LUVTruck.com

Like others that ordered parts from Phil's Rotary on ebay, I got my parts this week. I just wanted to toss up some pictures for you guys that are on the fence so you know what to expect. I wish I could give this stuff a solid thumbs up, but there are a few quality issues. How big of a deal they are, is up to you to decide.

I also plan on providing this feedback to Phil's Rotary to see if they are interested in improving some of this stuff.

Overall, I'm happy with the parts. They are not GM or Izusu quality, but I didn't expect them to be. I think they are worth the price.

So let's get on with it...

The test subject:

Let's start with the good.

I bought a turn signal switch because mine didn't work. The detent was gone and it would often go to "left turn" after a pot-hole.

The new unit is practically an exact replica of the original, and for me, works exactly like a new one.



I also bought window seals and a shifter boot. Although I haven't tried to install them, they look good.

Window cranks:

When I saw the new ones in the package I was impressed.

I removed my handles using my handy hook and compared them for you guys.



I imagine most of yours are in similar condition to what mine are. New on left, old on right.



Unfortunately, when I installed the clips and tried to install the handle, it wouldn't stay on the shaft. I looked closer and noticed that the slots in the sleeve don't go deep enough to let the clip grab anything on the window crank shaft. Although this is an easy fix with a band saw or a cutoff wheel, it was a bit disappointing.

Old



New - Notice how shallow the slice is made compared to the original.



After I get a chance to fix these, I'll repost with the results.

Front turn signals - pre 76

Admittedly, my existing lights were in pretty good shape.




However, these new units put mine to shame when placed side by side. (Notice the missing sheild on the chrome ring that seems to serve no purpose anyway)



The first thing I noticed is that there are no plugs attached to the wires. This can be easily remedied with butt connectors or whatever your preffered splicing method is, but new plugs would have been nice. There is also no clip to hold the wires to the housing like on the originals. Not a big deal, but worth mentioning.




Since I was in a hurry, I decided to skip the rewiring for today and just swap the front lenses. Internally the new units are identical to the originals, except for the missing reflector behind the bulb (new bulbs are included by the way).



The good news is that the lenses are an exact match for the original. Some of you may opt for just the lense replacement like I did.

If someone installs the whole housing, please post about the bolt alignment.

Finally, the tail lights.

Again, my existing lights were in better shape than most.



And again, side by side with the new units, my old ones start to look like do-do.




The first thing I noticed is how nice it was that a new plug was included, complete with a pig tail for the marker light in the bed. Unfortunately, the plastic cover on the pigtail is missing on the new units. I covered mine with electrical tape to prevent any shorts inside the tail light bucket.




As I installed the light on the right side, I noticed some strange alignment issues with the bed. It isn't too bad, and I think I can live with it, but the original didn't have this problem and it seems like someone could have done better with some trial fitting on the prototypes.



The inside edge of the ring is touching the paint, but the outside edge has a huge gap. Just to double check, I refitted my original light and it fits fine.



After installing the left side, the problem becomes obvious. To me, this is almost unacceptable.



If your bed is in good shape, you might be able to compensate for this. If your bed has collision damage like mine does on the left side, you'll probably be unable to get the light to line up. Notice the left tilt of the light and the difference between the top and the bottom distance to the tailgate?



After further inspection, I noticed a difference in the location of the stand off on the new lights. Somehow the location got shifted a bit to the side on the top mount.




I could always elongate the mounting holes and use fender washers, but I don't think I should have to.

I also removed the lenses to have a look inside.



The good news is that the lenses will fit on the original housing if you would rather go that route.

The bad news is that behind the bulbs is simply painted silver on the new units, rather than providing an actual chrome reflector like the original. This DOES make a noticeable difference in the brightness of the lights. If you need to replace only one side for some reason, you may need to buy both sides to keep the brightness equal. New bulbs are also included.

Overall, the new hardware looks good from a distance. I'll get a wide shot tomorrow to post for you guys.

Most of the parts are impressive and 10X better than anything else we can get (which is often nothing). The tail light alignment is a bit of a dissappointment and I'm going to see if Phil's will be willing to make some adjustments. Until then, if your bed is in good shape, you can probably compensate.

I don't think the tail lights are show truck quality out of the box, but anyone building a show truck is going to be willing to take the time to heat and bend the mounting pads, or do whatever it takes to fix the alignment issues.

Great! I ordered a set of tailights also, dont really need them but figured they would be better than mine since they are new, if they fit like that, guess I wont be using them. How is the chrome on them, it looks really cheap in that top view you posted. Hope the door seals are good quality.

Thanks for posting the info Ben!!!

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Click on C.M. logo to go to my webpage


RIP R.J.B.

thanks ben ... if you get to the door and window rubber let us know...

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My old but now gone Luv...

I put my rear window seal on today. I fit petty good. Me and my friend didn't do a real good job because he had to go, but we got it almost all on there. We missed a few spots. Be worn this is a to man operation as I found out this morning that I could not do it my self.

I did the same as Tilted. I'm ordering a set of lights just to have for MY LUV should I ever get one back from the kids.
But now seeing Ben's, I'm not impressed. I guess I'll do the lens and chrome swap.

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OK, I'm over it. Where's the beer?

Ya, it was a bit disappointing. I contact Phil's Rotary, so we'll see what they say. I don't think they are around on weekends. Hopefully they are more helpful with fit and finish issues than that Austrailian dashboards company.

i know he makes trips out of country for the parts(at least thats what i have been told) so he may not beable to help much. but allways worth a try

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My old but now gone Luv...

Ben, are the mounting posts off as much as they look in this pic or is it just the angle, and are the chrome trims rings as wavy as they look in the 2nd pic??? Let me know, I am about ready to cancel my order for the taillights.

_________________
Click on C.M. logo to go to my webpage


RIP R.J.B.

The posts are a bit off, which is why the tail light will not line up with the edge of the bed properly. However, I think the angle in the picture makes it look worse.

The chrome rings are wavy, like it looks.

Like I said, the quality is not what GM or Izusu sold. These parts seem about in the same category as the cheaper imported body parts you come across that look close but never seem to fit right. If you have a show truck, your probably not going to be able to take them out of the box and just bolt 'em on.

that’s like one of the aftermarket fenders i have, mounting way of by the door had to bend and shape to fit, pain in the A$$ but looks ok from 10 feet now

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My old but now gone Luv...

Never heard back on my emails.



Guess I have to call.

some of my email did that... some make it to them and some didn’t... the ones that did if i sent it at 3pm or later i would get a response with in minutes or a couple hrs.... others never heard a word and they say they didn’t get them... but they seam to be ok people to deal with

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My old but now gone Luv...

I put my tail lights on the other day and i too was a bit disappointed
I tried to save my old lights and just swap the lenses
but the old ones were literally falling a part and holding on by a prayer

Cancelled my order for those, aint gonna fly on my truck.

_________________
Click on C.M. logo to go to my webpage


RIP R.J.B.

the only good thing off the lights would be the lenses.