69 Fiber Optics
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Joined: Dec 2007
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69 Fiber Optics
I can't get my rear fiber optics to work. It's hard to believe that they are torn since they are in the same harness as the rear lighting. Is there something I can do to the ends to prove light continuity. Is there a test to make sure they are still connected. Thanks for the help.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,639
Likes: 287
From: Ann Arbor Michigan
Do you have the center console apart where the fiber cables plug into the bezel? If so, remove a tail light lense and the bulb. Have someone shine a flashlight on the calbe end that is sticking into the tail light. Now look into the end of the cable at the console. It will help if it's dark. If the cable is not broken, you should see the light. Just think of the fiber optics as a tube, you shine light in one end and it comes out the other.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 911
Likes: 5
From: TN
lights
The plastic unit the fiber optics connect to in the console in front of the emergency brake can be broken easily and not retaining the fiber optics correctly. A new one is available from most of the Corvette parts venders. It is neat to be able to see your lights work with the fiber optics, plus could save you from getting pulled over for no tail light.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 286
Likes: 1
From: Mesa az
Rear Optics Fibers
Mine (a '69) were painted and broken. I tried to repair them, but found out the fibers had either aged or been damaged and just didn't transmit the light anymore. I replaced all three. I disassembled the cable after removing it and put the new fibers in using the old ends. The new ends provided were not correct.
Andy
Andy
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,113
From: Crossville TN
Unless it has been severely damaged or broken, the light cable is almost NEVER the problem with these things. In fact, a damaged/broken cable can be spliced. The most likely problems have been mentioned already:
1) damaged cable "receiver" in the console such that the light cables aren't properly retained;
2) ends of cables in taillight housings being painted over, dirty, etc. so that they cannot receive light from the bulb;
3) your taillight bulbs don't work [probably not the fault].
1) damaged cable "receiver" in the console such that the light cables aren't properly retained;
2) ends of cables in taillight housings being painted over, dirty, etc. so that they cannot receive light from the bulb;
3) your taillight bulbs don't work [probably not the fault].
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Drifting
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,345
Likes: 3
Unless it has been severely damaged or broken, the light cable is almost NEVER the problem with these things. In fact, a damaged/broken cable can be spliced. The most likely problems have been mentioned already:
1) damaged cable "receiver" in the console such that the light cables aren't properly retained;
2) ends of cables in taillight housings being painted over, dirty, etc. so that they cannot receive light from the bulb;
3) your taillight bulbs don't work [probably not the fault].
1) damaged cable "receiver" in the console such that the light cables aren't properly retained;
2) ends of cables in taillight housings being painted over, dirty, etc. so that they cannot receive light from the bulb;
3) your taillight bulbs don't work [probably not the fault].
The exception to this if if the cables are disrupted and fall into the mufflers and are melted. I've seen this at least twice since '76 when I got my '69. Thankfully the problem was on other cars, not mine!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,727
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From: Fremont CA
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,570
Likes: 1
From: Algonac Michigan
Mark