'86 coupe question
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Joined: Sep 2006
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From: audubon pa
'86 coupe question
Is there an easy way to remove the tail lights on an '86 coupe? the PO installed a Greenwood wing and I would like to remove it---looks like the easiest way is to remove the tail lights and get me arms up through the holes to remove whatever is holding the wing on.
If anyone has any other suggestions on removing the wing, they would be greatly appreciated. I would like to keep the wing "in tact" so that I can sell it.
thanx for any help!!!!
If anyone has any other suggestions on removing the wing, they would be greatly appreciated. I would like to keep the wing "in tact" so that I can sell it.
thanx for any help!!!!
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Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Lahaina Hi
Depending on where the wing bolts are you have to remove the gas tank door and the outside lights ,if I remember they are 10 mm bolts on the lights.
I hope you have real skinny arms.In some areas I used a 3 foot extention 1/4 inch drive on everything and swivle sockets.Not an easy task.You can also get a little more clearence by removing the 2 lower nuts for the backup lights,it will allow you to pull the rear center away form the frame and gas tank just a little.behind the license plate.
I hope you have real skinny arms.In some areas I used a 3 foot extention 1/4 inch drive on everything and swivle sockets.Not an easy task.You can also get a little more clearence by removing the 2 lower nuts for the backup lights,it will allow you to pull the rear center away form the frame and gas tank just a little.behind the license plate.
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Joined: Aug 1999
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From: Fort Lauderdale FL
I used to have a wing on my vert that I removed. What I did was used long enough extensions and went in from under the rear of the car. There were 4 nuts holding the wing in place with bolts. It was an easy job however it left 4 holes. I patched them up years ago.. but I'm due for a paint job down the road.
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From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Remove the licnese plate and then remove the backup light housings. That will give you decent access to the tail/brake lamp housings.
Small arms are a big plus to get to the lights but it can be done. The nuts are 10mm and the best thing to use is a 1/4" drive thumbwheel socket. Once you remove the inboard lights, go thru those holes to remove the outboard lights. You should have enough room to get to the bolts that hold the wing on.
While you have the light housings out, it's a good idea to replace all 4 of the bulbs. GM used a dilectric grease that hardens over the years. Removing the old bulbs will probably break them so wear gloves. Once the bulb is out, scrape all of the old hardened grease out and install new Sylvania 1157 "Long Life" bulbs. Use some fresh Permatex dielectric grease on the new bulb contacts and reassemble everything when the wing is off.
Small arms are a big plus to get to the lights but it can be done. The nuts are 10mm and the best thing to use is a 1/4" drive thumbwheel socket. Once you remove the inboard lights, go thru those holes to remove the outboard lights. You should have enough room to get to the bolts that hold the wing on.
While you have the light housings out, it's a good idea to replace all 4 of the bulbs. GM used a dilectric grease that hardens over the years. Removing the old bulbs will probably break them so wear gloves. Once the bulb is out, scrape all of the old hardened grease out and install new Sylvania 1157 "Long Life" bulbs. Use some fresh Permatex dielectric grease on the new bulb contacts and reassemble everything when the wing is off.
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From: audubon pa
thanx for all the input.
i was up under the rear of the car earlier today and knew this was going to be a PITA job. oh well, gives me something to do tomorrow. they really don't make some areas of this car easy to work on.
thanx again
i was up under the rear of the car earlier today and knew this was going to be a PITA job. oh well, gives me something to do tomorrow. they really don't make some areas of this car easy to work on.
thanx again
