The '69 had the (optional?)back-up lamps in the inner light position, but,
as far as I know, the outer lenses were the same. Again, I ain't no early car expert, but I believe this to be true.
How can you tell a repro from NOS/original? Hard to say....a good repro will be exactly like the original in every way. I bought the first set of '74 repro tailights that Trim Parts sold. I looked them over extensively, and found absolutely no difference in them(except they weren't cracked/busted!lol)...all of the numbers were there in the correct font/location, they have the correct look, stainless trim, etc., and they have always passed NCRS judging. If you can find some NOS, or good originals, that are affordable, that's the way I would go, but...if you can't a good quality repro is the next best thing, imho.
'68-'69 tailight lens(outer)
btw...I did locate a set of NOS tailights for my '74, in the boxes. They were already starting to craze a little. I'm askeered to even touch them much anymore....I'm afeered they're gonna fall apart!
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Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"