Stop Light replacement procedure 1985
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 17
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From: Panama City FL
Stop Light replacement procedure 1985
I just purchased a '85 and am bringing her out of the closet. I've read the book on how to replace the taillights ( both inboard & outboard) but find it impossible. That doesn't look to be enough space for my hand. Any body got a SHRINK RAY ?? I've only got one ( outboard) that needs replacing. Any help is appreciated. Thx :confused:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 2,516
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From: Lockport NY
Re: Stop Light replacement procedure 1985 (qcman007)
I've read the book on how to replace the taillights but find it impossible.
Trying to change it on a lift *was* impossible. It was the lying down with my arm at an angle that did the trick.
...That, and removing the plastic inner wheelwell... :D
Pro
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 559
Likes: 6
From: OKC OK
Re: Stop Light replacement procedure 1985 (qcman007)
Outboard tail light bulb replacement...all I can say is...
YOU GOTTA BE KIDDIN ME! :banghead:
My arm looked like I stuck it into a lion cage, and the lion was hungry, when I got done!
YOU GOTTA BE KIDDIN ME! :banghead:
My arm looked like I stuck it into a lion cage, and the lion was hungry, when I got done!
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 158
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From: Farmington Hills MI
Re: Stop Light replacement procedure 1985 (MtlSphere)
My arm looked like I stuck it into a lion cage, and the lion was hungry, when I got done!
That is a job I've dreaded!
That is until this weekend when I received an ebay item: "The 1984 Corvette" manual. It is a dealership technician pre-launch technical features manual.
Having owned my Bronze 84 since new, there were very few items I had not discovered already - except on page 13.
There is a tip: it says to remove the back licence plate and reach through for the backup light replacement and also to get the inner tail lamp bulb out by removing the lense from behind. Then you can reach through the opening for the inner tail lamp and reach the outer lamp and lense.
I havent tried it, but it's worth a try. Maybe you can save a pint of blood and a pound of flesh in the process!
Good luck!
:lol: :lol:
[Modified by torqueman2002, 3:24 AM 7/6/2003]
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 2,516
Likes: 0
From: Lockport NY
Re: Stop Light replacement procedure 1985 (torqueman2002)
There is a tip: it says to remove the back licence plate and reach through for the backup light replacement and also to get the inner tail lamp bulb out by removing the lense from behind. Then you can reach through the opening for the inner tail lamp and reach the outer lamp and lense.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 871
Likes: 0
From: Costa Mesa CA
Re: Stop Light replacement procedure 1985 (qcman007)
The first one I had to replace I borowed a small friend and his hand got up in there without probs and he changed the bulb for me. The second time I had to do it myself and it was a *****. I'm 6'3", 260 (hense the name BIG JIM) and my huge ham-hocks were skinned up for a few days but I got the job done. I think I removed some bracket or brace first though. Can't remember.
Best bet? Get a 12 year-old Corvette admirer to do it for you. He'll want to change all your bulbs and wash the car too just to be near the car. Ok, that was me when I was young. But hey, there has to be more than one.
BIG JIM
Best bet? Get a 12 year-old Corvette admirer to do it for you. He'll want to change all your bulbs and wash the car too just to be near the car. Ok, that was me when I was young. But hey, there has to be more than one.
BIG JIM
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,384
Likes: 124
From: Reno/Sparks Nevada
Re: Stop Light replacement procedure 1985 (qcman007)
I've got large forearms too. As mentioned, remove the license plate but also remove the 2 other screws that are holding the bumper cover to the body. They're just under and I believe along the bottom edge of the license plate opening. This gives the bumper more room to flex which will allow you to reach in to unscrew the 2 10mm screws holding the inner lamp. Once the inner lamp is removed you can reach into the inner lamp hole and reach behind the outer lamp and unscrew the screws holding it it. There's also a couple of screws holding the bottom edge of the bumper to the body. Removing them should allow the bumper to flex enough even for large forearms. Just don't drop the wrench when unscrewing the screws. I've already lost a nice 10mm socket down there. If at all possible "don't drop the socket or wrench down there". You may never find it again. :)
Pro
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 559
Likes: 6
From: OKC OK
Re: Stop Light replacement procedure 1985 (MrRenoman)
I agree with finding a small person to get the job done. And was surprised when he offered to wash the car too! I made the kid a glass of lemonade and took it to him with my wax and towels...car looks great! :cool:
