I have a 1998 Lexus SC300. Unfortunately I had to replace my oem tail light because they were damaged. So I ended up purchasing new aftermarket tail lights on ebay since they were real affordable but I notice they don't fit perfectly flush like the oem ones. Close up you can see small gaps. Their advertise to fit 1992 to 1995 SC's however I assumed all year SC parts were universal. I notice the rear bumper on the 97+ SC look different from the previous gens. So I was thinking about purchasing a 1992 to 1995 rear bumper to fix this but wanted to verify with you all on CL first to see what you guys think. Any information would be appreciated it. Thanks!

 

Don't downgrade on your bumper selection for ebay tails. This is a classic case of "you get what you pay for." You bought them on ebay for cheap, and there's a reason behind them being cheap, one of the reasons you're experiencing now. Having a 97+ body style is considered by most to be a blessing, so downgrading to the less attractive earlier bumper is silly. In all honesty, I'd cut my losses on those tails and buy a new set of 97+ tails to replace the broken ones. Your fitment issues will be solved and the car will look the way it was intended too. It's hard to beat factory on these cars.

 

You can get a brand new set of 97+ tail lights from Sewell Lexus for for $350 shipped. You can find some sale in the classified section for sale also. I would not put those eBay lights on my car ever.
I think the issue is the lights assemblies themselves. I have fitted oem 97+ light on 92-96 cars with zero issues. My buddy have oem 95-96 tail light on his 98 sc300, fits perfectly.

 

You are absolutely right. I agree with you 100%. I want the 97+ oem tail lights so bad but at my local lexus dealer they cost around $400 each. And online their almost the same price. But I will take your advice because it make so much sense. I will keep my bumper and continue to search for good deals on the 97+ tail lights to replace my aftermarket ones. Thanks man!



Thank you very much for the information and advise. I really appreciate that. $350 shipped for brand new set of 97+ tail lights is an awesome deal! I'll research Sewell Lexus and the classified section for the 97+ tail lights.

 

100% this

 

I dont understand what you mean about your bumper being off, can I see some close ups pics?

 

Check the classifieds often, there are usually a set in there for sale. Please remove those ASAP. LOL

 

Actually the bumper is not off at all. The aftermarket tail lights just don't fit perfectly in the housing area like the oems.

 

I went to fit a set of OEM 97+ lights on my '95 tonight, and they don't seem to fit. The studs are just off from the holes in the buckets on the car. Even trying to push the tails inwards toward the center, they're already making contact with the section of the bumper between the buckets.

Anyone heard of this? It was my impression they just swapped right in.

 

This was also the case on mine when I first put in the 97+ tails. I noticed that the screws on the lenses and the holes on the car doesn't aline perfectly. But I was able to put them in; I found it easier to aline the screws to the holes in the middle of the car, then push the ends gently to aline the outer screws and holes.