Napa (tyc) Taillight Lens

[thecraft]

I bought a new set of taillight lens (without the connector plate and bulbs) from NAPA back in October for about $31 each. They were manufactured by TYC in Taiwan. Right off the bat, I wasn't too impressed. They didn't include a new gasket (or any screws, for that matter) for the connector plate, so I had to use the old tattered one. I don't even think TYC designed the lens assembly for the gasket, it doesn't even fit right and thus makes the connector plate flex in the middle. Next, I had a good time trying to get the locking tabs (on the back of the lens facing the cab) to grab because of the gasket sticking out from the lens, but I finally forced it in. Then I had to secure the lens with the old screws because they didn't bother to include any new ones.

 

Overall fit was terrible. You probably wouldn't notice if you weren't looking, but take a closer look and you'd easily see how nothing lines up. In fact, the gasket on the edge near the tailgate has a gap about 1/8" wide between itself and the metal. I took the truck to a coin-op car wash a few weeks ago and had water get into the lens, never had this problem with the stock lens.

 

Today I had to replace the driver side brake light. I broke part of the red lens plastic (just barely 1/16" thick!) off trying to get the locking tabs loose. Changed out the bulb, and broke another piece of the lens off trying to get the tabs to latch again. Junk, not worth the $62 I paid!

[Zembonez]

That is sad. TYC stuff isn't usually too bad quality wise.

[thecraft]

That's what I've always heard, but when you start sourcing out to sweatshops in China, Taiwan, etc. anything goes I guess.

[Indy]

I have TYC tail lights and headlights. They fit perfectly and look great. I've had many people ask me if the headlights are OEM because they look so good.

My friend bought TYC tail lights to replace the broken ones on his Dodge truck and they are basically identical to stock.

[thecraft]

Well, today was pretty boring, so I decided to try and play with the taillights and see if I could get them to fit any better. After a lot of fidgeting, I think they line up a lot better now. I'm still ticked how easily I broke the lens, however.