball rolling a little faster. I have many members at my site definitely interested in repro parts, some of which frequent this site as well. So far I've seen more demand and interest for taillights and grilles, but nice interior is becoming harder to find as well. Another item that should be pretty simple to make that I've seen a demand for is headlight bezels. How many of us out there can claim to have a set of headlight bezels that don't have broken or cracked screw holes?

I believe reproduction parts will only increase the value and rarity of an original as it has done with other years and models and at the same time offer us an avenue of keeping our Nova's alive rather than in a scrap pile.

Nova Bob

31st-July-2006, 05:27 AM

these cars(4th gen) for sure need some parts,,the more the better imo.id be interested if good quality and fair price,thanks for the effort guys.

Green Dragon

31st-July-2006, 03:18 PM

Count me in , if the price is right .

Tailight bezels thatare not all pitted and useless are IMPOSSIBLE to find in New York .. even though posted they;re finadable in other areas.

brings me to the door handle question - I've NEVER seen broken doorhandles on these, so can someone please elaborate on what handle you mean ?
I likely have a bunch sitting around, or can find some.
or do you mean the window crank handle - need one of those for mt Phoenix right now, but those are availale repro.

as for the Billet grille - I'd look into that, would be a real neat item for the high end cars, and if the price was ok ( billet 66 grilles for example run about 300 bucks, if the 4th gen grille was 275-300 it would be same price as hard to find rally grilles, so count me in ) .

Tony mentioned headlight bezels, and I agree that would be a cheap to make ( reletively ) part, that should have a demand, as nice ones aren;t always easy to come by.

Door panels are simple, as I've posted before - we've finally got carpets,seat covers,headliners so next logical step is the doorpanels.
doubt we'll see any of the inside pillar trim,etc due to tooling costs, unless someone can find the original tooling packed up someplace at GM.
too bad, cause inside pieces would sell like crazy.

basically, any exteriro appearance items are going to be good sellers - what we need to make the cars look great outside ( what ppl notice first), so chorme trim, drip rail moldings would be easy.
rear quarter window weatherstrip would be a GREAT CHOICE ( please, get someone to make it without the trim molding grooves, so we can have the smooth look- they do that for the VW guys, so why not Novas.......

eventually hopeing we'll get some repro sheetmetal, but not holding my breath, lot of tooling costs for a limited market ( much as we love these ) .

keep us posted, and count me as one of 300 .

`AL

4GOTTEN1

31st-July-2006, 10:19 PM

ProNova

31st-July-2006, 10:28 PM

Just like Mr Nova told Russ and me, Phone calls Letters and e-mail, Make them take notice of us, Include Goodmark for body parts

jade76

1st-August-2006, 01:51 AM

Fortunately, Rusty and his fiance Dawn, friends and co-founders of my site, are well acquainted with a couple people at Goodmark in Lawrenceville, GA and have been talking with them about more 4th Gen parts. One of the parts we're trying to talk to them about since they generally seem to lean towards sheet metal, is core supports. Not the cheapest part to make or buy, but something 90% of us could replace without second thought.

Parts are definitely in demand, but I think most of these bigger companies are worried that 4th Gen parts will be more like a fashion trend that'll come and go. As you may notice, most 4th Gen parts currently available are interchangeable with other years and models so it's not as big an issue if they don't sell to 4th Gen'ers. The parts that are specific to 4th Gen cars either aren't available or only available in limited quantities by the manufacturers or at ridiculously inflated prices.

reo78rally

1st-August-2006, 03:01 AM

One of the parts we're trying to talk to them about since they generally seem to lean towards sheet metal, is core supports. Not the cheapest part to make or buy, but something 90% of us could replace without second thought.

Core supports? Do you mean Radiator Core support?
If it is what you mean, that is for sure a part that could be used by us all.
I know that for me, the battery area is rediculous, and I have yet to find a good replacement for my radiator support. I don't care if the car is totally void of rust everywhere else, the battery area of the rad support is going to be bad.
Fortunately, when i traded out my battery tray, that side wasn't totally gone, so with a little time and rust preventative, I should be good for a while.
I think that 79 hatch i just stripped most of off today, had a pretty good one, not sure though. Maybe I'll go back tomorrow and see if it isn't a good replacement for someone.
Or a backup for me. :D
I'm afraid that part is just too big and expensive to reproduce.
The tooling would be sky high. But i would probably buy 2 if they made them.

Rich

jade76

1st-August-2006, 05:18 AM

reo78rally Quote:
Originally Posted by jade76
One of the parts we're trying to talk to them about since they generally seem to lean towards sheet metal, is core supports. Not the cheapest part to make or buy, but something 90% of us could replace without second thought.

Core supports? Do you mean Radiator Core support?
If it is what you mean, that is for sure a part that could be used by us all.

Yeah, and it seems Goodmark is willing to do them. They understand the rust issue, and feel it would be a good seller that is crucial to the structure of the car, but it's the same case with them as 4GOTTEN1 mentioned with Covan, they want to see some considerable interest before they actually go into production, especially on a large, costly item.

For now I have a couple OEM supports that I'm going to piece together to make one good one. One has lower section rotted out and the other has the upper section rotted out so I'm going to cut both in half and weld the good sections together. I did luck out with finding one for my SS a few months ago that only had a small 1" rust hole in lower support tray, rest was just as solid as if it just came out of factory. I cleaned it up, primed and painted it and have a near perfect support.

Nova Bob

1st-August-2006, 06:27 AM

anybody know what a decent used rad,support core is worth?ballpark,,,

4GOTTEN1

1st-August-2006, 08:27 AM

Lets not get things confusing here. Covans is only making the dash bezel thats all. The other aftermarket people ProNova and I spoke w/ at the Nationals are considering the tailight assembly not Covans.

Green Dragon

1st-August-2006, 09:34 AM

anybody know what a decent used rad,support core is worth?ballpark,,,

hard to say - I paid 85.00 plus ship for mine, but have seen them for sale in the 125.00 range.

I'd have NO PROBLEM paying 125.00 + for a new repro one, as those are probabally THE hardest item to find for 4th gens, at least in the northeast.

Keep us posted on any news, and will send my letters right out :)

~ AL

Green Dragon

1st-August-2006, 09:39 AM

I talked to a company today and they are looking into making some interior pieces. Don't ask who it is I'm not saying because they asked me not too. All they ask is give them 6 months. Do not stop here lets keep knocking on doors and asking questions to we get the answers we are looking for. OK???? Next on my list is door panels.

Keep on them, and point them to how much good sets bring on ebay,etc.

the front A-pillar trims would be # 1, and the above the door trims # 2.

of course, inside hatchback sides woiuld be nice, but large and therfor costly....

keep us posted, andkeep bugging people to get us parts.
( fact is, more parts would mean more people saving these cars as well, it;'s worked on 73-4's.. when we did my bro's parts were impossible to find, now there's more parts, and we're seeing more 73-4 being built, I think it's a direct correlation .. make sense ? :geek: )

~ AL

ProNova

1st-August-2006, 10:17 AM

I guess I am lucky, i bought a core support from dealer in mid 90s so I have a good one, plus my battery is in trunk so my battery issues with my support are no longer, Part I think in sheet metal that 90% of 4th gens need is the rear taillight panel ,So far Goodmark and or whoever else selling them have them for all years including 73 and 74 so Be nice to see them offered for 75 -79. Also a STEEL cowl hood for a 4th gen. A lot of parts will interchange with our 4th gens and since I am a fairly new owner of one (2nd Owner and having it for 26 years so far) I don't think me owning mine is a fashion statement.Lets be carefull on here with our personal feelings, No one is trying to out do anyone, Lets work together with whoever is getting somewhere and some them support even if we do not need the part, Might be needed in future, I plan to e-mail several companys asking for parts, List sites to them with galleries showing 4th gens so they see numbers,They are in it for the money not the love of the car so dollars are all they know.If you have a company reply back with questions share the question so we answer it with good info. Thanks. Oh yea I need a tail panel, and if a repro were made i would buy it along with a steel cowl hood. Interior parts can be redone for custom guys but do know repos for restorers are needed, And Grills OH MY if I busted my grill my SS grill I would cry like a baby. Somewhere out there we need to find someone to reproduce them, OK I am done ranting and raving

Zoom

1st-August-2006, 12:08 PM

brings me to the door handle question - I've NEVER seen broken doorhandles on these, so can someone please elaborate on what handle you mean ?
I likely have a bunch sitting around, or can find some.
or do you mean the window crank handle - need one of those for mt Phoenix right now, but those are availale repro.

`AL

Al,

The inside door handles is what I'm talking about. They are similar to the 2nd Gen Camaro inside door handles. After years of pulling the door closed they break. I found a few parts cars in the local U pull it around here and the handles were either gone or broke. I have a 75 parts car in my back yard I've been stealing parts off for my 76 SS. I took 2 broken door handles, used epoxy glue and made one good one. It's been in the car a few months now and seems to be holding up fine. If my 11 year old hasn't broken it yet I guess I'm okay! :D

ProNova

1st-August-2006, 02:43 PM

I think he means Arm rest with pull and he has problem we all had the mounting in front breaks. I did away with mine but do agree they are a needed repro

4GOTTEN1

1st-August-2006, 03:47 PM

You have asked and I've now delivered. Now it's up to you all to GIT-R-DONE. I just got off of the phone with Classic Industries. You all need to do is email Jeff Leonard (President) to let him know what the needs are for the 4th generation novas. I was told he does read the emails and makes the decisions to get stuff made. SO DO IT.

jleonard@classicindustries.com

Russ (4Gotten1)

Zoom

1st-August-2006, 04:30 PM

I think he means Arm rest with pull and he has problem we all had the mounting in front breaks. I did away with mine but do agree they are a needed repro

Yup, arm rest, door handle whatever you want to call them. They break and we need em.

Here's the list I will be sending to Jeff of things I'd like to see made:

1. Door panels
2. Inside arm rests (door handles)
3. SS/ Rally grilles
4. SS/ Rally turn signal lenses
5. Headlight bezels
6. tail lights
7. outter wheel wells

Zoom

1st-August-2006, 09:53 PM

I just emailed Jeff. Thanks to 4gotten1 and ProNova for the time and effort on this!

novaboy009

2nd-August-2006, 01:43 AM

I emailed my list too:)

Kev

76NovaSS

4th-August-2006, 12:59 PM

I'm thinking trunk floor drop-offs and outter wheel houses since I'm about to replace quaters so I NEED THEM! but seriously the drop-offs are hard to find in decent condition on a parts car and if you do find a set taking them off without messing them up is just as hard. As far as wheel houses they're all rusted. Just $0.02

novabjovi

5th-October-2006, 01:08 AM

I have been talking to people for like 10 years via phone calls and alot of them are asking for interior parts. I too feel the need of quality repro parts. I would like to see properly stamped floors, frame rails (rear), full 1/4 panels, fenders and even doors. Plastic filler parts for around the bumpers and fender extensions. Mazer78 is having that problem with his car right now!! I even sent Mazer78 to a place (local to us) for a standard grille for 76-78. It was a place that sold aftermarket parts. Now they don't even carry it anymore. On the subject of taillight housings, they definitely need to be reproduced! Just ask my wife, who paid $175 for the one side that was obsolete as a Christmas present for me. When she saw what she bought she told me "That better be going on your car!!!!!" It wasn't from Ebay, but a vendor I know. He was the only one who had it too. I believe I had a catalog of Ground Up (from 2000) and those housings were going for $25 each. I have lots of used parts and a few emblems in N.O.S. like condition. Some of the stuff that I bought for my car I was lucky to obtain them from the Chevy dealer, I wish I could have bought more for my car. If anyone needs anything just call me!!! I want to help get these repro guys to hear us!!! I am even willing to send letters, email and make a few phone calls. Let me know. It has been a dream of mine to be a vendor to 4th gen guys like myself. As for the Rally /SS grille it should be EXACTLY like the orginal including the lights. I have even kept a notebook on who has called me over the past 10 years and what they were looking for. I do however tend to shy away from the engine and trans. stuff just to let you know.

AJNOVA

24th-October-2006, 07:14 PM

If The Price Is Reasonable I'm In

turbeauxfire

11th-November-2006, 10:41 AM

If The Price Is Reasonable I'm In

Dittos here. Just let us know.

aaron_warshaw

1st-December-2006, 03:06 AM

yeah if they are reasonable I am in also.

speedfreak78

7th-December-2006, 10:03 AM

i am getting a taillight assembly from a nova custom that i will most likely sell it is a little longer than a standard taillight assembly.

reo78rally

9th-December-2006, 08:19 PM

novaman30274

13th-December-2006, 07:42 AM

count me in for a sturdy grill that would fit a 79, tail light housting, and the door panels

mb75454

18th-December-2006, 11:36 PM

I would interested in purchasing the tail light lenses and core support if prices are not too expensive. A very good idea. ;)

supernova76

31st-January-2007, 10:05 AM

if you could get them at a good price I'm in.

baer454

14th-February-2007, 06:44 PM

i could use some door arm rest

KEITH'S75CUSTOM

14th-February-2007, 08:06 PM

look on ebay they usually have some or post in wanted ads on site

texasnova75

27th-February-2007, 12:53 AM

hey you count me in on the buy of a set of light assemblys........thanks

texasnova75

27th-February-2007, 12:56 AM

hey does anybody out there know how to get a hold of a grille and headlamp bezels. some little kid thought my car would make a great bat target. please leave a messege or reply back:)

KEITH'S75CUSTOM

27th-February-2007, 01:19 AM

good luck on the bezels but what year grill cause members here have various ones from parts cars post in the wanted ads

Cheshiredog

17th-March-2007, 01:37 AM

(drooling) i want SS/ Rally grill!!!! how can i get my hands on one?

Gotta_75

5th-April-2007, 02:27 PM

Tail light assemblies for Gen. 4's? Count me in. Mr. Leonard and/or other manufacturers/vendors needs to see the market potential here...I'll be one of the 1st to purchase a set when those hit the market.:cool:

Nova78

17th-April-2007, 01:19 AM

count me in for the taillight assembly and a grille

TheEmissary

24th-April-2007, 03:53 AM

I am the only one who has a sheetmetal stamping of the 75-79 4-speed tranny hump.

1977knowva

8th-May-2007, 10:22 AM

need em, want em, will buy

cadanova

23rd-June-2007, 02:46 PM

i didnt read all the post's but is there any progress on tail light assembies?

4GOTTEN1

23rd-June-2007, 06:45 PM

I sent an email to Jeff about a month ago and yet to get a reply. try and send him one to see if you get something from him courious.

jleonard@classicindustries.com

cadanova

23rd-June-2007, 08:00 PM

i called classic ind and was told they arent makeing them any longer?????they are in my catalog so maybe i missed the "production" run?:mad:

Green Dragon

29th-June-2007, 10:14 PM

i called classic ind and was told they arent makeing them any longer?????they are in my catalog so maybe i missed the "production" run?:mad:

???

I've never seen those in a catolog, or had any 'news' they were released, so now curious myself, if Classic actually cataloged them ?

Anxiously awaiting, as I tinker with my 'other' projects.

~ AL

Inkblotz

30th-June-2007, 02:53 AM

There was a company that made repops of the interior housing quite a few years ago, but they have since stopped making them.

Classic Industries is currently working on re-producing them, along with the lenses, grills and a few other things. I emailed Jeff about it a month or so ago and he said we should start seeing them in their 2008 catalogs if everything goes as planned.

Keep your fingers crossed everything does :D

cadanova

30th-June-2007, 01:28 PM

well my catalog is from 2005 and part # g8729 rh tail lamp houseing is the one i called on that was discountinued.no left hand offered:mad: im going to try and fiberglass mine back together.

Gotta_75

30th-June-2007, 10:28 PM

well my catalog is from 2005 and part # g8729 rh tail lamp houseing is the one i called on that was discountinued.no left hand offered:mad: im going to try and fiberglass mine back together.

Dude... I'll send ya' one offa' 75 for free if ya' pay for shipping.. bought a pair of tail light assemblies off Ebay, so I don' need th' extra. It ain't perfect, but it's free... Lemme' know...
NPHNP...:cool:

cadanova

1st-July-2007, 12:38 AM

whats not perfect?is it dry rot or cracked?not complaing about the price but wondering more about it being the same condition as the ones i have.can you post pics of it?

Gotta_75

1st-July-2007, 01:04 AM

The housing? Just pits,not too bad, but it's all in one piece. I'm serious, you can have it. Lenses are gone, came apart in about 60 pieces during disassembly... Hence the Ebay thing... (Sorry Jeff, could't wait any longer for your repops... Too bad, I'da rather paid for new ones...) Got the seal too if ya' need it. Right side, right? Lemme know:)

Inkblotz

1st-July-2007, 01:43 AM

well my catalog is from 2005 and part # g8729 rh tail lamp houseing is the one i called on that was discountinued.no left hand offered:mad: im going to try and fiberglass mine back together.

Yep for some reason the RH one is still listed in some catalogs, and a few places may have some in old stock (though I never found a place) , but they don't have LH ones listed. I guess that either the LH ones were more needed so they ran out or less needed so they didn't make as many :confused:

But Classic is making new ones, hopefully sooner than later. I have a fairly good set now but I would love to have some new lenses.

AJNOVA

8th-July-2007, 07:35 PM

Whats The Latest On The Taillights.

Philip

8th-July-2007, 10:18 PM

Yep for some reason the RH one is still listed in some catalogs, and a few places may have some in old stock (though I never found a place) , but they don't have LH ones listed. I guess that either the LH ones were more needed so they ran out or less needed so they didn't make as many :confused:

This sounds more like GM stock that was purchased and distributed thru aftermarket suppliers. If anyone was tooled up to produce these they would be available right now. Hopefully it will be made from a more stable plastic than the originals. I see the housings with lense and trim on ebay going for over $100 and that is just nuts as these plastic housings are turning to dust installed on the car. So how long is a used one going to last?

KEITH'S75CUSTOM

8th-July-2007, 10:30 PM

these plastic housings are turning to dust installed on the car. So how long is a used one going to last?

thats true i have some on my 75 that were 100 percent perfect 2 years ago and now in the last few months they are starting to get brittle and one bulb hole is trying to turn to dust. i wonder if theres something i can coat them with so i dont end up needing new ones??

Nova_Power4

8th-July-2007, 10:34 PM

well l can say happily my make shift posative negative molding off my inside moldings working fairly well concidering it only cost me $50 to make and l just use reson and plastic and fiber mesh.

anybody need some custom reproduction?

KEITH'S75CUSTOM

8th-July-2007, 10:50 PM

i think everyone could use a new set id like some new ones and put the originals up. how much are you gonna be selling them for?

Philip

9th-July-2007, 12:06 AM

thats true i have some on my 75 that were 100 percent perfect 2 years ago and now in the last few months they are starting to get brittle and one bulb hole is trying to turn to dust. i wonder if theres something i can coat them with so i dont end up needing new ones??

The odd part is the deterioration is starting in the sealed area where the bulb is. All the areas that are exposed to ambient air seem to do fine. I have 2 good lefts and 1 good right and a right with a hole in it. I am going to experiment with some silver and clear spray paints on the one with the hole in it and see if I can find a coating that will protect the housing without causing any further damage. I have also considered drilling some small holes in the light area to maybe help it breathe and prolong the life of the ones I have. These appear to be some sort of a fiberglass product from the way it starts flaking apart.

KEITH'S75CUSTOM

9th-July-2007, 12:09 AM

also it itches and burns like fiberglass if they are really detiorated

Inkblotz

10th-July-2007, 06:01 AM

The reason that they deterioate is from the UV light that comes through the lenses.

What you can do is get some Chrome spray paint and paint the interior of your light housings. If you notice most new cars tail light housings have a metallic finish on the insides to refect the light rather than absorb it to help keep this from happening. So the metallic spray paint will help to reflect the uv light too and therefore prtect your housings.

King Nothing

9th-November-2007, 02:27 PM

I will purchase the day they are available.

Nova_Power4

9th-November-2007, 10:01 PM

ok guys THIS DECEMBER!!!!!!!!!!! l will have TAIL LIGHT LENDS'S READYH FOR SALE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! so far the only issue l'm dealign with is the reverse light colour "cant quite make it a Solid lends "

Johnboy1976

10th-November-2007, 01:00 PM

Put me on the list!

1977knowva

11th-November-2007, 11:32 PM

yes I need 'em.. housings, lenses, bezels
yes I plan to buy 'em

gm_nthuzist

17th-November-2007, 02:01 AM

I'd like to have a set. Sign me up. Any idea on cost?

Nova_Power4

22nd-November-2007, 10:29 PM

ok final foot notes for dates.

Right/Left 4th Gen Nova trunk rear light Housings ready forsale December 15ish..."still waiting for some final material" cost Per housing is about $75 for a rough note, current materials Are Plastic,Fiberglass,Solid glaze jell"tinted black"
currently exparmenting with carbonfiber and liquid ABS plastic.

Tail Light Lendes
l'm still debating the reverse light colour "how to mold it in one try" its probbly going to be towards end of december mid january.

clapdout76

25th-January-2008, 10:19 PM

here here on the taillight assemblies, interior parts and an ss grill!

clapdout76

25th-January-2008, 10:21 PM

mikeorwan

1st-February-2008, 05:48 PM

Nova_Power4

2nd-February-2008, 06:38 PM

yes time for a report, sorry l'v been trying to gather things up so do a pre-release post.

l do now MAKE the Lends for 4th gen tail lights.
the houisings are being kind of a pita right now and l'm stalled of thoes l apoligise.

theres no set price currently l'm trying to determin whats fair $45 a lends.

Brad please PM if your serious or post l'm not on the computer much anymore usly every 3-4days or weekly

76 SS

18th-February-2008, 03:07 AM

I'd love to get my hands on a new set of lenses. They'd go perfect with my brand new housings made from nos originals. I've got them listed on that all too popular auction site. I don't know how to post pics here, but there's plenty of detailed pictures there. I also have a set of nos tail lenses to copy, but after seeing how cheap nos lenses have been going for, I'm leaning real hard towards making the rally grille next to go with my existing rally turn signals and fiberglass grille brackets.

Philip

18th-February-2008, 11:45 AM

There are only 2 photos, but they look nice. You going to cut us Nova guys a deal thru Steves? I would take a pair right now direct from you rather then thru the retailer that has them listed.

Nova_Power4

18th-February-2008, 12:03 PM

hey guys, l'm moving slow right now my steel mold hit the dirt.

first client is from PA.........still dont have his address tho so l can atlest send one lends off

Brad

76 SS

18th-February-2008, 03:51 PM

My ad has 4 pics, the ad you looked at is someone elses, and thiers looks nothing like stock. my home email is goobiegootwo@centurytel.net. send me an email, and I'll send pics back.

NOVANUT77

18th-February-2008, 04:37 PM

Hey 76 SS, are these your housings?

http://i4.ebayimg.com/01/i/000/da/f9/7643_0.JPG

http://i21.ebayimg.com/04/i/000/da/f9/8949_0.JPG

http://i21.ebayimg.com/01/i/000/da/f9/9a53_0.JPG

http://i5.ebayimg.com/02/i/000/da/fa/fd2c_0.JPG

If they are, you have done a great job on them. It looks like a much better part than those other guys are selling. Theirs looks like a vacuum molded part and has very little of the detail of the originals.

Philip

18th-February-2008, 06:16 PM

Ok they do look a lot nicer, but the question remains, are your fellow Nova members going to get a discount? :)
My email until the end of the week is philip@azwildblue.com. Friday I am changing ISP's.

76 SS

18th-February-2008, 07:50 PM

Those are the ones. Of course you get a deal. I need to sell as many as possible to recover some costs of the project so my wife will let me continue copying all the nos parts I have left. Does 100 plus 12 shipping sound like a deal? The nos parts I have left to copy are the tail lenses, SS & Rally grille, 75 grille, and headlight bezels. my plan for the bezels is to make some to transfer the chrome trim from your originals to, and some with trim molded in to chrome plate like the grilles. The main problem is that I need almost 4 grand to tool up for chrome. My Novas are safe, but my 64 Buick special convertable is looking more like a gonner every day. I might just stick her up on auction and let her go just to see this project through. :confused:

77Concours

18th-February-2008, 08:55 PM

The nos parts I have left to copy are the tail lenses, SS & Rally grille, 75 grille

Aw man please don't repro the Rally/SS grille my father and I have several and if we decide to sell we won't make much $.

zgcfab

18th-February-2008, 10:18 PM

i would love a set of all red lenses could you do that???

Philip

18th-February-2008, 10:32 PM

All red lense, hmmm great idea and would be a lot easier to build without that pesky clear lense in the middle. Add a set of LED's to both sides and really stand out at night. If you build them put me down for a set.

And thanks for giving us a break, I'll be ordering a set from you if my car gets running before the "other guy" gets his housings done.

ProNova

18th-February-2008, 10:51 PM

Would love all red, Have always thought they would be cool with outside ones being turn stop and park and inner be just park. I am interested also, Photos please, I also need new front clear lenses for my SS grill, stock ones are showing age

76 SS

19th-February-2008, 11:14 AM

Hey 77 Concours, If the grilles were available, I wouldn't make them. My plans include a grill kit. I have 10 pair of lenses and 10 pair of fiberglass grille brackets. If your grills are nos quality, and the price is right, I'll take 10 right now. Otherwise I basically have no choice but to follow through with my plans. I will make every plastic part for the outside of these cars eventually. I just can't help myself:devil:

76 SS

7th-March-2008, 12:22 PM

Tail lenses exist. I have several sets of blems on hand with a few tiny air bubbles. They have extra red dye, can also make smoked by adding a touch of black to the red(like some T/A's). Colored reverse lenses no extra charge, no green or blue. Get in line for perfect ones, first 3 pair were spoken for. Blems are 75 a pair if you trim the fuzzy edges, and glue in the supplied reverse lenses, 125 finished. Perfect pairs are 125 unfinished, add 50 for me to finish. It's just like burger king, any way you want em'. Free shipping if you buy housings with lenses otherwise 12 shipping. Blem housings with some little bubbles that do not hurt function or looks just not as sweet as some are 60, 100 for near perfect. Lenses and housings are made of urethane, and are supposed to last longer than acrylic. Starting the rally grille mold tonight.

76 SS

9th-March-2008, 07:23 AM

I have pics of the lenses on ebay if someone that can post pictures could put a few here so they can be seen. I honestly think they would make most people happy(even the blems)I am super picky and I throw away alot of stuff and wonder if I should have saved it and tried to sell it. I do have alot invested in the tail light lens and housing molds. So far I haven't even come close to breaking even, and I can see why nobody has steped up and hired it done for 50-70 thousand to tool up for best quality tail lights and housings. I asked Classic industries if they wanted to check out the parts I make, and they said yes, and hurry to make it in the new catalog if we like your parts. But the more I thought about it, the more I wondered if I could really make a consistant quality part good enough for them. I'm just a one man operation with a full time job, and 5 kids. So I just chalked it up as a pipe dream and decided not to send them anything. Classic Industries either wanted to compare mine to theirs, or they don't have and won't have anything for this years catalog. Anyway I'm going to sell what I make until someone makes it better, then I'll trash my molds and buy from them if I need to. I just like to do it as a hoby. I used to build several different model a fords out of fiberglass, then I painted a friends 41 Willys coupe and made a mold of every part, and a jig off the frame during the 6 months I had it. I don't know whats got me so fired up about these 4th gen Novas, but I like em'. And they will be rare. Only about 10% of nova's for sale on ebay are 4th gens now. I guess I'll play it out til I get bored with it, or something else catches my eye. :)