Weight Deltas - 74-75 Original vs. Aftermarket Headlight Bezels

[GTO Lover]

As indicated in my intro, I bought some 74-75 Firebird parts for a design project. Specifically, headlight bezels.

I had also bought the same for 74-77 Camaro, and for a 78 Camaro. What has struck me is the significant (in my Hot Rodder mind) weight difference between the Firebird part and the two Camaro parts, so I am suspect of the Firebird part. Can someone tell me what the original 74-75 Firebird bezel material is made from and how much it weighs? Below are the details, what do you guys think?:

(Note: all were sourced from 100% rated E-bay sellers!)

Format: Year Car Item (material); weight
-------------------------------------------
74-77 Camaro Headlight Bezel (metal, aluminum); less than 6 oz
78 Camaro Headlight Bezel (plastic, chromed); less than 6 oz
74-75 Firebird Headlight Bezel (metal, chromed); 18 oz (1lb 2oz)

All sellers claimed they were original parts, not aftermarket, but I wonder if that is true of the Firebird bezel? It has the "492666" stamp on it, but seems to be a cast metal part with poor chroming. I noticed that the Firebird part is available from the aftermarket. Summit indicates they have a plastic version. Others (Classic Industries, for example) say they are manufactured from the original GM tooling, but don't indicate the material they are made from.

Anyone know what the original material was, and whether it weighs around 6 oz (very light) or closer to 18 oz (feels heftier)?

Thank you, in advance, for any help!

 

[melsg5]

Both the Summit plastic version and the Classic Industries, they dont say the material, go for the same price within pennies, so I would assume, which is dangerous, that both of them are plastic from the same source, OER. The metal one would be original.

http://www.oerparts.com/press/GM-Approved-Parts.html

 

[GTO Lover]

Thank you, melsg5. Yes, dangerous to assume Would be good to get some verification whether the Classic Industries 74-75 Firebird bezel is plastic as well.

It would also be useful info to get one of the plastic aftermarket ones weighed. If they are as light as about 6 oz, that would be a 1.5 lb weight savings at the extreme ends of the 74-75 Firebird nose. The dangerous assumption here is that the plastic ones would handle any stresses as well as the metal originals.