BLUEBIRD GL LIGHT RESTORATION

If you're even remotely into Datsun 510's then you know about their Japanese brethren, the Datsun Bluebird. Most Bluebird's are dismantled overseas and then parted out. The dismantlers make a good chunk of change parting these rare cars out for their highly desired parts; such as the tail lights and grill assemblies. 

I told myself not to to focus on any cosmetics until the car was up and running, but when a good deal comes around, you just need to bite the bullet. I didn't want to go with the more common SSS tails because they remind me of robo-cop. I wanted a tail light that wasn't commonly seen, but still held my genuine interest. 

I found this set of Bluebird GL tails via Facebook (in a Datsun parts group), the only flaw mentioned by the seller was 1 crack in the black plastic trim, but when they arrived there were actually 3 cracks. He also didn't have the original center garnish so these factors gave me the opportunity to barter for an even better price. Though these were huge downfalls, I didn't let it bring me down because I had a secret weapon to bring them back like new!

Kevin Q. of Service King in Arizona is a very good friend of mine that is originally from the SF Bay Area, I met him through a mutual friend of ours. I know from experience that working with fiberglass and plastics were Kevin's specialties so I immediately called him to get his input. Without hesitation Kevin replied, "No problem. Send em."

First chore to tackle was sealing up these cracks found in the surrounding trim. 

Second, Kevin resprayed the black trim keeping that textured look.

After he sprayed the plastic he called me and asked if I wanted him to touch-up the silver pinstripe. I gave him the green light on the task and they came out beautiful!

A finished product never looked so good! Thanks again Kevin for restoring these rare lights!

As soon as I track down that center garnish, you can bet I'll be sending it to Kevin for a new coat of paint and pinstripe work. Thanks again brotha!