My Desperate Search for 71 Tail Lights (Almost) Goes Bad

[supplyguy]

I am determined to find original tail lights for my '71, and have been searching unsuccessfully nationwide, and occasionally abroad. Stumbled on a web site called partsrequest.com that, for a fee, allegedly will search junk yards nationwide for parts. At only $3.99 for a 30 day search, I skeptically signed up. Within 24 hours, I get three hits; All the Time Auto, Automotive Parts Solutions, and Quality Auto Parts*, all suggesting they have 71 tail lights on hand. The first two don't answer the phone number provided and appear to be spam. The last, Quality Auto of Chicago, takes my call (Indian call center with lots of other sellers on phones in the background) and assures me they have tail lights for a 1971 for $250 each. I am tempted but want to think about it. In minutes a slick email order form shows up in my hotmail account, and for only $210 each, I can have both a left and right headlight assembly. So I call back, and the gentleman reads to me that yes, they have tail lights, for a "1971 Fiat convertible emm-dee-ell 1600" and repeats the "emm-dee-ell" three times. He doesn't know MDL means model. Reading from a web site. I declined and researched Quality Auto in Chicago some more - hit after hit of scams. They take your money, send a random part, then fight like hell to avoid refunds. Sigh. I so wanted it to be true and really was itching to send them my money. Pretty sure the $3.99 for partsrequest.com was a waste, too. Back to eBay and Craigslist city, by city, by city. I WILL find a pair!!!

Quality Auto Parts
http://www.qualityautoparts.com
3420 N. Elston Ave.
Suite 1
Chicago, IL 60618
1-866-293-3731 tel
1-800-582-2420 fax

[westy64]

is the 71 model specific to this year ?
would you have a photo of what you look for ?
did you contact chesapeake spiders ?
and Lenny at auto-italian.com in california ?
http://www.auto-italia.com/FiatLanc/page_4.html

[ga.spyder]

I would be willing to bet ,if you contact John Erskine (erskinej) he will have them or know where to get them.He is the Man!! I know you are a part of DC Fiats so you may have already checked?

[leeputmanjr]

Ah, the joys of having a Spider with rare parts!

Several times, whether with my '83, one of my '74's, or now with my '69; I have 'lucked' into Spiders that each had unique or 'limited availability' parts that I needed / wanted. I never could find a rear surround & parcel shelf for my '83, and I never bothered looking for a dash!

One of the things I now do is watch Craig's list for parts-cars with the bits I need. This is how I sourced gauges & side markers for my '69...

[georgeramos]

I know youre painting your car so you are in need of a "perfect" set but if all else fails and you want a set that the PO painted black (no doubt due to the "chrome" flaking off) then please let me know.

I dont know of you can re chrome plastic, I doubt it but if you can use them youre welcome to these for the shipping cost.

The housings are all there, I dont think the rubber is good and I think at least one of the lenses has a crack but they are definitely off a 71.

Have you tried posting on the Mira forum?

Best of luck, they will definitely turn up.

George

[supplyguy]

George - Would welcome a shot at rechroming the pair you have. Some other forum members have offered referrals on rechroming experts. Will PM address and tell me how I can pay for shipping. BTW - I am enjoying a brief vacation with the family doing one lap of the Olympic peninsula and lounging on Lake Quinault. If I had more time I would swing by and pick them up!

BTW - have had several suggestions to get with Captain John, and should have mentioned my very first query on original tail lights was with him. There has been no better ally in refurbishing my car than John. He has one set of 71 tail lights but is being a bit selfish - saving them for his own '71 he is painstakingly restoring!

Thanks again for all the help - Chuck.