I just noticed that there seems to be a difference between Trans Am Taillights and Firebird Taillights from 82 - 84. What is different? Does it have something to do with whether or not the reverse light can be seen or not? I am confused (as usual)...

 

I think the major difference was the Trans Am and S/E had the bars blacked out, where the Base firbird were all clear.

John

 

1982-1985 Base Firebird:

Three piece design. Similar to the 1979-81 taillight design. Two outer pieces which contain the lights, one center piece that goes around the trunk lock key hole. All piece are made of Black, Clear, and Red Plastic.

The lenses contain four bulbs per side. The inner most bulb is the back up light. The back up light has a white/clear lense, while the rest of the lenses are red. The center two lights are brake and turn signal lights. The outer most light is only used when the parking or headlights are on.

All three pieces (both lenses and center piece) have 7 large plastic louvers all the way across the assembly. There is also a red reflector all the way across the assembly along the bottom.

The center section contains a hole in its center for the trunk key hole. Also a flat plastic two tone Firebird emblem is depressed into the center section around the key hole. There is also a "PONTIAC" script in the red reflector portion of the center piece. The "PONTIAC" script was usually painted silver.

1982-1984 TransAm, Firebird SE, Firebird w/ the W51 Black appearance Group (exl. 15th T/A):

Same basic design as the base Bird' lights listed above. Light location and functions are the same.

The major difference is that the lenses are tinted and not clear. The whole lense and center assemblies are made of a dark (black) tinted plastic. The back pieces are still black.

These taillights still have the 7 louvers w/ the reflector along the bottom. The center section still contains the bird and PONTIAC script. The script was usually painted silver or gold depending on the cars trim colors.

1984 15th T/A:

Identical to the T/A lights listed above, with the following changes. The tops of all three lense pieces are painted white. Also the sides, and 7 louvers are all painted white. The "PONTIAC" script in the center section was painted white. The center section also contained a Blue and White bird.

 

Thanks again to all! It seems that I can always find the help I need through the forums. I guess we've all been through the same things at some point or other. I did some poking around and see what's different now.