Topic: 1978 T/A with 79-81 tail lights??

[Greenbird76]

Yes post the the vin.  i had my 76 to the point of swapping tail panels but I really love the 74-78 panel\ and I wanted the car to be period correct on the exterior.  the inner tail valence or panel next to the fuel tank is the same.  I swapped mine from a 80 Formula.  The valence seen in this pic is from the 80 formula.
   

[Corellian Corvette]

Yeah that looks pretty factory to be a changeover. Agree that looks a lot like factory seam sealer. 

It's a lot easier to change out the nose than the tail panel. I have no idea if it's possible for something like this to be done at the factory but it seems hard to believe. So either the nose was replaced and the VIN swapped out, or someone did a fantastic job on that switch.

[solargold]

Let's hope it is not a rebody. You really need to look at the firewall as mentioned. If you have a 78 title that matches the VIN and find it is really a 79, you need to go back to the seller and get a refund. If it is and seller  knew it to be a rebody and did not disclose that info to you he is liable. This could be serious, protect yourself.

[SC79TransAm]

You can see the differences in the panels here:

'74-'78



"79-'81



Swapping tail panels involves drilling out a lot of spot welds and some serious welding but can be done.
If you want to skip and go the easy way, I have heard of some making adapter mounts to mount the earlier tail lights to the later tail panel.

Anyone know where I might find those adapters? I am wanting to put 78 lights/possibly rear on the 80. 

[eroc022]

what adapters ? they are different pieces, for the actual body

[Corellian Corvette]

Yeah the "adapter" would be to get a full taillight panel and have it grafted on...

[RENOVATIONS]

If you want to skip and go the easy way, I have heard of some making adapter mounts to mount the earlier tail lights to the later tail panel.

what adapters ? they are different pieces, for the actual body

I was talking about using spacers to mount the different style tail lights. I have not attempted this myself but here's an old thread discussing it:

http://www.78ta.com/HTAF/index.php?topic=14524.msg152382#msg152382

[Corellian Corvette]

I stand corrected!

[TAKID455]

Tail looks factory. check #'s on car.

Why not modify a 76-8 rear bumper and have cool lights and a cool bumper.

[Justin]

Maybe replaced whole rear section without chopping just tail panel? Crazy things happen.

[SC79TransAm]

A week ago i purchased my long time favorite 1978 T/A but i noticed that it had the 79-81 tail lights. I got the 1978 tail light system with rear bumper and plate bracket and they dont fit. I checked the VIN and it says its a 78 production #111,098. Would anyone by chance know why this is? Thanks

also has a '79 rear bumper..

[SC79TransAm]

you can mount the '78 rear on a '79 and vice versa right? mounts look the same