68 Tail Light Bezels - Which Ones?

[jeff68]

I'm trying to make a decision regarding which reproduction tail light bezels to buy for the restoration of my 68 Camaro. 
It looks like my choices are:
1)  Moroso (made in USA)
2)  Classic Headquarters (imported)
3)  OER (imported)

Does anyone have any experience with any of these?  Is one better than the others?  I remember seeing something in the Rick's catalog about the Moroso ones having quality 'concerns', but I really don't know what that means.

I imagine that these need to be replaced on almost every restoration of a northern car, so please let me know your experience.

Thanks,
Jeff

[Sauron327]

Here is my present and past knowledge. Rick's gets theirs from the manufacturer which is right next door to them. I was under the impression that Moroso made the best. I had an aquaintence who was able to buy them directly 4 years ago. No longer. He claimed they were the best. Ground Up's sales rep. does not carry them (Moroso) and said they just started making them. Which is a contradiction unless there was a pause in production. I would like to know who has Moroso as well. Prices among dist. are inconsistent so homework is required.

[Sauron327]

Jeff, Summit has both Goodmark and Moroso. $90 and $102 respectively

[jeff68]

Classic Muscle also has the Moroso in stock, but they are about $120 each.

Now, I thought that the previous Moroso tail light bezels had incorrect style pre-threaded studs on the back.  Does anyone know what the current Moroso bezels have for studs?  I can't seem to find a good picture of a Moroso bezel.

Anyone else with feedback on reproduction tail light bezels?  Thanks.

[Sauron327]

I called Summit. They gave me Moroso's Ph # 203-458-0542 Guilford, CT ( one hour away-used to go to shows there in the early 80's) Best to go to source if you can. Summit has to pull one from warehouse through customer service. Tech rep. said takes a while.------------------Moroso Camaro Taillight Bezels
Taillight Bezel, Right/ Chrome, Chevy, Camaro 1968, Each
 8/22/08 $101.95

[jeff68]

^^ Did you ever get a chance to take a look at these bezels?

[Sauron327]

No Jeff,
  I have no reason to be up that part of the state for a while. I think if you called them they would be happy to help. Answer your manufacturing questions, maybe send you a pic. If I can miraculously remember I can call tomorrow and see if they are open on Sat.
   Scott

[hotrod68]

I used the Moroso bezels....very well done and of high quality. However, they don't use the original-type attaching nuts. You'll need to grind down the studs with a Dremel to get the original nuts to work. Just a thought to condsider. Good luck!

[Jerry@CHP]

I think the CHQs are the best of late.  I just installed them in my new 67 Z28 resto project.  They look fine.  The quality control has gone down on the Morosos as of late.

Jerry

[Sauron327]

    Why doesn't that surprise me? 

[jeff68]

Thanks for the feedback.  I'll pick up a set of the CHQ ones and see how they look.

[169INDY]

My experiance with the CHQ bezels (1968) was as Follows:
Order NEW Bezels, Receive NEW bezels;
Order NEW RS lenses, Receive NEW Lenes (RS).
Try to install NEW Plastic Lens into NEW Bezels,
NO FIT!!!!!!

So in the end I found that the raised RS platstic lens required machining a very small portion of the raised area around the inboard short side of the lens. I took the lens to a mill machine at my dads and chucked up a 3/8" end mill and shaved a very small portion of the raised area of the plastic lens so that the lens would seat into the new bezel. (Note: I think the NEW lens would not fit into the GM OLD bezel as well) If I remember it was only about a 1/64" required removal to allow the lens to (pop!) in and be fully seated. I tryed to File fit at first but the lens material was tough and it was hard to maintian parrallel etc. Lenses were from a vendor and I can not remember what the packaging was like (i.e. whom sold-mfg?)

BTW: I was very happy with the CHQ -vs- OER quality of the bezel, as others have stated you should be happy with CHQ offerings at this time.

Jim

[jeff68]

^ Good info.  Thanks.  I will be using my original 'standard' lenses, so hopefully they should fit.

How is the fit of the bezel to the body on the CHQ pieces?  I heard that the older repops didn't sit flush with the body.

Also, what gaskets are you using?  I have a set of very good condition originals that I carefully removed from my old bezels.  I also have a set of the new molded reproductions that look nice.

[169INDY]

Jeff, I think I sprung for the molded repops (gaskets) and used them to mount on fresh paint. The Orig GMs were intact but had taken a 'SET' and were not going to transfer well. The CHQ bezels had no issues with fitment to the tail panel.
I did use the OE style nuts and pre threaded them on the bench VERY, VERY carefully so the in car install would go smoother and minimize potential for stud shear when leaning in trunk to tighten.

An interesting side note: I took the GM tail lamp housing sheet metal backs and had them clear (silver) zinc plated [I know they were galv plated originally] but they look awesome! Also there is a small hole in the sheet metal back that has a little white/beige fiber plug installed allowing venting of the housing, they get browned out from age, just turn it around and stick the fresh side out for a clean restored look.

Jim

[jeff68]

Thanks for the feedback, Jim.  Good idea about pre-threading the nuts on the studs.  I was wondering if the original nuts could be used on the repops.  Now I know.  The backs of my lights were in great shape, so I just cleaned them up a little.  I think that I ended up 'flipping' the felt plugs as well.
I'll have to get the CHQ bezels ordered on of these days.