4 tail light conversion on 69-72
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 174
Likes: 0
From: Naples Fla
4 tail light conversion on 69-72
I know this has been discussed before, but I had no luck finding the old thread. I am looking to convert my 71 Coupe to four taillights and eliminate the backup lights. Obviously, I need new lenses, but what else is required to make the swap? I'm trying to get the parts from Vettes1st on the "For Sale / Wanted" forum, and want to be sure I get all of the pieces that I'll need at one time.
Thanks,
Jamey
Thanks,
Jamey
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 11,322
Likes: 1
From: Living in the Hartland
Re: 4 tail light conversion on 69-72 (JameyZ28)
This is a tech tip for a later c-3 so you won;t have to do as much work but is a pretty good guide:
https://www.corvetteforum.com/techti...=166&TopicID=3
https://www.corvetteforum.com/techti...=166&TopicID=3
Racer
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 388
Likes: 1
From: Bridgeport CT
Re: 4 tail light conversion on 69-72 (JameyZ28)
Sir,
You must replace the entire lamp assembly, not merely the lens. A back-up lamp bulb and tail lamp bulb have entirely different placed alignment pins on the base of the lamp socket. You cannot screw a tail lamp bulb into a back up lamp socket and visa versa.
Incidentally, every personal change you incorporate and jury rig effects another factor. You will also have to change the flasher, because now it’s a 3 bulb flasher and so on and so on.
Eventually these projects resemble and are worthy of those special ones found on ebay. Of course personal choice is the ultimate freedom and many of those vehicles seem to reappear right here where they refer to the prior owner as some fellow affectionately called Bubba. I do not know his last name.
Geoffrey Coenen
NCRS #2473
NCM Lifetime #105
Vettehead #18-1
Retired #1 56, 63, 67, 68, 68, 69, 75, 99 and I want more !
You must replace the entire lamp assembly, not merely the lens. A back-up lamp bulb and tail lamp bulb have entirely different placed alignment pins on the base of the lamp socket. You cannot screw a tail lamp bulb into a back up lamp socket and visa versa.
Incidentally, every personal change you incorporate and jury rig effects another factor. You will also have to change the flasher, because now it’s a 3 bulb flasher and so on and so on.
Eventually these projects resemble and are worthy of those special ones found on ebay. Of course personal choice is the ultimate freedom and many of those vehicles seem to reappear right here where they refer to the prior owner as some fellow affectionately called Bubba. I do not know his last name.
Geoffrey Coenen
NCRS #2473
NCM Lifetime #105
Vettehead #18-1
Retired #1 56, 63, 67, 68, 68, 69, 75, 99 and I want more !
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,900
Likes: 2
From: Green Cove Springs FL
Re: 4 tail light conversion on 69-72 (Doc Rebuild)
Eventually these projects resemble and are worthy of those special ones found on ebay. Of course personal choice is the ultimate freedom and many of those vehicles seem to reappear right here where they refer to the prior owner as some fellow affectionately called Bubba.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 2,897
Likes: 0
From: Moon Township PA
Re: 4 tail light conversion on 69-72 (FroDaddy)
I think the Doc's meaning is fairly clear. Start modifying and get carried away. Then, one day someone will post a link to a car and say "Why would someone do this to a Corvette?"
However, giving respect to the "whatever floats your boat" adage, go for but please do it tastefully. ;)
Gary
However, giving respect to the "whatever floats your boat" adage, go for but please do it tastefully. ;)
Gary
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 174
Likes: 0
From: Naples Fla
Re: 4 tail light conversion on 69-72 (FroDaddy)
Looks like he just called me Bubba because I'm not doing a numbers-matching resto. That's okay, I'm much more concerned w/ not getting creamed at an intersection by some octogenarian in a 4500 lb Cadillac because they don't see the barely adequate lights on my 30+ year old car. The car is a driver, and my wife and daughter also drive the car occasionally, and their safety is significantly more important than my NCRS score.
Regardless, thanks for everyone's input. I plan to proceed w/ the modification in spite of what the ****-retentive crowd thinks.
Regardless, thanks for everyone's input. I plan to proceed w/ the modification in spite of what the ****-retentive crowd thinks.
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Drifting
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,411
Likes: 0
From: Dandridge TN
Re: 4 tail light conversion on 69-72 (JameyZ28)
Looks like he just called me Bubba because I'm not doing a numbers-matching resto. That's okay, I'm much more concerned w/ not getting creamed at an intersection by some octogenarian in a 4500 lb Cadillac because they don't see the barely adequate lights on my 30+ year old car. The car is a driver, and my wife and daughter also drive the car occasionally, and their safety is significantly more important than my NCRS score.
Regardless, thanks for everyone's input. I plan to proceed w/ the modification in spite of what the ****-retentive crowd thinks.
Regardless, thanks for everyone's input. I plan to proceed w/ the modification in spite of what the ****-retentive crowd thinks.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 896
Likes: 1
From: Thomasville, home of the Big Chair NC
Re: 4 tail light conversion on 69-72 (Steve Adkins)
Just dont forget to change the flasher! Ive done this before.
You always run into pruists, and there is nothing wrong with that. When your name in on the title do what you want! :cheers:
You always run into pruists, and there is nothing wrong with that. When your name in on the title do what you want! :cheers:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,900
Likes: 2
From: Green Cove Springs FL
Re: 4 tail light conversion on 69-72 (JameyZ28)
Looks like he just called me Bubba because I'm not doing a numbers-matching resto. That's okay, I'm much more concerned w/ not getting creamed at an intersection by some octogenarian in a 4500 lb Cadillac because they don't see the barely adequate lights on my 30+ year old car.
It's not like every C3 that is out there is a show car. Chances are that someone out there has a garage/trailer queen just like yours, you know? On the flip side, I wouldn't TAKE an NCRS original and start chopping it up. Mod your C3, have fun, and drive safe. :cheers:
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 65,492
Likes: 230
From: Orange Park Florida
Re: 4 tail light conversion on 69-72 (FroDaddy)
I would neer buy an NCRS car, no way, the car has been rebuilt to lower performance specs by someone who dreams alot, knows nothing but to replace parts, and copy mistakes exactly.....pardon ME, but is that someone to emulate???
GENE :mad :mad :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :confused: :confused: :eek: :eek: :D :D
GENE :mad :mad :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :confused: :confused: :eek: :eek: :D :D
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,339
Likes: 24
From: I can walk to MA
Re: 4 tail light conversion on 69-72 (FroDaddy)
A compromise that I would propose:
In order to do the least amount of work, spend less $$, and help preserve
the original parts as much as possible -
You could install the bubble covers, and wire the reverse light bulb to
act as a brake/flasher - but not a running/parking light.
2 taillights - 4 brake/signal lights.
Just a proposal - more for the $$ - 'cause I'm a cheap yankee.
(But NOT a Yankees fan !)
:seeya
In order to do the least amount of work, spend less $$, and help preserve
the original parts as much as possible -
You could install the bubble covers, and wire the reverse light bulb to
act as a brake/flasher - but not a running/parking light.
2 taillights - 4 brake/signal lights.
Just a proposal - more for the $$ - 'cause I'm a cheap yankee.
(But NOT a Yankees fan !)
:seeya
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 962
Likes: 0
From: Carlisle PA
Re: 4 tail light conversion on 69-72 (JameyZ28)
I did exactly what you want with mine. I'm sitting here trying to remember how I did it though. It was one of three ways, I either replace the entire assembly with the correct parking/taillight assembly.
Or - and I think I did this if I remember right, the centers where the bulb actually is placed can be popped out, then I ended up getting
an aftermarket socket and placed in it.
The last thing I may have done is I believe there is a bulb on the market that the alignment pins are as you need and act as a "parking/stop light" then I just re-wired them to work as the original taillights worked.
All 4 would be on when I put on the parking lights and hit the brake, and the two on that particular side would blink when I did the turn signals.
If by chance you still have problems, I can contact the current owner of the car and have him remove the lens and tell me how I did it or get you a bulb number.
Keith :cheers:
Or - and I think I did this if I remember right, the centers where the bulb actually is placed can be popped out, then I ended up getting
an aftermarket socket and placed in it.
The last thing I may have done is I believe there is a bulb on the market that the alignment pins are as you need and act as a "parking/stop light" then I just re-wired them to work as the original taillights worked.
All 4 would be on when I put on the parking lights and hit the brake, and the two on that particular side would blink when I did the turn signals.
If by chance you still have problems, I can contact the current owner of the car and have him remove the lens and tell me how I did it or get you a bulb number.
Keith :cheers:
Senior Member since 1492
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 87,901
Likes: 156
From: Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean people aren't out to get me...
St. Jude Donor '09
Originally Posted by Doc Rebuild
Of course personal choice is the ultimate freedom and many of those vehicles seem to reappear right here where they refer to the prior owner as some fellow affectionately called Bubba. I do not know his last name.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 565
Likes: 0
From: I'm bleeding, making me the victor!
Originally Posted by Doc Rebuild
Incidentally, every personal change you incorporate and jury rig effects another factor.