Changing brake lights in C4 Vette
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver BC
Changing brake lights in C4 Vette
Hi guys!
I guess this is my first official post here despite years of lurking, so glad to be an official member.
I used the search for this, but couldn't find what I needed.
Basically, both brake/turn signal lights went out on the left side of back of my 1984 Vette. I got to one of them through the opening behind the license plate, but only barely and with some scrapes on the arm. The other bulb, on the outer side, is just out of my reach. I soaped up my arm so it would slide further up, but no dice.
Is there any other way of getting at these SOBs? I got a girl with slender arms to take a shot at it, and she got closer, but not close enough.
Thanks!
I guess this is my first official post here despite years of lurking, so glad to be an official member.
I used the search for this, but couldn't find what I needed.
Basically, both brake/turn signal lights went out on the left side of back of my 1984 Vette. I got to one of them through the opening behind the license plate, but only barely and with some scrapes on the arm. The other bulb, on the outer side, is just out of my reach. I soaped up my arm so it would slide further up, but no dice.
Is there any other way of getting at these SOBs? I got a girl with slender arms to take a shot at it, and she got closer, but not close enough.
Thanks!
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,324
Likes: 250
From: Summerland B.C. Canada
Originally Posted by cymro
I did this job once on an 84. You have to remove the inside light via the plate hole, then put your arm through that hole to get to the outside light!
And welcome aboard 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,384
Likes: 124
From: Reno/Sparks Nevada
Remove the plate, backup lites, 2 screws that hold the bumper to the impact bar (behind backup lites). You can pull back on the bumper cover a little to reach in with a 1/4" ratchet and 10mm socket. Remove the two 10mm screws at the 11 and 5 o'clock positions (viewed from the rear). Try not to drop the tools or screws on top of the bumper support, you might lose them. If you're lucky they'll drop to the ground if you do drop 'em. Remove the inner tailight housing and remove the tailight socket, set the housing aside. Reach through the hole to the outer tailight housing. Remove the tailamp socket or remove the two screws to remove the housing. Replace the bulbs. Might as well do all of them while you're at it.
Art
Art
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 7,999
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From: Life is just one big track event. Everything before and after is prep and warm-up and cool-down laps
Cruise-In III Veteran
Cruise-In IV Veteran
St. Jude Donor '12
When I had my 88 the method the muffler shop used was to put the car in the air and reach around the muffler to get to the outside bulb.
If you drop the muffler its a lot easier to get to, but they forgot and had to change the bulbs after they installed the muffler.
Put in long lasting bulbs and you won't have to do it again for a long while.
If you drop the muffler its a lot easier to get to, but they forgot and had to change the bulbs after they installed the muffler.
Put in long lasting bulbs and you won't have to do it again for a long while.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 197
Likes: 0
jaa1992 method of going under the car for the outside light is the recommended GM method (in the manual)
never tried MrRenoman's method.
This is ONE design the stylist had the overriding concern for the 84-90 models. For the lack of eight small screws, maintenance is a headache. At least 91 up got it right.
never tried MrRenoman's method.
This is ONE design the stylist had the overriding concern for the 84-90 models. For the lack of eight small screws, maintenance is a headache. At least 91 up got it right.
