Vogast

Is it possible that some 1969 Vettes did not have backup lights incorporated to inboard tailamps? It seems weird to me but the seller says otherwise.

steffan

see if the key is in the steering column or the dash,see if the shifter plate is smooth or pebbled finish.

Vogast

key is in the steering column

Alan 71

Hi v,
Back-up lights were standard equipment in 68 and 69 on all cars that left St.Louis.
Some people liked the look of the 4 red lenses in in 68, so when the 69's came out they put the red lenses in the inner pair of lights that had become the back-up lights, and did without back-up lights..
It's likely the switch is still on the transmission and if hooked up would light the inner pair of lenses
Regards,
Alan.

LT-1 kid

seller full of crap, all 69s had inner backup lens

Easy Mike

No. Not from the factory. It is possible a previous owner swapped in 68 lights.

c69vete

Also, the original 69 metal light assemblies that hold the bulbs are different between the back-up and tail light assembly. You can not put a 1157 bulb in the original 69 back up light socket. they are made for the 1156 bulb only.
Putting in all red lenses and using the 1156 bulb will get you only all tail light running lights or all brake lights, depending on what wire you run over.
The only way to get the inner lights to work with the outside lights is to switch out the inner buckets with the 68 buckets, or another set of the 69 outter buckets. They will only go in there if you drill a couple og new holes,as the studs are in different locations for the back-up buckets VS the tail light/brake light buckets. ( So they can not be installed wrong at assembly)

Vogast

Thanks a lot, guys!

loup68

Vogast, See if the inner tail lights actually work on the car. I would much prefer having four real working brake lights. Lou.

Vogast

Hi, I am comming back to the back-up lights problem. Here is the pic of the housing I took. It says 68. The same goes for the outside lights. Back-up lights do not work. It is set up that all 4 tail lights light and brake. Here's the questions
1) if it is done straight from the factory, is it likely the back-up lights wire is somewhere there (where can I check)?
2) would it be enough to buy just the proper lenses or do I have to also change the housing in order the put the correct bulb in it




Thanks!

If you zoom in, you can see the 68 on the housing.

Alan 71

Hi v,
I believe all the housings are dated 68. (At least through mid -January 1971.)
There's a difference between the tail/brake lamp and the back/up lamp housing because each has a part number.
There's no difference between right and left side housings or lenses.
Regards,
Alan

loup68

If all four tail lights lit up, than someone changed the 69 rear harness to a 68, to make all four tail lights light up. Lou.

Vogast

That's what I was affraid of. So if I want to change back to how it is supposed to be, I have to do a complete makeover. From harness, switch, possibly housings, bulbs, lenses. Tear off half the interior. Right?

Thanks guys for the help. Much appreciated!
Tom

Easy Mike

Not necessarily. What you must do is determine what you have. You may have the correct 69 set up with only 68 lenses added. Do you have back up lights?

Vogast

I checked and for sure I was not able to find the switch.



i also looked under, but it was too dark for me to make out something.
Here's the pic.




Driver's side, the right one is the outer light

Alan 71

Hi,
Here's the typical wiring at the rear panel:
2 leads going to the outer lamp…. taillight and brake light.
1 lead going to the inner lamp…. backup light
1 fiber optic cable to tail/brake lamp housing.
1 ground wire running to both lamp housings.
The brake light switch is mounted on the brake pedal arm.
The back-up light switch is mounted on the side of the transmission.
Regards,
Alan

derekderek

So the inner light is back up only with a red reflector around back up light?

Alan 71

Hi d,
Yes!
Regards,
Alan

Easy Mike

Correct with the exception of the 68s. All four light up for us.

Vogast

The setup is strange. I will check again over the weekend if the weather is good. Thanks!