Tail lights
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,783
Likes: 400
From: Paoli, IN
St. Jude Donor '17, '19
Tail lights
Hey Guys,
Quick question. I need to know the operation of the tail lights of a 1980. I have not taken off the bumper or tried to figure out how to change the bulbs yet. I am simply trying to save time by asking instead of going out and spending time in the sun to figure it out. So please don't murder me on this.
Do all 4 tail lights light up? There are four and since I have only ever driven a C3 and never saw one break before, I don't know. I know the whites centers light up for reverse on the two middle ones, but do the red lenses around the edges light up? Or is all the functions of tail lights, breaking lights and turning coming from the two outer ones?
Thanks.
Quick question. I need to know the operation of the tail lights of a 1980. I have not taken off the bumper or tried to figure out how to change the bulbs yet. I am simply trying to save time by asking instead of going out and spending time in the sun to figure it out. So please don't murder me on this.
Do all 4 tail lights light up? There are four and since I have only ever driven a C3 and never saw one break before, I don't know. I know the whites centers light up for reverse on the two middle ones, but do the red lenses around the edges light up? Or is all the functions of tail lights, breaking lights and turning coming from the two outer ones?
Thanks.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 61
From: Southern NH
The outside lights are brake/park lights/directionals/hazards, the inside lights are reverse lights. The outer red edges are refectors.
Reach up behind the bumper, grab and twist the socket to remove it. Change bulb. Stick socket back in.
Reach up behind the bumper, grab and twist the socket to remove it. Change bulb. Stick socket back in.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,783
Likes: 400
From: Paoli, IN
St. Jude Donor '17, '19
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,783
Likes: 400
From: Paoli, IN
St. Jude Donor '17, '19
Thank you sir. A little disappointing. I like the 4 tail-light look at night. My gf was following me and said my lights were out. I guess they never came on. haha.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,482
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
No link. I have the kit installed on my 80. I think it came from ZIP Products back in the last century. Do the Google thing. You're looking for the 75-82 Bubble Lens Conversion.
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Pro
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 691
Likes: 25
From: Boynton Beach Florida
If you don't have brake lights at all it could be the switch on the brake pedal assembly that is bad or out of adjustment. Easy fix.
Not saying anything negative about the conversion lens suggestion but the 80-82 brake lens are different and no one makes them so if it were me I'd at least hang on to them.
Not saying anything negative about the conversion lens suggestion but the 80-82 brake lens are different and no one makes them so if it were me I'd at least hang on to them.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,482
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 10,682
Likes: 696
From: Danville Illinois
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C3 of the Year Winner - Modified
2021 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
Just did the tail light conversion last week.
Already had the backup lights converted to turn signals 30 years ago.
Pretty straight forward, about $80.00 total protect cost.
Already had the backup lights converted to turn signals 30 years ago.
Pretty straight forward, about $80.00 total protect cost.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 61
From: Southern NH
I did the 4 taillamp mod with stock taillights and they look great. I'm on my phone so I can't post a pic right now, but do a search and you'll find the thread.
I dont have reverse lights at the moment, but mostly becuase my richmond 5 speed doesnt have a back up switch on it. But at night if i keep my foot on the brake pedal when backing up, the 4 lights give plenty of light to see
I dont have reverse lights at the moment, but mostly becuase my richmond 5 speed doesnt have a back up switch on it. But at night if i keep my foot on the brake pedal when backing up, the 4 lights give plenty of light to see
Last edited by qwank; Jul 16, 2012 at 11:03 PM.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,783
Likes: 400
From: Paoli, IN
St. Jude Donor '17, '19
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 6,422
Likes: 591
From: McHenry Illinois
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 10,682
Likes: 696
From: Danville Illinois
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C3 of the Year Winner - Modified
2021 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods)
[QUOTE='75;1581333327]You could do this if you really want to be seen!
[/QUOTE
Tail lights look great, nice job with the install. Sure does project a bright light.
Nice write up on the install.
[/QUOTE Tail lights look great, nice job with the install. Sure does project a bright light.
Nice write up on the install.
Last edited by Mod75; Jul 17, 2012 at 12:33 PM.
