High Mount Brake Light Accessibility on '87 Convert.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Forks Twp. PA
High Mount Brake Light Accessibility on '87 Convert.
The bulb is burned out on my '87 convertible high mount brake light. Does anyone have an easy way to access this assembly?? Chilton refers to rear fascia mounted, step one "remove license plate and bracket.." Duh, my '87 does not have a bracket. The license plate bolts screw into fixed nuts attached to the fascia. Getting my hand up behind the license plate to reach the screws mounting the lamp assembly is impossible. Can't find anything re this light assembly in the GM Corvette Service Manual. HELP!
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Forks Twp. PA
3rd Tail Light
The bulb is burned out on my '87 convertible high mount brake light. Does anyone have an easy way to access this assembly?? Chilton refers to rear fascia mounted, step one "remove license plate and bracket.." Duh, my '87 does not have a bracket. The license plate bolts screw into fixed nuts attached to the fascia. Getting my hand up behind the license plate to reach the screws mounting the lamp assembly is impossible. Can't find anything re this light assembly in the GM Corvette Service Manual. HELP!
To others that may encounter the 3rd Tail Light problem and how to access the unit I offer my tried and true way. Others suggested only getting access thru the license plate. Untrue. The simplest and easiest way if thru the Gas tank cover: Remove the lid (4 torq screws); remove the gas cap (place something in the hole to not let in dirt while the cap is off); remove the rubber dam around the filler tube (since its thick rubber you may have to use a screwdriver to pry the edges which are under the metal cover. There is also a drain tube attached which you will take off). Voila, pull up the rubber dam and lo and behold you have all sorts of access room to get your thick fingers into the area where you can remove the light assembly. I first disconnected the light pigtail and applied 12v to see if I really had a burned out bulb. I didn't, so I now will look at the brake light switch as the culprit. Hope this description helps. I know it works for an '87 vette.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 700
Likes: 2
From: Spring Hill Florida
Since I got no replies on this thread I submitted a similar thread on the General Discussion pages. Since this thread I have searched and searched and searched all over the web for explanations of how to access the 3rd tail light on an '87 vette. I finally found a video of what I consider a solution.
To others that may encounter the 3rd Tail Light problem and how to access the unit I offer my tried and true way. Others suggested only getting access thru the license plate. Untrue. The simplest and easiest way if thru the Gas tank cover: Remove the lid (4 torq screws); remove the gas cap (place something in the hole to not let in dirt while the cap is off); remove the rubber dam around the filler tube (since its thick rubber you may have to use a screwdriver to pry the edges which are under the metal cover. There is also a drain tube attached which you will take off). Voila, pull up the rubber dam and lo and behold you have all sorts of access room to get your thick fingers into the area where you can remove the light assembly. I first disconnected the light pigtail and applied 12v to see if I really had a burned out bulb. I didn't, so I now will look at the brake light switch as the culprit. Hope this description helps. I know it works for an '87 vette.
To others that may encounter the 3rd Tail Light problem and how to access the unit I offer my tried and true way. Others suggested only getting access thru the license plate. Untrue. The simplest and easiest way if thru the Gas tank cover: Remove the lid (4 torq screws); remove the gas cap (place something in the hole to not let in dirt while the cap is off); remove the rubber dam around the filler tube (since its thick rubber you may have to use a screwdriver to pry the edges which are under the metal cover. There is also a drain tube attached which you will take off). Voila, pull up the rubber dam and lo and behold you have all sorts of access room to get your thick fingers into the area where you can remove the light assembly. I first disconnected the light pigtail and applied 12v to see if I really had a burned out bulb. I didn't, so I now will look at the brake light switch as the culprit. Hope this description helps. I know it works for an '87 vette.
