noob..dumb question,replacing tail bulbs...
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
noob..dumb question,replacing tail bulbs...
Hey guys, On a 1984 C-4;how and the heck do you get to the tail light bulbs when it's time to replace burned out bulbs? THX!
Last edited by z31alley; Dec 22, 2008 at 04:58 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 6,130
Likes: 2
From: seattle WA
Year doesn't make a difference!! theyr'e a bummer, hard to get at. I've tried to access them through the license plate...BS. You've got to get the rear end up some, wear long sleeve shirts and hope you don't get any scarrs!!!!! Skinny arms work best...good luck.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,171
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From: Warwick RI
When I pulled the lenses off my 91' for paint they seemed to be right there. Was I wrong
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 988
Likes: 7
From: Sarasota Fl
How'd you manage to get your lenses off? I unscrewed the two screws in each and then it felt like the seals were keeping them in there. I tried prying them, but didn't want to crack anything. Did you get them some encouragement from behind through the license plate?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 6,130
Likes: 2
From: seattle WA
Unfortunately the tail light bulbs on most early C4s are only removeable from the back side, if you can remove them from a 91 by removing the lense....great, but I certainly couldn't from my 87....backside only....and a B@*ch. I'd even thought about a hole saw for access from the cargo area.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,171
Likes: 1
From: Warwick RI
The gaskets can be stubborn
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,171
Likes: 1
From: Warwick RI
Unfortunately the tail light bulbs on most early C4s are only removeable from the back side, if you can remove them from a 91 by removing the lense....great, but I certainly couldn't from my 87....backside only....and a B@*ch. I'd even thought about a hole saw for access from the cargo area.
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Race Director
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 14,924
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From: Merritt Ils Fl
If the 84 is like the 85, and I think it is, remove the tag, then the back up light.Reach thru that opening and remove the two nuts holding the tail light in the bumper. If you have an outter bulb out you can reach the back side of the light thru the opening where the inner light lives. If you didn't know, this arrangement was designed by the same guy that did the heater core.
Former Vendor
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From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Muffin is correct. If you remove the license lamp, then the inner tail lamp you can change the bulb in the inner and remove the outer by going in the hole for the inner to reach it. Willcox
Corvette Enthusiast
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From: So. Cal.
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Muffin
with you on the tail lights and heater core genious. I wish my tail lights had screws.....Did the heater core 3 years ago.
Did the same guy design the brake booster set up too?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 9,715
Likes: 27
From: Kempner Texas
The 96 has two torx head screws in the outside recesses of each lense. Just remove the screws, pull the lense off using a small, flat head screwdriver and the bulb is right there. Push, turn, pull - out; push, turn release - in.
Couple of minutes and it's a done-deal. Piece of cake (or is it easy as pie?) LOL
Jake
Couple of minutes and it's a done-deal. Piece of cake (or is it easy as pie?) LOL
Jake
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,753
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From: backwoods upstate ny
early c4's ya gotta remove the licence plate / back-up lights...save your skin and unbolt the spare tire hanger and lower it down (don't need to remove entirely)...remove the inner light bulbs, then inner light housings to reach thru the the inner holes to get the outers...the retaining nuts are 10 mm, a "flat box end" ratchet wrench (sears, etc) saves lots of time and cussing
the pass side outboard light (only) on some (some not, depends on muffler position) can be changed be snaking your arm behind the tire and above the muffler (only those highly practiced at unhooking bras with one hand will succeed with this)
the pass side outboard light (only) on some (some not, depends on muffler position) can be changed be snaking your arm behind the tire and above the muffler (only those highly practiced at unhooking bras with one hand will succeed with this)
Last edited by redrose; Dec 24, 2008 at 11:49 AM.
Team Owner
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From: Fort Knox, KY
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 5,043
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From: Tampa Florida
Through the tag is the best way to reach the inner most tail light bulbs....a distant second is "unhooking a bra" approach previously mentioned CF member Redrose....reaching up behind the bumper skirt blindly while twisting out the sockets to access the bad bulbs. It is a lot of fun...just take your time.
