Vans Auto Reproduction Tail Lights

[Jake]

So Mr. UPS man dropped off a package today:headbang:

Inside were my two brand new tail light lenses from Vans Auto that I bought off of their store on E-bay.

I was skeptical about them when I first placed my order, since they cost about 150 bucks versus the other lenses that go for sale at about twice the amount. Well, when they arrived my suspicions were confirmed: they are made in Taiwan. But that doesn't really bother me too much, obviously I would like OEM stuff, but OEM stuff costs a pretty penny. So when I look at my checking account, all the politics go out the window and I will spring for what I can afford that isn't junk. And in my opinion these lenses ARE NOT junk.

However, if you are looking to restore a car with all the correct parts, these lenses from Vans are missing a few stampings. But, chances are, if you are restoring a numbers matching car, you already know this and are looking for original OEM stuff anyway. But, for the rest of us just resto modding their ride, these lenses are the business. Weight wise, no difference. COnstruction wise, no difference. In fact, other than they missing Pentastar stamp in the back up lens area and the missing part numbers on the back side, I cannot tell any differences. So if you are just looking for a set of brand new tail light lenses for your 71, and you are not doing a Concours/ Barrett Jackson kinda car, then these lenses from Vans are the ticket. I have included some photos for reference. Included is one of the brand new lenses (on the bottom) and the original OEM lens (on the top). Enjoy.

 

[CoronetRTguy]

Is this a 71 Dodge or Plymouth?

If you have a link to their site please share it. I'm looking at a 71 Road Runner and these would fit into what I'm looking to do and that is drive the car and enjoy it.

If I paid what the guys do at Barret Jackson and I would still drive it I would have to or something for that kind of money lol.

Great looking lenses.

 

[Ron 73]

71 SSP in his photo album,,, Nice looking car! I bought a new fuel tank and sending unit from Vans... There pretty reasonable folks, or were on stuff i bought..

 

[bigmanjbmopar]

I have gotten stuff from vans, no complaints but the seller is a rude sob if you ask a question about anything lol the response sounds like you are a complete idiot for even asking. :headbang:

 

[HitIt]

Those lenses seem good for the non concourse car.

I bought one thing from Vans. Never again. The comment above about him being a rude sob is a huge understatement. he sent me the wrong part and became very abusive about accepting a return. I can't believe he acts the way he does!! Stay away.

 

[blackblazer717]

Www.vansauto.com

Ive bought tons of stuff from them. But if there "backordered" you wont no it unless you call, cause the havent gotten there shipments yet, from you guessed it, overseas. But for decently spriced re pop stuff its good

 

[Propwash]

I have gotten stuff from vans, no complaints but the seller is a rude sob if you ask a question about anything lol the response sounds like you are a complete idiot for even asking. :headbang:

Heck, I would call back up acting like a complete idiot just to piss the guy off even more..." I'm looking for an antenna bolt for a '86 Celebrity Wagon w/4 wheel drive"

 

[blackblazer717]

Heck, I would call back up acting like a complete idiot just to piss the guy off even more..." I'm looking for an antenna bolt for a '86 Celebrity Wagon w/4 wheel drive"

:sideways tongue::grin:

 

[bigmanjbmopar]

Heck, I would call back up acting like a complete idiot just to piss the guy off even more..." I'm looking for an antenna bolt for a '86 Celebrity Wagon w/4 wheel drive"

Bahaha or a 4 bolt main power steering pump lmao

 

[Propwash]

Bahaha or a 4 bolt main power steering pump lmao

s_dancing2:

 

[jessipup]

They are spotty. I got some lenses they were good, Got some arm rests 1 was 3/4 short it looks like crap installed.

 

[71ChallengerSE]

Nice lenses and perfect for the kinds of cars I build (on a budget) Thanks for posting comparison pictures! Now if only they would make 72 lenses.
I have bought stuff from vans and they back ordered my sending unit and didn't say a word, but they sure as hell took my money! They said 2 weeks so I waited 3 weeks and heard nothing, gave them a call and they said "uh maybe in 7-9 weeks" I told them to give me a refund and I bought elsewhere and had it in less than a week. They also sent me a windshield washer bottle with a busted cap and when I asked why they sent me a busted part he said it was because they dont check any of the items before they ship them out!

 

[CoronetRTguy]

So any other good sources for these lenses and parts beside VANs?

I like the part and would work for what I'm thinking with this 71 Road Runner I'm looking at. I'm thinking of doing a great looking driver.

I would also like to know what acid bath is for tail lights? I saw it on Graveyard carz and I have no clue in what they are talking about.

 

[Ron 73]

Wow, judging by responses I must have lucked out with my fuel tank deal! Its the only thing from Van's ive bought.

 

[Jake]

Is this a 71 Dodge or Plymouth?

If you have a link to their site please share it. I'm looking at a 71 Road Runner and these would fit into what I'm looking to do and that is drive the car and enjoy it.

These are for a 71 Plymouth Satellite/Road Runner/GTX

I purchased them from their E-Bay store, and judging by some of the responses on this thread, that may be the only place I would recommend buying from since you are covered under E-Pay and Pay Pal.

 

[CoronetRTguy]

These are for a 71 Plymouth Satellite/Road Runner/GTX

I purchased them from their E-Bay store, and judging by some of the responses on this thread, that may be the only place I would recommend buying from since you are covered under E-Pay and Pay Pal.

Thanks and if I get the 71 RR I will look at these lenses.

Also credit cards always have you covered even when paypal and ebay fail. I always pay with a credit card.

 

[Jake]

I would also like to know what acid bath is for tail lights? I saw it on Graveyard carz and I have no clue in what they are talking about.

I believe they used muriatic acid, which is available usually where they sell the pool supplies in places such as Lowes. I might try this technique on my old lenses when I have the spare time and inclination.

 

[Ron 73]

So any other good sources for these lenses and parts beside VANs?

I like the part and would work for what I'm thinking with this 71 Road Runner I'm looking at. I'm thinking of doing a great looking driver.

I would also like to know what acid bath is for tail lights? I saw it on Graveyard carz and I have no clue in what they are talking about.

Ebay is my first stop when looking for parts, Ive bought shocks and some gauges off Amazon.com.. Regular other places like Year One, Classic Industries, ect.. I bought shock mounts from Mancini, Here is a couple other links to save..

http://www.herbsparts.com/search.asp

http://www.stephensperformance.com/

http://www.jacksautoparts.com/catalog/interior.html

Many places to look and compare prices.. :eusa_think:

 

[CoronetRTguy]

Ebay is my first stop when looking for parts, Ive

I believe they used muriatic acid, which is available usually where they sell the pool supplies in places such as Lowes. I might try this technique on my old lenses when I have the spare time and inclination.

That would be cool to hear and to know how it works. I may start a thread on this asking questions and see who all has tried it and how it works.

Can't wait to hear how you do with it when you get the time.


bought shocks and some gauges off Amazon.com.. Regular other places like Year One, Classic Industries, ect.. I bought shock mounts from Mancini, Here is a couple other links to save..

http://www.herbsparts.com/search.asp

http://www.stephensperformance.com/

http://www.jacksautoparts.com/catalog/interior.html

Many places to look and compare prices.. :eusa_think:

Thank you I had Stephens Performance. I love those guys always my first go to place when looking for that hard to find part.

I remember looking for a 70 Challenger R/T hood (back before AMD) and I found it at Carlisle. I paid to get in, paid for food and then I found my hood. I was like $50 bucks off from the asking price of $600 and the guy wouldnt budge on it.

I came home and started calling and Stephens had it for $600 plus the shipping and handling and insurance. I think when I got the hood it was $900 and when I opened the crate it was the same LIME GREEN HOOD just twice the price haha.

 

[Ron 73]

When i was doing my car the end of the valance panel (back) was rough, so i found these guys and they wanted 230 bucks for one! I thought about this and said no, i just fabed the end of mine and put it on.. Ive seen these same parts here for 40 bucks... I wanted the passenger side dash wood grain piece with the RR emblem on it and he wanted 125 bucks, bought the same one here that looked great for 85 shipped... I tell others of them but myself only if i cant find something elsewhere go to them. The other places folks have told me about but never did business with them to give an opinion..