sullyman56

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

Easy Mike

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.

sullyman56

I cut the ends square and used a strong flashlight to see if they work. I had to clean some paint off the one's for the tail lights and they all work now including the license plate lamp. Do the cut ends just slide into the lens or do I need another part? Looks like I'll have to buy a new lens too since mines broken. Thanks Mike.

CAMS69

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.

CAMS69

here's a

pic

Easy Mike

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.

sullyman56

I know that I don't have the parts needed that go into the lens in the shifter console, but at least I have all the pieces for the rear lights. I'll have to start looking to see where I can buy the ones I need. Thanks

marshal135

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

loup68

If you are gentle, you can use a pin punch to open up the crimps on the original brass ferrules, and reuse them. Lou.

Alan 71

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

dugsgms74

In my experience, they can be repaired but they will be dim. A new harness in probably your best bet.

The13Bats

Couldn't a rivet with pin removed be a non purist replacement for that ferrule?

7T1vette

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.

centralcalvette

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.

Easy Mike

Bingo. Per Alan's pic, I have no ferrules on my 68 and do not need them. My tubing takes the place of the ferrule and my FO slide into the tubing up to the lens.

marshal135

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

ronarndt

My newly-acquired 68 convert has the same FO problem. Love it when previous owners just cut wires and leave things diconnected.

sullyman56

Tell me about it. The PO for mine cut all the wiring harnesses in the front of the car.

Dave J

I'll try to find some of those ferrules in all my stuff. I can't help but wonder if they could be reproduced on my lathe.

ronarndt

Ouch! I think cut wiring harness is even worse. good luck with that.