1969plainjane

I just purchased a 1969 corvette. I have been reading articles about the back up lights on 68-69 corvettes. The way I understand it is that 68' is the only year that had small rectangle lenses in the back fiberglass panel and that they moved to the tail lights in 1969. My January 17th 1969 has the small rectangle back up lights. Could this be right?

capevettes

The short answer is No. Your car was changed at some point in it's life. That was 68 only.

1969plainjane

I was afraid of that. Thank you for the answer.

GRipp 73

Seems like an odd change to make, but it can be done. Change out the rear panels and a pair of tail lenses and do a little wiring and its done. Question, did they change out the door locks or move the ignition switch? I think moving the ignition switch would be a tough one to pull off :-)

Welcome to the forum!
How about posting some pictures?

1969plainjane

I'm not sure if this is how to post photos. Everything forward of the back up lights is 1969, VIN, Engine and interior.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3_...it?usp=sharing

1969plainjane

I'm not sure if this is how to post photos. Everything forward of the back up lights is 1969, VIN, Engine and interior.https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3_...it?usp=sharing

Jack605

Nice contract, no pic.

1969plainjane

It should work now.

Easy Mike

Nope. Use one of the free photo sharing sites for your pics.

loup68

Don't forget that when you add the 68 back up lights, You are gaining two more real tail lights. This was a very bad move on GM's part to save some money. I would rather have four real brake lights when I step on the brake pedal. Lou.

spjrr

My 69 vert was built 2 days before yours (1/15/69) and doesn't have the 68 style backup lights. Have never seen them on a 69, only 68. For what it is worth not to say anything negative I agree with loup68. I would rather have more brake light as I always have lookie loo types zooming up on my a$$ and I don't like that. I have had many problems with my backup lights and the switch adjustment at the shifter and actually have the bulbs removed at this time. Tired of ford drivers telling me my backup lights are on. Never hear a word from other auto type drivers and tired of taking the console apart. If your car was a big block car (you didn't say) and worth a ton for originality then I would make it correct. Ours is an average condition small block car that I will stray from original on repairs when it comes to safety.

Mark

vettebuyer6369

Seems like an odd change to make. Has the car been hit in the rear? Is the color different from the trim tag? Is there evidence of seams or major bodywork in the rear cliip? Of course you would want to get it looking like a '69, but I'd be concerned as to why it's like that to begin with.

DZRick

If the rear filler panel is an original '68 piece, selling that and the backup lights would most likely fund restoring yours.

I do like having 4 brake lights, though.

AdamMeh

If you want original, I can certainly understand correcting the issue, but I also can see why someone would do that. 4 taillights like the '68 had looks really cool IMO.

Easy Mike

Yep...and maybe a couple of semesters of college tuition -- depending on the school.

68 owners agree.