An important note about repop'ed 69 Dart side Marker lenses

I'm not sure if this is common knowledge but it was news to me so I thought Id share it. This may impact other A and B models for 69.

A while back I posted an ad in the wanted section looking for side markers for my 69.
http://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/showthread.php?t=326634

Along the way (as it happens) a discussion brewed comparing the new repops vs the originals with regards to Color. I will attach some pictures at the end of this post for comparison and will draw your attention to the differences in color and reflective pattern.

BUT, before we go there AND the reason for this post is to inform you about a production issue ( having nothing to do with color or reflective properties) with the rear marker lenses.

I ordered my 4 piece lens Kit from MrMoparts (80 bucks). I specifically looked at the A body section for 69 but as it turns out they are listed for all 69 A and B body cars. When the kit arrived I installed the front amber units without a hitch. However, when it came to the rears that was a different story. The Clips molded onto the rear of the red lens did not align with the housings. I contacted Mark over at MrMoparts and he told me that he had just finished having this conversation with another customer, and what they found out was that in the early part of the production year Chrysler used a housing with a close pattern and switched to the larger pattern after about 3 months (See the attached image illustrating the small pattern).

Because there are so few of these small pattern housings the lens manufacturer is not producing markers with the small oddball pattern. For the record my Dart is dated Sept. 68.

Small pattern is 1-3/4
Large pattern is 2-1/2

Bottom line check before you buy.

Those of us with the oddball units are left with a few options: