1974 Datsun 260Z 2+2 Tail Light Panel Won't Fit On Properly

[timtim]

Hi Guys 

I have a 1974 datsun 260z 2+2 my tail light panels won't fit in properly it sticks out a little and makes the panel not fully fit properly I had a look and can see the tail light seems to be the cause of this....

Is there a difference between the datsun 260z 2+2 tail lights and other models of the 260z tail lights ?

Would i be able to just do some cutting on the tail light to make the panel fit or would it be better to find the right tail lights ?

[gilltech]

The tail light unit is the same whether 2-seat or 2+2, just the surround is shaped slightly differently.

Don't go cutting or trimming anything on your units, they normally just slot in to place on the bolts.

Have your units got the foam gasket on back? Is one or more of the mounting bolts bent?

Is the taillight panel damaged/dented/been rust repaired? Where exactly is the clash happening, what isn't lining up, & is it the same for both?

What is the background to your car - were the taillights on it when you bought it or are you trying to put a disassembled car back together?

Edited June 16, 2017 by gilltech

[timtim]

HI Gilltech

It was already on when i bought it the tail light panel won't fit back on properly leaves a little gap between the panel and the body of the car the rear lights don't have any bent bolts of anything they fit into the slots perfectly i just replaced the rubber seals with new ones but even with the old rubber seals it wasn't fitting on properly and leaves a little gap between the tail light panel trim and the body.

[gilltech]

Photo?

Has the taillight (metal) panel been damaged/dented or been rust repaired do you think?

Hard to diagnose without a picture though.

[timtim]

Car is currently at my friends place as we pulling out the suspension i'll try and get some photos of it before i do any fab work

[simonmj]

@gilltech. As far as I know, the light tail panel for the 260z and the 2+2 are made of plastic composite (not metal).

[gilltech]

Righto, we're talking cross-purposes.

The panels you are referring to are what I'd called the taillight surrounds - my term for them, anyway. Yes they are plastic. The surrounds differ between 2+2 and 2-seater, the 2+2 surround being slightly bigger.

Whereas I was starting with the basics, asking whether the metal (structural) panel, of the body shell, is all 100% straight and not accident/rust damaged/repaired.

It might be hard to photograph but harder still to diagnose without something to look at.