Early 1972(?) tail light housings different than later?

Early 1972(?) tail light housings different than later? - 03/07/14 03:44 AM

Pulled these off my 72.

What's the little light for?

Replaced them because the wiring was hacked, and although they worked, I'm tryin to clean up as much of the electrical system as possible.

The ones I replaced them with are like the one on the left.

Is the one with the little light correct for my 72? I have never seen the light on (been in the family for 20+ years)

So does that mean that 72 lenses are different?

Attached picture 8064618-image.jpg

Posted By: NITROUSN

Re: Early 1972(?) tail light housings different than later? - 03/07/14 04:17 AM

As far as I know 72-80 were all the same. Got a pic of the other side. My bets are someone added a light.

Posted By: magnum440d100

Re: Early 1972(?) tail light housings different than later? - 03/07/14 04:42 AM

Here's a pic of the reverse side. It's spliced in via a metal crimp, like I've seen on othe parts of this truck and other trucks. It looks to be tied into the running lights.

Attached picture 8064703-image.jpg

Posted By: demon

Re: Early 1972(?) tail light housings different than later? - 03/08/14 04:21 AM

Yes my 72 has the little bulbs too. No sure when they stopped using them but I suspect 72 was the only year.

Posted By: NITROUSN

Re: Early 1972(?) tail light housings different than later? - 03/08/14 04:40 AM

Quote:

Here's a pic of the reverse side. It's spliced in via a metal crimp, like I've seen on othe parts of this truck and other trucks. It looks to be tied into the running lights.

It sure seems like it could be original. I never owned a 1972 as it was the first year for that body style. I has 73 and newer and they did not have that extra bulb. I suspect early 72 build.

Posted By: moparmarks

Re: Early 1972(?) tail light housings different than later? - 03/08/14 04:52 AM

Interesting. I've had boxes of these and several 73's and have ever seen that little light.

Posted By: dynotune440

Re: Early 1972(?) tail light housings different than later? - 03/08/14 05:56 AM

Yeah, there is a lot of one year only stuff...if you really start looking, it was a 72, then 73 and newer stuff....
Ad control is different, cruise is different, lighting in dash...points, blower fan flex hose...and more...lol

Posted By: magnum440d100

Re: Early 1972(?) tail light housings different than later? - 03/08/14 06:38 AM

Quote:

Quote:

Here's a pic of the reverse side. It's spliced in via a metal crimp, like I've seen on othe parts of this truck and other trucks. It looks to be tied into the running lights.

It sure seems like it could be original. I never owned a 1972 as it was the first year for that body style. I has 73 and newer and they did not have that extra bulb. I suspect early 72 build.

Truck is a 11/71 build date.

And yes, there is a lot of one year only stuff on this truck. Seems like a lot of it was left over from 71, and just tossed together for the 72 model year.
Perfect example besides these tail lights. The "vent" for the heater blower motor that ties into the cowl. On my truck, it's a hose that clamps onto the blower motor and clamps onto the cowl. Every other truck has a plastic tube that slips into the cowl and slips onto the blower motor.
Window regulators are metal on metal slides. Every other newer truck has plastic sliders. A lot smoother but 72 is one year only side glass because the slider size difference.
Heater/AC control panel is solid. Newer ones age "hollow" to allow for light from an accessory light so you can see.
Door lock (interior) holes are smaller. Newer trucks have the holes slightly larger and a rubber grommet.
Power steering is different
Disc brakes are different

List goes on and on and on

Great, so now I've got to locate 2 1972 housings and tail lenses. Figures hahaha

Posted By: stumpy

Re: Early 1972(?) tail light housings different than later? - 03/08/14 06:43 PM

If the lenses are the same why bother.

Posted By: NITROUSN

Re: Early 1972(?) tail light housings different than later? - 03/08/14 07:25 PM

I remember there was an up to and after VIN number. The one item that sticks in my memory being different were the 4wd front axle joints. The earlier ones were smaller than the later ones. The later ones were the same from the split in 72 to 2001 half tons.

Posted By: poorboy

Re: Early 1972(?) tail light housings different than later? - 03/09/14 06:05 AM

Such was the case in most Dodge major body changes from the late 30s on. A 39 had many specific parts compared to the rest of the series that dated from 39 to 47.
A 48 had specific 48 parts only though the truck series went from 48-53. The trucks between 54 and 60 changed every couple years, but the all new 61 had specific parts compared to the style that went up to 71. We have documented the 72 through 93 differences. The 94 has specific parts compared to the 95 to whenever. I quit taking notice around 2000. Gene

Posted By: hp383

Re: Early 1972(?) tail light housings different than later? - 03/09/14 10:34 AM

I cant attest to the tail lights, as I never removed the lenses, but my 72 had the little pentastar in the lower passenger fender, like was found on the cars. I thought it was added by a previous owner, but later found an advertisement for the 72 D series that showed the same pentastar.

Attached picture 8067343-72dodgetruck.jpg

Attached picture 8067343-72dodgetruck.jpg

Posted By: dynotune440

Re: Early 1972(?) tail light housings different than later? - 03/10/14 05:05 AM

I would like to see a really early 72 built in july or aug of 71...never seen that early bumper in person, or solid telescopic antenna on one...
I have a 72 that was built in nov of 71...none of the cool stuff as mentioned above...