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I have been working the last few years on a 1971 big block coupe. A while back I retrofitted the headlights on the 71 with relays and modern lighting. I am finally getting to the short rows on this 502/5spd restomod. I have pretty much completed everything except the interior. As all of you know, the 1971 came with fiber optics. I would really like to keep this original Fiber optics system functional. Now that I've upgraded the headlights I'm not quite sure how to tackle the problem of keeping my fiber optics in tact, as the original mounting Has since gone the way of wind. Reading all threads over the last several years that have been posted. I am of the opinion that there are some pretty smart members out there. If there are some ideas out there as to how to accomplish this problem they would certainly be welcome, or if you are aware of anyone who has dealt with the situation successfully please let me know.
Hi 71,
Do you wish to have the fiber optics actually function as intended, or do you wish to just have the lenses on the shifter console illuminated when the lights are on?
Are the 4 fiber optic cables still part of the forward lighting harness?
Regards,
Alan
One of the four fiber optic cables at the original headlamp connector.
I was missing everything from a burnt up car, i switched them to Led,
in place of the fiber optic, way brighter now.
I kept the console plastic lens, and inserted leds, you can tap of the steering column lights and pickup all wire signals needed.
I have been working the last few years on a 1971 big block coupe. A while back I retrofitted the headlights on the 71 with relays and modern lighting. I am finally getting to the short rows on this 502/5spd restomod. I have pretty much completed everything except the interior. As all of you know, the 1971 came with fiber optics. I would really like to keep this original Fiber optics system functional. Now that I've upgraded the headlights I'm not quite sure how to tackle the problem of keeping my fiber optics in tact, as the original mounting Has since gone the way of wind. Reading all threads over the last several years that have been posted. I am of the opinion that there are some pretty smart members out there. If there are some ideas out there as to how to accomplish this problem they would certainly be welcome, or if you are aware of anyone who has dealt with the situation successfully please let me know.
I did this many years ago when I upgraded to replaceable bulb- headlights-
I just simply drilled a hole in the metal surround for the bulb so the fiberoptic fit snug. (hold bulb upside down while drilling as to keep most of the metal shavings out)
Routed the fiber optic through a hole in the rubber seal- and it holds like a champ.
Presumably, I should have been a bit more specific. In retrospect,To my previous question. I should have indicated that I do not necessarily want to keep the fiber-optic cables per se. However, I definitely want to keep the appearance of my fiber optics inside the interior Console. Any modifications you may have done regarding LED or fiber-optic would be welcome. Thank you for your response
Originally Posted by Alan 71
Hi 71,
Do you wish to have the fiber optics actually function as intended, or do you wish to just have the lenses on the shifter console illuminated when the lights are on?
Are the 4 fiber optic cables still part of the forward lighting harness?
Regards,
Alan
One of the four fiber optic cables at the original headlamp connector.
Richard
that was kind of what I was originally looking for. I really appreciate the pictures. I guess my question would be how satisfied are you with the results?
If I did go this direction I'm going to have to buy at least the fiber-optic partial harness, somewhere around $250.
Originally Posted by Richard454
I did this many years ago when I upgraded to replaceable bulb- headlights-
I just simply drilled a hole in the metal surround for the bulb so the fiberoptic fit snug. (hold bulb upside down while drilling as to keep most of the metal shavings out)
Routed the fiber optic through a hole in the rubber seal- and it holds like a champ.
Fortunately had several responses to my post regarding my fiber-optic retrofit. I really like your idea as well as the additional ideas retaining the fiber-optic cables as well. As previously stated, if I go with the fiber-optic cables. I will have to buy at the very least a fiber-optic sub harness going forward from the center console at a price of something like $250. These projects as you know, rarely hold problems that cannot be solved by simply throwing hundred dollar bills at them.... Lord knows, I'm certainly not scared of throwing hundred dollar bills at a Corvette problem. Thank you for your response
Originally Posted by 69Vett
I was missing everything from a burnt up car, i switched them to Led,
in place of the fiber optic, way brighter now.
I kept the console plastic lens, and inserted leds, you can tap of the steering column lights and pickup all wire signals needed.
Forgot to ask but do you remember where you made the purchase for your LEDs and if so, by chance to sizes. I realize I can certainly take new measurements, but thought you might have a recollection from when you did your upgrade. Thanks again
Originally Posted by 71/502
Fortunately had several responses to my post regarding my fiber-optic retrofit. I really like your idea as well as the additional ideas retaining the fiber-optic cables as well. As previously stated, if I go with the fiber-optic cables. I will have to buy at the very least a fiber-optic sub harness going forward from the center console at a price of something like $250. These projects as you know, rarely hold problems that cannot be solved by simply throwing hundred dollar bills at them.... Lord knows, I'm certainly not scared of throwing hundred dollar bills at a Corvette problem. Thank you for your response
Alan I've given considerable thought to your post regarding fiber optics. As much money as I have spent on restoring, or retro-moding this car I could on my own airline. So I'm going to replace the fiber-optic cables, fore an aft. Keeping in mind that nothing on these old Corvettes is anything more complicated than throwing more hundred dollar bills at the problem.
The optics work great- if not better than the original set-up. I first did it like in the early 80's.
The LEDs sort of defeat the purpose of confirming that your lights are working- as that was the original intent of them....
Richard, to Shieh, I concur. I will be reinstalling new fiber optics cables both fore and daft. You and Alan 71 have talked me into doing the right thing. No shortcuts
05-25-2017, 03:42 PM
Fiber optics retrofit
