1985 Tail Lamp Replacement

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Apr 19, 2009 | 01:17 PM

rbr02

Thread Starter

6th Gear

Joined: Dec 2008

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From: Cincinnati OH

1985 Tail Lamp Replacement

OK....I give up. How in the world do you get to the drivers side outboard tail lamp on a 1985 C4? I got the bumper cover loose and still can't get to it. Is there an easier way?

Apr 19, 2009 | 01:35 PM

JackDidley

Race Director

Joined: Sep 2003

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From: Database Error Indiana

Quote:

Originally Posted by rbr02

OK....I give up. How in the world do you get to the drivers side outboard tail lamp on a 1985 C4? I got the bumper cover loose and still can't get to it. Is there an easier way?

Remove the license plate, the back up light and reach in with a 10 mm socket on a 1/4" ratchet, remove 2 bolts and it will come out.

Apr 19, 2009 | 01:55 PM

M.J.L.

Safety Car

Joined: Jul 2008

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From: Made In America

St. Jude Donor '10-'11

Quote:

Originally Posted by JackDidley

Remove the license plate, the back up light and reach in with a 10 mm socket on a 1/4" ratchet, remove 2 bolts and it will come out.

It's a tight squeeze so be careful not to snap the screw holes off the lenses. Happened to me.

Apr 19, 2009 | 02:17 PM

hbarclay

Heel & Toe

Joined: Jul 2008

Posts: 22

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From: Orange Texas

Quote:

Originally Posted by rbr02

OK....I give up. How in the world do you get to the drivers side outboard tail lamp on a 1985 C4? I got the bumper cover loose and still can't get to it. Is there an easier way?

Are you trying to replace just the bulb, or the assembly?

Apr 19, 2009 | 02:19 PM

Corvette Chris

Le Mans Master

Joined: Mar 2006

Posts: 5,262

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From: E. Amherst NY

Quote:

Originally Posted by JackDidley

Remove the license plate, the back up light and reach in with a 10 mm socket on a 1/4" ratchet, remove 2 bolts and it will come out.

Its a royal PITA but thats how you do it.

Apr 19, 2009 | 03:17 PM

rbr02

Thread Starter

6th Gear

Joined: Dec 2008

Posts: 6

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From: Cincinnati OH

Thanks

Thanks all! I'll give it a shot. I'm just trying to replace the bulb. Man...what an operation.

Apr 19, 2009 | 03:38 PM

hbarclay

Heel & Toe

Joined: Jul 2008

Posts: 22

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From: Orange Texas

Quote:

Originally Posted by rbr02

Thanks all! I'll give it a shot. I'm just trying to replace the bulb. Man...what an operation.

That's what I thought, but I was confused by all the suggestions to use a wrench. All you need to do is get your hand far enough in there to twist the socket, which is a standard bayonet fitting.

There are lots of threads and suggestions about this, the only agreement seems to be that it is indeed a PITA.

I also have an 85, and I tried removing the license plate, but using that method I was only able to reach the inner light, not the outboard one. The suggestion that finally worked for me was to remove the tailpipe hanger connection so it can move around a little, and from below reach up and remove the bayonet fitting. There will be enough length on the wiring to lower that socket and replace the bulb. Then just reach back up there and stick it back in. Might be a good idea to do the inner one first through the license plate just so you get the hang of it.

Apr 19, 2009 | 03:56 PM

redrose

Melting Slicks

Joined: Feb 2006

Posts: 2,753

Likes: 15

From: backwoods upstate ny

if going thru the license plate hole, drop your spare tire/unbolt and lower (not out) the spare tire support than congests the license plate hole pathway to the tail lights, for easier reach-in.

btw, if installing a 'time delay' to 'sequential flash' the turn signals (ok, hit me, hadda do it on mine to brain-burn ricers) the inner bulb holders and outers can trade places with no mods (oem inner bulb wiring feeds off to the outers)