[Widetires22]

I have a taillight lens. The box is labeled 5964504, which I know is a 72 right side brake light lens.

However, the lens itself is labeled GM14 SAE STI 71.

So is this a 71 lens or 72? Or both?

 

[DaleM]

Parts book says 1972 R.H. Chevelle Standard. Malibu is a different part number, 5964498 for the same R. H. lens.

 

[Widetires22]

Can it be a 72 lens with GM14 SAE STI 71 on the lens itself?

Thanks Dale!

 

[RealRed70]

Yes, it is both. When the same tail light design was used on more than one year it will have the year that that lens was first used. Those lenses were first used in 71, but also on 72's. None of the lenses on 72 cars have a 72 on them.

 

[DaleM]

I only know what the parts book says. It's only listed for a 72 Chevelle standard. Being the 72 model year was produced for 5 months of calendar year 1971, the date could be the production date of the lens itself and not the model year it was intended for. Dunno...

 

[Big White]

Yes, it is both. When the same tail light design was used on more than one year it will have the year that that lens was first used. Those lenses were first used in 71, but also on 72's. None of the lenses on 72 cars have a 72 on them.

There was a similar date related question posted a while back, only in regard to the date on '70/'71 turn signal lenses. It came to the same conclusion as Dan's response above.