Tail Lights
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From: Chattanooga, TN
CI 2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12
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It was an option. Think it was packaged with the rearview mirror that could be adjusted for night driving. You can check the details in the Corvette Black Book. 
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
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From: Beverly Hills/Pine Ridge Florida
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 10,866
Likes: 717
From: Beverly Hills/Pine Ridge Florida
That's correct. All sticks didn't have back up lights. All automatics didn't have them either. 
They were optional. If you ordered them, you got 'em, if you didn't, you got 4 taillights and a regular mirror inside. Chuck
They were optional. If you ordered them, you got 'em, if you didn't, you got 4 taillights and a regular mirror inside. Chuck
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Verdad Gallardo
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 3,596
Likes: 8
From: Grosse Ile MI
Actually, the good thing was that you got the day-night mirror which is a real plus when cruising at night. From a safety aspect one would be better of with 4 red taillights instead of 2. Besides, as previously stated in this thread, the back-up lights are really not that effective.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,014
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From: Greenwich CT
My 65 has the option, but a previous owner nixed the trans mounted switch & installed a toggle switch near the antenna control.
I assume it was used to operate the back up lights as "running lights".
Recently ordered and installed the correct parts to bring it back to factory.
I assume it was used to operate the back up lights as "running lights".
Recently ordered and installed the correct parts to bring it back to factory.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 361
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From: Florida
Comfort & Convenience Group Option (Z01)
Moz Ray
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 4,761
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From: Clinton Township MI
Cruise-In III Veteran
Moz Ray,
My .02c, Like stingrayL76 stated, I'm one of the 8,167 Vettes in '65 without backup lights. I think you need all the taillights you can get if you're doing a lot of driving. 4 brake lights are better then 2. I opted for a "correct" day/night mirror to enhance driving at night and left my 4 red lights as is. Did convert them to LED lights to give you that instant on/off and a little more brilliance.
Jim
My .02c, Like stingrayL76 stated, I'm one of the 8,167 Vettes in '65 without backup lights. I think you need all the taillights you can get if you're doing a lot of driving. 4 brake lights are better then 2. I opted for a "correct" day/night mirror to enhance driving at night and left my 4 red lights as is. Did convert them to LED lights to give you that instant on/off and a little more brilliance.
Jim
Racer
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 262
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From: The Colony
And
remember also that the cars with backup light use different wiring harness.
My 65 has them but I find they are quite bright.
They were not this bright originally but with new harnesses and taillights they are now bright.
My 65 has them but I find they are quite bright.
They were not this bright originally but with new harnesses and taillights they are now bright.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,117
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From: Portlandia Oregon
oWEN
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,840
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From: Towaco NJ
My 65 has the option, but a previous owner nixed the trans mounted switch & installed a toggle switch near the antenna control.
I assume it was used to operate the back up lights as "running lights".
Recently ordered and installed the correct parts to bring it back to factory.
I assume it was used to operate the back up lights as "running lights".
Recently ordered and installed the correct parts to bring it back to factory.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,345
Likes: 87
From: Northern MN
St. Jude Donor '13-'14-'15-'16-'17
Owen,
You're not supposed to be backing up a mile long gravel road. The most the back up lights should be on is about 30 seconds. That isn't long enough to melt the lenses even if the rating is to high on the replacement bulbs.
Steve
Racer
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 262
Likes: 0
From: The Colony
Brighten up
Vintage, the bulbs came with the new taillights so I doubt the vendor put in over limit bulbs.
I think it is just because the lens is so clean and the reflectors are so shiny?
Plus, I checked the bulbs before installing the lights just in case.
I think it is just because the lens is so clean and the reflectors are so shiny?
Plus, I checked the bulbs before installing the lights just in case.