[chevykid90]

i was wondering if anyone has put a set of 1977-78 firbird tail lights on an 1979-81? i have an 81 and i am going to put the front nose of a 78 on her and i would like to put the tail lights also. was just testing the water to see if anyone has done it or know anyone who has. i know the noses will bolt right up with the right fenders but i have never seen anyone do the tail lights too. since in 79 they moved the license plate to the rear bumper instead of being in between the lights.

[eloc431962]

Never really thought about it.



Cole

[eloc431962]

Here are two pics. And by looking at them the 81 has a longer light so i don't know unless the rear panel will fit also then you have the gas filler to think about also. JMO


Cole

[1ownerT]

The fuel fillers are in the same location, above the bumper between the tail lights. Looks like a good chance of it working, may be some additional tail light mounting holes.

[eloc431962]

Originally Posted by 1ownerT

The fuel fillers are in the same location, above the bumper between the tail lights. Looks like a good chance of it working, may be some additional tail light mounting holes.

Yeah your right, I don't know what i was thinking it might just work you will have to do some measuring to know for sure, Do you have the whole car that you are taking the front end off of if so then you have the means to know by comparison and measuring. JMO


Cole

[eloc431962]

If you don't have the 78 tail lights to measure let me know i can go out in the garage and measure mine on my 78.


Cole

[bigdog7373]

A 78 nose is expensive. I would know, sadam husain messed mine up with his poor driving skills.

[Wattsy]

Looking at this, it looks like it would go, the only thing like mentioned before would be a few extra holes for tail lights. Although to get rid of that divot for the license plate wouldn't you have to make a 78 bumper mount up as well?

[chevykid90]

i found a decent bumper on CL that had a both inserts, lights and wiring harness also the 3 piece spoiler all for $300. i just figured since i would be putting the front nose piece i should have the tail lights to match. i would have to get the 77-78 rear bumper because 79 was the first year they put the license plate on the bumper. thank you for all your input. i am on leave at the moment so i cant measure my tail lights but if you wouldnt mind at measuring yours i can use that data when i get back.

I am actually kinda surprised that no one has done this before...

[eloc431962]

Originally Posted by chevykid90

i found a decent bumper on CL that had a both inserts, lights and wiring harness also the 3 piece spoiler all for $300. i just figured since i would be putting the front nose piece i should have the tail lights to match. i would have to get the 77-78 rear bumper because 79 was the first year they put the license plate on the bumper. thank you for all your input. i am on leave at the moment so i cant measure my tail lights but if you wouldnt mind at measuring yours i can use that data when i get back.

I am actually kinda surprised that no one has done this before...

I will get out there and measure for you and post back .


Cole

[chevykid90]

from my knowledge they really didn't change the Firebird's too much after 74. then in 77 they changed the hood style. but i cant see them changing that tail panel from 77-81 since they really didn't make any major changes to the "styling" of the car.

[Johnunit]

I have zero experience with these cars but that looks like an awesome swap appearance-wise.

[chevykid90]

i really actually wanted to go with the 70-73 nose but people wanted gold for them and not to mention trying to find the grill inserts. but then i would have to find a new hood and it took me almost a year to find my fiberglass cowl induction one i have now. i cant even find a company that makes them anymore. they are on ebay but at 650+ i cant spend that on a hood alone. so i figuerd i could settle for the 78 look. which is way cooler than the latter years.

[bigdog7373]

Originally Posted by chevykid90

i really actually wanted to go with the 70-73 nose but people wanted gold for them and not to mention trying to find the grill inserts. but then i would have to find a new hood and it took me almost a year to find my fiberglass cowl induction one i have now. i cant even find a company that makes them anymore. they are on ebay but at 650+ i cant spend that on a hood alone. so i figuerd i could settle for the 78 look. which is way cooler than the latter years.

Yep, i get compliments on mine all the time, and its no where near as nice as cole's. His is freekin sweeeeet.

[chevykid90]

is his restored to factory original or is it a custom build? i miself am a bigger fan of the custom built stuff