Fiber optics question
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,547
Likes: 282
From: Scottsdale Arizona
Fiber optics question
I have a 68 convertible that the rear fiber optics were cut where they connect at the shifter console. The rest is complete in the rear where they connect to the tail lights and license plate lamp. Can the severed connection be repaired easily or will I have to replace the entire harness? TIA
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
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From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Square off the ends of the three cables; clean the ends as well as possible; and reinsert them into the lens. You should be able to see light values.
Keep in mind there is a definite right, left, and center. Experimentation with a good flashlight will help in determing which is which.
Keep in mind there is a definite right, left, and center. Experimentation with a good flashlight will help in determing which is which.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,547
Likes: 282
From: Scottsdale Arizona
Square off the ends of the three cables; clean the ends as well as possible; and reinsert them into the lens. You should be able to see light values.
Keep in mind there is a definite right, left, and center. Experimentation with a good flashlight will help in determing which is which.
Keep in mind there is a definite right, left, and center. Experimentation with a good flashlight will help in determing which is which.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 696
Likes: 193
From: USA
Mike iirc they optic cable goes into a brass case with a flange on the end. It's also possible some of them go into a colored lense befor going into the lights.
I also recall a rubber grommet of sorts. You probably need to google pictures.
I also recall a rubber grommet of sorts. You probably need to google pictures.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
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From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
My replacement ferrules amount to three short lengths of tubing (source unknown) which is the approximate diameter of the lens openings. The actual FO cable then slides into the tubing friction fit.
The AIM shows the installation and has a note about color codes which I assume refers to stripes on the separate cables. I can't recall actual stripes on my cables, but the only trick is connecting left to left side, right to right side, and license lamp to the center.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,547
Likes: 282
From: Scottsdale Arizona
True. The stock harness had ferrules, but you lose those if you have to trim ends. Ask me how I know.
My replacement ferrules amount to three short lengths of tubing (source unknown) which is the approximate diameter of the lens openings. The actual FO cable then slides into the tubing friction fit.
The AIM shows the installation and has a note about color codes which I assume refers to stripes on the separate cables. I can't recall actual stripes on my cables, but the only trick is connecting left to left side, right to right side, and license lamp to the center.
My replacement ferrules amount to three short lengths of tubing (source unknown) which is the approximate diameter of the lens openings. The actual FO cable then slides into the tubing friction fit.
The AIM shows the installation and has a note about color codes which I assume refers to stripes on the separate cables. I can't recall actual stripes on my cables, but the only trick is connecting left to left side, right to right side, and license lamp to the center.
Safety Car
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From: Madeira Beach, FL
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there are 3 metal friction fit ferules on the ends at the console on my 68.
Heaven only knows where to find them these days.
You could try Doc Rebuild, if anyone has them I would think he does.
If not post on the parts section WTB....
George may respond with them
Some one has 3 out there.
Marshal
Heaven only knows where to find them these days.
You could try Doc Rebuild, if anyone has them I would think he does.
If not post on the parts section WTB....
George may respond with them
Some one has 3 out there.
Marshal
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From: Westminster Maryland
Hi s56,
Here's the connection for the three rear cables at the shifter plate lens in my 71.
I know the 68 is a bit different but I'm not sure how much.
So this pic may help or maybe not.
Regards,
Alan
Here's the connection for the three rear cables at the shifter plate lens in my 71.
I know the 68 is a bit different but I'm not sure how much.
So this pic may help or maybe not.
Regards,
Alan
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Crossville TN
Whatever just needs to be the right internal diameter for the fiber bundle. Since it is only passing light, and not an 'image', the fibers don't need to stay in a specific order. I would think a piece of heat-shrink tubing would do the job and hold the fibers together well. Just don't heat TOO hot and melt the glass fibers.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: Porterville Ca
While routing the fo is somewhat involved, I recall the rear complete harness wasn't that much. Personally I like to do it once, there will be plenty of non-planned "opportunities" to work on my Vette in the future.
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From: Southbound
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Safety Car
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From: Madeira Beach, FL
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Hey Alan,
yes the '71 barbed ferules look the same as my '68.
As Lou said if they are still present they can be reused if gentle.
Mikes tubing fix is probably the next best idea I've heard of if the OEM
ferules are MIA.
Marshal
yes the '71 barbed ferules look the same as my '68.
As Lou said if they are still present they can be reused if gentle.
Mikes tubing fix is probably the next best idea I've heard of if the OEM
ferules are MIA.
Marshal
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,547
Likes: 282
From: Scottsdale Arizona
