79 XR7 - 2 questions- Plastic Roof panels and Tali Lights

[haynespitbulls]

Hey everyone,

Is this plastic panel original from the factory, or is it a custom job from the past? We were removing the vinyl to see how much rust there was underneath and found plastic panels on the sides by the rear windows. I am including a pic below. Any advice is appreciated.

Also, a question about the Tail Lights. We have been trying to find a driver side replacement for over 15 years. Most of the ones we find are not like ours, they have chrome. Ours dont. We believe ours is an XR7, the trunk has the emblem on it and the cougar on the side of the car. Is there is difference in the taillights of a regular cougar and an XR7? Or are the ones with the chrome like an upgrade or accessory that can be added on? This is really stumping us and would like to know. The cars that we see that have the chrome on the tail lights also dont seem to have the bumper guards which ours has. I am including a photo of our busted tail light below.



Thanks!
Eric