Product Description:
Hawks Motorsports is pleased to offer our clients the following.
This OER rear outer tail light finish panel is designed for 1970-1973 Pontiac Firebird models, including the Base Firebird, Esprit, Formula and Trans Am.
The panel spans the rear of the vehicle between the quarter panels and provides the exterior finish surface surrounding the tail lamps. It replaces a damaged, cracked, distorted or missing original outer panel.
This listing includes:
- One rear outer tail light finish panel
- Black injection-molded ABS plastic construction
- Factory-style exterior contours
- Pre-drilled emblem locations
- Provision for the rear lock-cylinder area
- Replacement for GM part number 9851259
Tail lamps, lenses, bezels, emblems, lock cylinder and license-plate lighting components are not included.
Rear Outer Finish Panel
This component is the visible exterior finish panel across the rear of the vehicle. It is sometimes described as the:
- Rear outer tail panel
- Tail light finish panel
- Rear finish filler panel
- Tail lamp surround panel
- Rear body finish panel
It is not the structural steel rear body panel, inner cross rail or lower rear valance.
Black ABS Construction
The reproduction is injection-molded from black ABS plastic. ABS offers good impact resistance and eliminates the age-related cracking commonly found in original panels.
The original factory finish panels were manufactured from fiberglass. This reproduction uses a different material while recreating the panel’s overall shape and exterior appearance.
The black molded finish should be inspected and prepared according to the desired restoration standard. Surface preparation and refinishing may be required to achieve the intended final appearance.
Emblem Locations
The panel is supplied with pre-drilled emblem locations patterned after the factory arrangement.
Original emblem placement and identification varied by model. Test-fit the correct Firebird, Esprit, Formula or Trans Am emblems before completing the panel’s final surface preparation.
Emblems are not included.
Reproduction Fit Information
This is currently available as an ABS reproduction of a difficult-to-find original fiberglass panel. Test-fitting and bodywork should be expected before final finishing.
Known reproduction considerations include:
- The rear lock opening may differ slightly from the original panel
- The license-plate light area may require cutting or additional preparation
- The panel may require reshaping or adjustment to align correctly
- Surface waves or molding irregularities may require correction
- Tail-lamp, trunk-lock and adjacent body-panel alignment should be checked before finishing
Do not complete painting or final assembly until the panel has been test-fitted with the vehicle’s rear body, tail lamps, trunk lid, lock location and license-plate lighting arrangement.
Professional body-shop installation is recommended.
Fitment / Interchange
- 1970 Pontiac Firebird Base
- 1970 Pontiac Firebird Esprit
- 1970 Pontiac Firebird Formula
- 1970 Pontiac Trans Am
- 1971 Pontiac Firebird Base
- 1971 Pontiac Firebird Esprit
- 1971 Pontiac Firebird Formula
- 1971 Pontiac Trans Am
- 1972 Pontiac Firebird Base
- 1972 Pontiac Firebird Esprit
- 1972 Pontiac Firebird Formula
- 1972 Pontiac Trans Am
- 1973 Pontiac Firebird Base
- 1973 Pontiac Firebird Esprit
- 1973 Pontiac Firebird Formula
- 1973 Pontiac Trans Am
This panel does not fit Chevrolet Camaro models.
It does not fit 1974-1981 Firebird or Trans Am models because those vehicles use a different rear-body and tail-lamp design.
Original-Part Reference
OER catalogs F9851259 as a reproduction replacement for discontinued GM part number 9851259.
Original panels may display a different molded, casting or production number. Compare the panel design and vehicle application rather than relying exclusively on a number found on an original component.
Installation Information
Before beginning surface preparation:
- Remove the original outer finish panel
- Inspect the structural rear body panel for rust or collision damage
- Test-fit the reproduction between both rear quarter panels
- Check alignment with the trunk lid and rear bumper
- Install the tail-lamp housings temporarily
- Verify the tail-lamp openings and bezel alignment
- Confirm the lock-cylinder location
- Check the license-plate light opening
- Test-fit the correct model emblems
- Correct surface waves or contour differences as required
Because this is a large injection-molded reproduction, minor adjustment should be considered part of the installation process.
Reproduction Information
This is a newly manufactured OER reproduction. It is not used, New Old Stock or an original GM fiberglass panel.
The ABS material, lock opening and license-plate light area may differ from an original factory panel. Customers performing a concours-level restoration should review these differences before ordering.
PART NUMBER
F9851259
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is included?
The package contains one black ABS rear outer tail light finish panel.
Where does this panel install?
It installs across the exterior rear body between the quarter panels and surrounds the four round tail lamps.
Is this the visible outer panel?
Yes. This is the visible rear finish panel surrounding the tail lights.
Is this the structural steel rear body panel?
No. It is the outer plastic finish panel. The structural inner metal panel and rear cross rail are separate components.
What material is the reproduction made from?
It is manufactured from injection-molded black ABS plastic.
Was the original factory panel made from ABS?
No. Original factory panels were fiberglass. This reproduction uses ABS plastic.
Does it replace GM part number 9851259?
Yes. OER catalogs F9851259 as a replacement for discontinued GM part number 9851259.
Are the emblem holes pre-drilled?
Yes. The reproduction is supplied with pre-drilled emblem locations patterned after the original panel.
Are the emblems included?
No. Firebird, Esprit, Formula, Trans Am and Pontiac emblems are not included.
Are the tail lights included?
No. Tail-lamp housings, lenses, bezels and related lighting components are not included.
Does it fit every 1970-1973 Firebird model?
Yes. It is cataloged for Base Firebird, Esprit, Formula and Trans Am models from 1970 through 1973.
Will it fit a 1970 Firebird?
Yes. It fits applicable 1970 Firebird, Esprit, Formula and Trans Am models.
Will it fit a 1971 Firebird?
Yes. It fits applicable 1971 Firebird, Esprit, Formula and Trans Am models.
Will it fit a 1972 Firebird?
Yes. It fits applicable 1972 Firebird, Esprit, Formula and Trans Am models.
Will it fit a 1973 Firebird?
Yes. It fits applicable 1973 Firebird, Esprit, Formula and Trans Am models.
Will it fit a Chevrolet Camaro?
No. Camaro models use a different rear outer body and tail-lamp configuration.
Will it fit a 1974-1981 Firebird?
No. The 1974-1981 Firebird uses a different rear-body and tail-lamp design.
Is the license-plate light opening finished?
The available reproduction may require cutting or additional preparation around the license-plate light area. Inspect and test-fit the panel before finishing.
Is the lock-cylinder opening identical to the original?
The reproduction lock opening may differ slightly from an original factory panel. Verify the lock location during test-fitting.
Does the panel require bodywork?
Some reshaping, surface preparation or correction of molding irregularities may be required. Professional body-shop installation is recommended.
Is the panel ready to paint?
It is supplied in black ABS plastic. Inspect, test-fit and prepare the surface before applying the desired finish.
