Replacement Exterior Lighting Assemblies, TYC vs DEPO

[df2x4]

Thanks for the pictures @east302! That's awesome!

Both look great but as I suspected, I think I like the DEPOs a little more.

 

[GoToGuy]

I first time I replaced a twilight housing, on my 90' s trucks, I took a chance on TYC. And you know the quality was good, fit, Finnish, highly polished lens. It even came with new bulbs installed. I've used six of their replacements and I'll keep using them for a taillight assembly.

 

[HotWheelsBurban]

I have Eagle Eyes brand taillights on the Burb, and they're lighter and thinner than the factory Guide units. But they're still just as shiny as the day I installed them, in 2018! I think they are made by TYC and sold under the different name; I bought them and the headlights (which are still pretty clean looking as well) at different times that year from a parts distributor in SW Houston that used to sell over the counter to walk-ins. Headlights were ~$37 each, tails ~$21 each.
And in both cases, they were plug and play; all bulbs included and installed.....
The beauty of a design used across the platform for so many years.....

 

[454cid]

I don't see the big deal. The orginal GM lights would have the writing on them too.

I have the TYC lights. All new lights looks fantastic.

 

[df2x4]

I don't see the big deal. The orginal GM lights would have the writing on them too.

There is no big deal. I'm just nerding out.

It's not the presence of the text that bothers me, it's where TYC chose to put it on the corner markers. IMO it just draws attention being on the front edge of the lens like that. The text on the DEPOs kind of disappears into the checkering of the reflector.

 

[454cid]

There is no big deal. I'm just nerding out.

It's not the presence of the text that bothers me, it's where TYC chose to put it on the corner markers. IMO it just draws attention being on the front edge of the lens like that. The text on the DEPOs kind of disappears into the checkering of the reflector.

Isn't GMs text in the same spot? I was looking at mine the other day and could swear it's the same. I'll look tonight when I get home, if I remember.

 

[fancyTBI]

I have TYC markers on my ‘95 (88-93 grille though) and I like the quality.

 

[Caman96]

Why not OEM?

GM 5977738 GM Front Lower Right Marker Lamp Lens 1994-2000 GMC Chevrolet Truck | eBay

GM 5977738 GM Front Lower Right Marker Lamp Lens 1994-2000 GMC Chevrolet Truck Please Check With Your Parts Dept To Be Sure It Fits Your Car.

www.ebay.com

Genuine OEM 5977737 GM Front Driver Side Marker Lamp | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Genuine OEM 5977737 GM Front Driver Side Marker Lamp at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

 

[modernbeat]

Whichever way you go, I'd prep and coat them before installation. They will look better for much longer with a little care.
Rough up the surface with some 400 then 800-1000 grit to give it a tooth. It will look evenly frosted when ready.
Then paint it with a clearcloat. I've used both epoxy style and UV cured style. I like the UV stuff, but either will do.

UV cured clear that I've used

SMR-700A Headlight Restoration Coating Aerosol

speedokote.com

Epoxy clear that I've used

2K Clear Glamour - SprayMax

www.spraymax.com

I'm waiting on another can of the UV clear to arrive to refresh my original GM tail lights.

 

[df2x4]

Isn't GMs text in the same spot? I was looking at mine the other day and could swear it's the same. I'll look tonight when I get home, if I remember.

I'm pretty sure GM put it over the reflectors, more similar to the DEPOs. If you look at the first link Caman96 posted you can just barely see it through the bag in one of the pictures.

Why not OEM?

GM 5977738 GM Front Lower Right Marker Lamp Lens 1994-2000 GMC Chevrolet Truck | eBay

GM 5977738 GM Front Lower Right Marker Lamp Lens 1994-2000 GMC Chevrolet Truck Please Check With Your Parts Dept To Be Sure It Fits Your Car.

www.ebay.com

Genuine OEM 5977737 GM Front Driver Side Marker Lamp | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Genuine OEM 5977737 GM Front Driver Side Marker Lamp at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

To be honest I hadn't even checked for NOS, I figured that finding all four corners in Chevy and GMC varieties would be impossible. I'll look into it more and see what's available.