I was rear ended a while ago in my 85 244. Smashed up the taillight, punched in the bumper's shock absorber on that side, and knocked the rear quarter panel back about an eighth of an inch. The car is still in driveable condition overall.

I purchased an 87 244 with 156,000 miles for $225 (including delivery from 45 minutes down the road). It's got a couple of dings, and the interior is a little trashy, but it still purrs like a kitten on the 3 year old gas that it was left to sit with. Also, 99% rust free.

Anyways, until I move over some of the trim and get the car registered and everything, I swapped the taillights so that I was legal after dark in my 85. The new taillight assembly is almost immaculate. I was sure to reconnect the ground wires and I made sure that the main connector was snug. Both new taillight fuses blew before and after the new taillight (I can't find my manual to tell what other applications they're for, but I know that the instrument cluster is also out due to the same fuses).

Any ideas?