Tail light

**01WS6** · 10-12-2010, 05:05 PM

Im new on here so I dont know if this thread is in the right place but can anyone tell me whats wrong with my tail light the right one is way darker than the left one
Thanks!

**purplebat66** · 10-12-2010, 05:20 PM

if the replaced the light they might have forgotten to put something back

**purplebat66** · 10-12-2010, 05:21 PM

nice pewter metalic trans am welcome to the family

**dbrichrider33333** · 10-12-2010, 05:21 PM

the right one has water damage

**01WS6** · 10-12-2010, 05:23 PM

Is there any way to get the water out or will it just happen again?

**purplebat66** · 10-12-2010, 05:24 PM

how can you tell?

**Cutlass** · 10-12-2010, 05:38 PM

It has water damage and needs to be replaced. Water gets into them and ruins the reflective chrome coating inside the taillight. Same thing happened to me. I bought a new one from GM.
If you go get a new one from the GM dealer, bring vaseline with you...so you butt won't hurt so bad as you walk out the door.

**01WS6** · 10-12-2010, 05:49 PM

Thats not what i wanted to hear

How much does a new light cost?

**Baluchitherium** · 10-12-2010, 06:47 PM

Originally Posted by 01WS6

Thats not what i wanted to hear

How much does a new light cost?

Looks like you can get them from GM Parts Direct for about $230 new.

You could also try hitting some junk yards (might get lucky) for a used one that hasn't been water damaged. 98-02 Firebird tail light assembly, Firebird V6,Fornula or Trans Am should do.

I have the same problem as you on the same side... I'm keeping my eyes peeled for one but,looks like I'm going to have to pull the trigger on a new one.

Been also thinking of using VHT on the tails but,not sure if I like the look as much as stock.

Good luck!

**01WS6** · 10-12-2010, 07:05 PM

Thanks guys looks like I'll be saving up for a new light

**justinmc978** · 10-12-2010, 07:08 PM

i've bought and resold several used ones for about $70-$120, use craigslist.

PROTIP: drill some 1/8 inch holes (i did 5 on mine) on the bottom of the black plastic light housing, this creates a vacuum and a drain plug for trapped condensation, (you can see condensation in the clear backup lense) this is the tried and true way to prevent 100% of the chrome tarnishing and condensation.

I also drilled two tiny holes at the bottom corner of my DRL housings for the same reason, but thats another topic

**nichoLaS1** · 10-13-2010, 05:36 AM

Same problem here.. except on the drivers side. I look daily to find a cheaper replacement casue there's no way I'll spend 400+ on a new pair from GM..

**jiveass** · 10-13-2010, 05:44 AM

ive seen this on a lot of t/a's and it was always on the passenger side...i actually thought about asking this question a few days ago...guess my question is answered

**nichoLaS1** · 10-13-2010, 05:52 AM

Originally Posted by jiveass

ive seen this on a lot of t/a's and it was always on the passenger side...i actually thought about asking this question a few days ago...guess my question is answered

I don't even like to take pictures of it cause it makes me mad lol but maybe I will take a few today

**Cutlass** · 10-13-2010, 06:16 AM

You guys could also try to find a matching water damaged taillight for the other side for cheap on eBay. It would kinda look like you VHT'd both tails a bit darker

**Cutlass** · 10-13-2010, 06:19 AM

Originally Posted by Baluchitherium

Looks like you can get them from GM Parts Direct for about $230 new.

Thats about what I spent on mine with my discount as a GM dealership employee. no shipping charge either

**nichoLaS1** · 10-13-2010, 06:35 AM

Originally Posted by Cutlass

You guys could also try to find a matching water damaged taillight for the other side for cheap on eBay. It would kinda look like you VHT'd both tails a bit darker

hahaha not a bad idea, except the top of my light is cracked too.. ebay does have a decent selection though (of good quality of ones)

**1998 T/A** · 10-14-2010, 07:19 AM

Check out ebay or craigslist

***SMWS6TA*** · 10-14-2010, 10:46 AM

so has anyone figure out where the leaks are coming from?

Both of mine are starting to get a build up of water

This past week end I had to take both off and drain them because I had an inch or two of water.

**justinmc978** · 10-14-2010, 12:41 PM

Originally Posted by SMWS6TA

so has anyone figure out where the leaks are coming from?

Both of mine are starting to get a build up of water

This past week end I had to take both off and drain them because I had an inch or two of water.

see post #11 for a fix

it's really condensation slipping in around the bulb openings and not being able to escape. replacing the round black gaskets could also help but i've found drilling drain holes to be infinately more practical