Author Topic: Fading tail light lens? (Read 3384 times)

Air-Cooled · « **on:** March 24, 2025, 06:13:17 PM »

Has anyone had their 70s Tonti framed Guzzi's develop a fading rear lens? I've ordered a new one. Maybe there's way to prevent it?

n3303j · « **Reply #1 on:** March 24, 2025, 06:18:11 PM »

That's what mine looks like.
Keep it out of the sun 🌞

Air-Cooled · « **Reply #2 on:** March 24, 2025, 06:35:13 PM »

Thanks for confirming that this issue is not unique. I keep it out of the sun for the most part.

73 sport · « **Reply #3 on:** March 24, 2025, 07:07:42 PM »

Your tail light lens doesn't seem to be faded. The bottom is clear, the top is clear pink. Mine is the same and it is like new.

John A · « **Reply #4 on:** March 24, 2025, 07:36:48 PM »

On the plus side, they are more visible at night. I got stopped by Highway Patrol a couple times in the ‘70s for them not being red enough.

Air-Cooled · « **Reply #5 on:** March 24, 2025, 07:50:15 PM »

I've never seen one other than mine, that has clear/pink top. I'm not convinced that they were made this way, but I could be wrong. This one on eBay is claimed to be OEM.

Gliderjohn · « **Reply #6 on:** March 24, 2025, 07:59:27 PM »

I recently replaced the lens on my T-3 with one from MG. Also upgraded to LED, big difference for the better. The first photo is with the standard bulb with new lens which was a significant improvement over the light from the old lens. The second is with the LED bulb. Not sure why the picture show orange as it is red in reality

GliderJohn

nc43bsa · « **Reply #7 on:** March 24, 2025, 10:57:47 PM »

Years ago there was a particular Lexus model with brake/taillights on the trunk lid beside the license plate that were notorious for fading to pink. I don't remember the model.

Some examples of that car had one red lens and one pink lens. Some were almost clear.

Is the Guzzi lens made by CEV or aftermarket?

SIR REAL ED · « **Reply #8 on:** March 25, 2025, 05:43:28 AM »

If the lack of redness is a concern, I would try "coloring" the outside of the tail light with a red magic marker.

Or just replace your tail light bulb with a red LED bulb.

Perazzimx14 · « **Reply #9 on:** March 25, 2025, 08:20:32 AM »

Quote from: Air-Cooled on March 24, 2025, 06:13:17 PM

Has anyone had their 70s Tonti framed Guzzi's develop a fading rear lens? I've ordered a new one. Maybe there's way to prevent it?

Is this tailight upside down? The white section should be pointing down as that is what illuminates the license plate.

Vagrant · « **Reply #10 on:** March 25, 2025, 09:47:42 AM »

Seriously! It's 50 years old!

elrealistico · « **Reply #11 on:** March 25, 2025, 10:34:19 AM »

I was fading when I was 52 also--now I wish I felt as good as I did then!!!!

Quote from: Vagrant on March 25, 2025, 09:47:42 AM

Seriously! It's 50 years old!

Antietam Classic Cycle · « **Reply #12 on:** March 25, 2025, 12:01:43 PM »

A faded top of the lens is common. I'd try using "lens tint".

https://www.grainger.com/product/801H64

Air-Cooled · « **Reply #13 on:** March 25, 2025, 12:44:46 PM »

Quote from: Perazzimx14 on March 25, 2025, 08:20:32 AM

Is this tailight upside down? The white section should be pointing down as that is what illuminates the license plate.

No it is not upside down. The down side is crystal clear.

Air-Cooled · « **Reply #14 on:** March 25, 2025, 12:45:36 PM »

Quote from: nc43bsa on March 24, 2025, 10:57:47 PM

Is the Guzzi lens made by CEV or aftermarket?

It is CEV

Air-Cooled · « **Reply #15 on:** March 25, 2025, 12:49:43 PM »

Quote from: Vagrant on March 25, 2025, 09:47:42 AM

Seriously! It's 50 years old!

Yes seriously. I've owned four Guzzi bikes from the same era and this is the first I've seen with a faded top. That's why I asked the question -- to see if others had experienced the same, not to hear some wise a** comment.

Air-Cooled · « **Reply #16 on:** March 25, 2025, 12:50:54 PM »

Quote from: Antietam Classic Cycle on March 25, 2025, 12:01:43 PM

A faded top of the lens is common. I'd try using "lens tint".

https://www.grainger.com/product/801H64

Thank you! I've always regarded you as the expert!

n3303j · « **Reply #17 on:** March 25, 2025, 03:06:14 PM »

Definitely shaped different than my '77 (Manufactured 1976) T3. My lens is marked CEV.

Top is a bit ragged where plastic disappeared as the poor critter slid down the road inverted as part of the finale of my only "high-side".

Air-Cooled · « **Reply #18 on:** March 25, 2025, 03:51:06 PM »

I think they may be the same shape, but some of the lettering is definitely different. Mine may well be an aftermarket copy.

bmc5733946 · « **Reply #19 on:** March 25, 2025, 05:12:40 PM »

Charlie for the win as usual! I had forgotten about that stuff! Don't need any right now but thanks for stirring the memory bank!

Brian

testa_di_formaggio · « **Reply #20 on:** March 27, 2025, 03:10:57 AM »

Absent there being Asian repops now out there, CEV has been CEV. Both in photos are labeled as such. I think CEV is no longer stand alone. When they were, they were distributed by Bergamashi. Somewhere along the line, CEV was bought out by Zadi. And I'm pretty sure, Bergamaschi still distributes Zadi's products. And some at least, of the available CEV turn signals these days for that vintage, come boxed labeled Bergamaschi. All that said, there was a change in the rear lenses some years back. The big easy to see change, was that the side reflectors aren't there anymore. The earlier ones, like I have on a 75 T3 for example, the side reflectors are glued on like the rear. The later version (perhaps versions), only the rear is. You can clearly see that in those photos. My guess in all this is that the lenses are all CEV, and whatever changes in manufacturing or material used have them less prone to fading. Maybe this happened at one of those owner/management changes. Just the way it is.

T d F

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Author Topic: Fading tail light lens? (Read 3384 times)