I have a 03 G35x sedan and I want to upgrade to the 05 tail lights. While searching on ebay, I found someone selling them off of a salvaged 05 sedan (rear section was not harmed) for considerably less than brand new costs. The only thing is, the right (passenger) side light has a bolt stud missing. This is exactly what he said:
"Yes i do have right passenger side, but one of the bolt studs in the back is missing." The seller claims this is still usable. I would like your opinion, especially those of you who have upgraded the taillights. Is the missing bolt stud easily replaced/repaired? Is it even necessary to fix in order to secure the tail light (assuming there are other bolt studs)? His response to whether I can still use it was yes. My other option is just buying the driver side light for him which is in perfect condition and buy the passenger side elsewhere, but the deal is really good! I appreciate any feedback!!!

 

They only have 3 bolts on the back so each one is critical. If the price is low enough I would try to repair the other stud but it would need to be worth the risk.

 

I swapped mine out a long time ago. I think you need to have all of the studs to ensure a water-tight fit. Just my $0.02 FWIW.

 

I have not personally seen the exposed tail light assembly. Do you think it would be easily fixed (by me or dealer)? The deal is really good, which is why I am thinking of this route. Thanks.

 

The dealer won't fix something like this.

I changed mine about a year ago and don't remember what it looks like. If you want to see for yourself take one of yours out, they look the same as the new ones.

 

This is super shady BUT another option is to first buy both. Then get a loaner car from the dealership and swap out the taillight with the missing bolt with the one on the loaner car.

With one missing bolt, I think you'll be fine, in the sense that it won't fall off the car. But of course its always better to use all of the bolts.

 

Bert039,

I like how you think!!!

 

It won't fall off the car but it might not seal right.

 

Thanks for all your help. I've done some calculations, and I think I might just end up buying only the driver side from this ebayer and buy the passenger side from somewhere else. It'll end up costing me about $75 more, but I guess it's worth it for peace of mind.

 

It all depends on your level of experience and if you want to take a risk. For $75 I wouldn't.

 

There are four studs

 

You should find out which one is broken. If the bottom middle one is broken, then I wouldn't worry about it. Especially if you're getting a good deal.

 

Thanks for all your help guys. I decided to buy only the driver side (the good one) and not take a chance with the passenger side because he couldn't give me any pics before I bought it. I bought the passenger side separately from another auction.

 

Nice. Isn't that what loaners are for.

 

+1 never thought of that