Is my '74 Vega GT really a '74

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Is my '74 Vega GT really a '74

Postby lawlesracn » Wed May 26, 2010 10:28 am

Puchased this car in November, the Title and VIN match indicating its a '74. My dilemma is cracked tail light lenses and i can't seem to find a correct representation of what the lenses for a '74 actually look like. There were some on ebay which look like mine but represented as for '76-'77 models only. Can any body provide a picture or a reference as to what I should be looking for regarding the appearance of the correct lenses and a definitive identification of the car i purchased. Not trying to be a purist this car is intended for street and track use and will tag it as the title indicates but would like to know for certain. Thanks
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Re: Is my '74 Vega GT really a '74

Postby 72 SS PNL » Wed May 26, 2010 11:43 am

74-75 lights were rectangular

76-77 were taller and kinda match the curve of the corner of the tail panel , i seam to remember them having the amber turn signal too , the 74-75 turn and brake were the same bulb
first and best car owned 72 GT(changed to SS) panel wagon

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Re: Is my '74 Vega GT really a '74

Postby v8astregt » Wed May 26, 2010 11:58 am

It's been awhile, but I believe the amber signal in the later cars was actually a dummy. I parted one out and I was kind of surprised to see that it was a blank.
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Re: Is my '74 Vega GT really a '74

Postby Stevie » Wed May 26, 2010 3:14 pm

Here's a taillight from a '74 (the same as '75):
Image

And here's a picture of a late '77 model:
Image

Steffen
'75 Vega hatchback, bright yellow, mostly stock- except of 14'' Minilite wheels on 205/60 R 14, Grant steering wheel and some minor changes...
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Re: Is my '74 Vega GT really a '74

Postby lawlesracn » Thu May 27, 2010 8:24 am

The information and pictures are exactly what I was looking for, Thanks guys. Next i guess i need to decode the vin and body tag. My title says '74 and the vin matches but the taillights are identical to the picture yellow '77. Just have to embrace the honesty of some americans today. Not yet ready to accuse the seller of decieving me but visions of raising the roof and rearranging the furniture (at his place of course) come to mind. Only kidding not into violence and confrontation. There very well may be legit circumstances and documented justification. We'll see. :? My glass is always half full, a 'lil Vodka n Cranberry Juice never hurt anyone!
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Re: Is my '74 Vega GT really a '74

Postby 72 SS PNL » Thu May 27, 2010 11:37 am

does it look like someone might have replace the tail panel of the car ? like maybe they fixed the body from a accident or rust repair ?
first and best car owned 72 GT(changed to SS) panel wagon

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Re: Is my '74 Vega GT really a '74

Postby lawlesracn » Thu May 27, 2010 1:02 pm

The tail panel looks original or one very good replacement. The front fenders are primered and the windshield area has been repaired so the glass has been out easy enough to change the vin tag. I'll have to pull out the interior panel at the tail lights and inspect a bit further. Does anyone know of any other areas I may be able to differentiate between years and or locations for body vin# stamping. This kinda sucks, I have been acquiring parts since Nov, ready to begin building and now I want to just hold off till I verify this wasn't a theft of sorts. Ever seen what happens when a project car has later been id'd as a stolen vehicle. I for one don't want to find out first hand.
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Re: Is my '74 Vega GT really a '74

Postby lawlesracn » Thu May 27, 2010 9:01 pm

Ok guys looked this car over really well and it looks like the tail light panel has been replaced, seam filler on the ends doesn't match filler anyplace else on the car an the driver side isn't quite flush with the end of the quarter panel. You Guys are awesome for having me take a closer look. :D
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Re: Is my '74 Vega GT really a '74

Postby lawlesracn » Thu May 27, 2010 9:07 pm

I also figured out how to resize these pictures so i can post them in threads. I don't post many pictures online but take plenty. Lol just had to share that
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Re: Is my '74 Vega GT really a '74

Postby cjbiagi » Thu May 27, 2010 9:11 pm

If the car is stock you can also check the size of the rear brakes. Up to 1975 they were very small 9 x 1 1/4" drums and shoes. In 76 they went to the larger 9.5 X 2" drums.
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Re: Is my '74 Vega GT really a '74

Postby lawlesracn » Thu May 27, 2010 9:18 pm

I also figured out how to resize these pictures so i can post them in threads. I don't post many pictures online but take plenty. Lol just had to share that
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Re: Is my '74 Vega GT really a '74

Postby res0o7eb » Thu May 27, 2010 11:19 pm

Clyde is on the right track.
Also, If it is a 74, the rear suspension will be a 4-link - two uppers and two lowers.
If it is a 77, the rear suspension will be a 3-link - two lowers and a torque arm(plus a panhard bar).
The 74 also has a 6.5" rear end and the 77 has a 7.5" rear end.
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Re: Is my '74 Vega GT really a '74

Postby lawlesracn » Thu May 27, 2010 11:20 pm

the car was purchased already had an S10 rear in it
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Re: Is my '74 Vega GT really a '74

Postby lawlesracn » Thu May 27, 2010 11:25 pm

Its of the four link variety. pretty certain the tail light panel was replaced. Not sure why cause there is no damage to the quarter panels or under carriage as if it were involved in an accident or anything. maybe the lock was punched out and easier to replace the whole panel than repair the area surrounding the lock. Just a guess
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Re: Is my '74 Vega GT really a '74

Postby res0o7eb » Thu May 27, 2010 11:35 pm

I think it is a 74 then.
There would be no reason to replace the rear end with an S-10 if it was a 7.5" rear end(i.e. if the Vega was a 77).
The 6.5" rears are weak and not able to handle much torque, so a 7.5" S-10 rear-end is an upgrade.
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