While searching for tail light housings without cracks on the top I learned that there are 2 different versions of tail light housings. All of the housings that I have with a crack on the top have internal reflectors that do not have heat shields built into them. My tail light housings that do not have cracks on the top all have reflectors with heat shields.
When was the change made? Another upgrade that was made in 73?
Housing with crack and 1 without