Removing taillights

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Jan 19, 2004 | 01:58 AM

nonetooclose

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Sep 2003

Posts: 454

Likes: 1

From: Lompoc CA

Removing taillights

What is the easiest way to remove the taillights in an 85? The manual is flatout wrong and shows removal of the screws from the outside for bulb replacement. My outside driver's side bulb is having problems during braking (not lighting). I think it is a poor ground since the bulb is still lit during driving.

What do you guys and gals think/recommend? I spent hours getting those stupid things out... Help!

Thanks
Richard

Jan 19, 2004 | 10:42 AM

Q1KSLVR

Drifting

Joined: Jul 2000

Posts: 1,298

Likes: 0

From: Jupiter Sunny Florida

Re: Removing taillights (nonetooclose)

There are 3 wires going to that bulb. 1 for brakes, 1 for running, 1 for ground. If you lose ground the light won't work at all.

If just the brake light is out, it's probably just a bad bulb..... :thumbs:

Jan 19, 2004 | 11:09 AM

vinnies87

Le Mans Master

Joined: Aug 2003

Posts: 9,884

Likes: 3

From: Magnolia Mississippi

St. Jude '03-'04-'05-'06-'07

Re: Removing taillights (nonetooclose)

my 87 says remove the lic plate for bulg replacement...

Jan 19, 2004 | 11:10 AM

85vetteguy

Drifting

Joined: Jun 2001

Posts: 1,490

Likes: 17

From: Darlington, MD

Re: Removing taillights (nonetooclose)

You must remove the license plate and back-up lights if necessary. Reach in through there and remove the inner lights. I think they are held in by 3 , 7 or 10mm bolts. After the inner lights are removed reach in through those holes and remove outter lights. Long skinny arms are helpful. Good Luck, Guy

Jan 19, 2004 | 04:06 PM

nonetooclose

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Sep 2003

Posts: 454

Likes: 1

From: Lompoc CA

Re: Removing taillights (Q1KSLVR)

I had just replaced the bulb and know that it works since it worked for a little while before failing again. Same symptom as before - no brake light, but running lights work.

Are there any other ideas? Maybe the socket is bad to that one prong for the light bulb?

Thanks
Richard

Jan 19, 2004 | 05:44 PM

NightRyder

Pro

Joined: Oct 2002

Posts: 515

Likes: 0

From: Everett WA

Re: Removing taillights (nonetooclose)

maybe the wire is loose, and after R&Ring it, it falls out after a bit.

Jan 19, 2004 | 09:06 PM

nonetooclose

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Sep 2003

Posts: 454

Likes: 1

From: Lompoc CA

Re: Removing taillights (NightRyder)

That doesn't add up though since the light still works with the lights on, but the brake light part does not work. I will try and take it apart this coming weekend.

Those lights are such a pain to get to... took me a couple hours or more to replace the bulbs.. doesn't help that I have big arms.

Thanks
Richard