68 Back-Up Lights
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 783
Likes: 38
From: Mankato Mn
68 Back-Up Lights
I'm just about ready for primer on my 68 restore. I am pre-fitting every part before starting paint. I just realized I don't have the back-up lights. The rear valance panel just has the 2 holes for the lights. I've looked at all the venders & all I can find is the lenses & gaskets. Anyone know who might have the light housings. I can make whatever I need to mount them. Any help would be appreciated.... Thanks
Former Vendor
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,092
Likes: 2
From: walpole ma
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,412
Likes: 792
From: Redondo Beach, California
The retainers are just simply little fiberglass tabs to bolt the taillight assemblies into.
68 taillights occassionally come up on ebay. I bought a pair from J&D Corvette in Bellflower, Ca. J&D is a corvette salvage yard. I think I paid $300 for them.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 783
Likes: 38
From: Mankato Mn
There was a 68 valance on e-bay about a year ago with the lights still in it. I did'nt bid on it because I already had a valance. Guess I blew it...AGAIN ! Yes DZ, those are the housings I need, but $300 from a salvage yard sounds like maybe I'll just fiberglass the holes shut. RoadRace, if you have a set let me know. Thanks Guys
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 5,447
Likes: 3
From: Syracuse NY
Rear of 68
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 5,447
Likes: 3
From: Syracuse NY
Last edited by DZRick; Jun 8, 2009 at 06:39 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,528
Likes: 148
From: East London/SW Essex UK
On my '68 I have used amber coloured bulbs in the back-up lights and wired them to the L/R indicator circuit. In the UK we have to show amber indicators in the front and rear of the car 
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,317
Likes: 22
From: Marina CA
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,317
Likes: 22
From: Marina CA
To be honest been enjoying our weather and spending more time on the Harley than I should.
But this week I'll be back in the garage edging the beast toward being done. Time to get my priorities in order!
My vote also is leave the Hookers on Red and save the rear valence for a wall hanging.
How about your Harley, getting regular exercise?
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,412
Likes: 792
From: Redondo Beach, California
It was too bad GM got rid of the 68 backup lights. The 68's have four red lights when you hit the brakes. The 69 and up have only two brake lights....but it's actually worse than that. The 68 tail lights lenses create red light over their entire circular area. Look at the 69 and up lenses, they have a painted band on the inside circumfrence. Each 69 and up lens passes much less light than a comparable 68 lens. So.....on my 70, I've changed the tail and backup lights to the 68 configuration. I bought two extra 68 taillight assemblies to replace the 70's backup lights. I bought a 68 repro wire harness to wire in the taillights and backup lights so they don't look bubba-ized. Of course I've a 68 valance and the lamp assemblies. These assemblies I bought on ebay. The taillight/backup harness plugs into a connector near the fuse box. The harnesses are interchangeable at the connector.