PierreOlivier

I just got my new tail light panel for my 65 convertible (panel on the car was beyond repair in my opinion). My question is - should I attach the bolt plates via rivets before attaching the panel to the car?

DUB

YES...and I use the correct solid aluminum rivets. And I also bond in the wiring harness clips above the taillight housing and I believe one above the license plate area before I install it.

DUB

PierreOlivier

The clips weren't bonded on the old panel but that doesn't mean anything. I am trying to find the parts on Long Island and Bair's but no success. It would be cool if someone has a picture of the clips to show their location and what they look like. Help please!!

DUB

I have seen them on some of the panels...and it may be in the assembly manual when you look at the rear body/taillight wiring.

DUB

PierreOlivier

Here is the page showing the three clips although the two on the ends are not really very clear placement-wise. I do remember that the one in the center was bolted I believe to the screw on the license light.




I believe the following is the clip from the Long Island Corvette site (it does come in a set of 3):



It would be nice if someone had a picture or two of the actual clips in place

DUB

The clip you posted a photo of is close to the ones I have seen...but it only has one hole in it...where the bonding adhesives goes to hold it and the other end is just cut off with the black protectant on it. The clip looks like the ones on the firewall that hold the engine harness.....but obviously they are not riveted on.

One goes on the outer LEFT taillight housing on the top. Then the inner right taillight housing on the top also. Bonded flush so the clip does not overhang. And is positioned so the hole is facing towards the rear....so the clip can be bent up and then the wiring harness goes in and then push down on the clip...because it is flexible.

Honestly...you are really worrying about something that is so minute...and it is not like someone is going to climb under your car and measure these clips for proper placement.

DUB

PierreOlivier

I am only concerned with making sure the clips are positioned properly hence the request for a picture.

I did a test fit of the panel (it is from ACI). the right side fits perfectly but the left side does not - uggghhh. I will post pictures tomorrow.

DUB

I can appreciate that...but hopefully you have found where to put them...correct???

OH BOY...I would have advised you to get press-molded part....and if the lower exhaust panel is needed also...get that press-molded also. They fit together the BEST

I would do a check to make sure your license plate bezel will fit...and you lower exhaust filler fits really good. The area around the license plate area is the KILLER.

DUB

PierreOlivier

I am still not sure where the clips go. Here is a picture of the panel with mockup tape for the three clips. Can you tell me if I am close please?





As for the taillight panel - I did another test fit after I had bonded the cracks in the door frames and I bonded the rear passenger quarter panel to its support and it seems a lot better. I think it is going to work out fine. I am going to work on the license plate frame and other items to make sure they fit as well.

egnuol

Mine are on the left light on top, right inner light on top and center bolt on the license plate light. They all mount to the light fixture mounting bolts.
Darrel

DUB

I agree with the placement from 'egnuol'. I will look to see if I still have the original 1964 taillight panel I replaced...where the adhesive was on it.

DUB

PierreOlivier

Hey DUB - Any luck finding that original panel? If you don't - thanks anyways for the effort!!!

I am going to start attaching all the hardware to the panel this weekend and work on the fit.

DUB

DARN-IT...I have been so busy at the shop...it slipped my mind. I might head over to the shop later tonight and take a look and get with you so I can post the photo or e-mail it to you.

DUB

PierreOlivier

Obviously don't go just on my account. Again - I know I can speak for everyone on this forum - Thanks!!!

DUB

This is the outer LEFT taillight housing





With the clip would have been bonded. You can see the nub where the filler went throguh the hole in the clip





Right INNER taillight housing





Right side with clip


I hope this helps.

DUB

DUB

This is the left side of the license plate area. AND you can see the area where the adhesive was for the clip. I cut this panel for something I must have been needing it for. But the adhesive spot is just back towards the a section I cut out from the square holes for the plastic insert. The dark gray looking partial square at the end of the panel where I cut it is where the clip went.

DUB

PierreOlivier

Thanks a lot DUB. This will help a lot. I am now struggling with the taillights. I drilled out the bolt holes and I had to enlarge the central hole but I can only get lights on one side to fit. Uggghhh. This may be the revenge for not paying for a press molded piece.

DUB

YEP...I have encountered this also. In some cases I remove the thick flexible seal at the vary back contact surface of the taillight housing itself...and see how the light housing fits. If it fits...then I replace this seal with one that is thinner and or not as dense.

IF you still have a fit issue (which I have happen many times)....that is when I prep/sand/grind the outer area of the taillight hole and apply Vette Panel Adhesive and install the taillight housing after applying some wax on the areas that may come in contact with the VPA or carefully apply masking tape. The when the VPA begins to set up and is slightly spongy. I pull out the taillight housing and let the VPA cure. Sand the area and re-check the taillight and it now fits perfectly to the VPA.....BUT KEEP THIS IN MIND.....Because you have just 'dialed-in' this taillight housing to being perfectly flush and fitting. WHEN you prime, paint and clear the car you are adding more film thickness....which when you go and put this taillight back in and TIGHTEN it in place. There is a HIGH PROBABILITY that the compression of the taillights outer bezel can possible cut into or cause your paint to bulge when it gets hot and is curing out. You will NEED to compensate for this when the time comes and you are installing these taillight housing you 'dialed-in'. Either by using super thin shims and getting it to the point that when the nuts are tight...you can slide a piece of cellophane between the taillight housing bezel and your paint. OR..at the time of doing this...you actually add enough tape to make it thick at the point of contact and not tighten the taillight to DEATH...SO when it goes in and the tape is removed...you have already 'built-in' this dimension and may not have to worry...but always be aware of ti when installing these taillights.

DUB

PierreOlivier

I will try removing the seal to see if that is it. If it isn't I may try and return the panel and spend and extra $150 to get a pressed panel.

DUB

Do not be surprised if you still have a slight fitment issue when the housings are installed. It may not be as drastic...but something may still need to be done...depending on how picky at this point you are going.

I do know that a press-molded taillight panel long with a press-molded lower exhaust filler panel mate up very well....especially at the license plate area...like I have mentioned before.

DUB