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Topic: 71 REAR TAILIGHT LENS REMOVAL

in Forum: C3 Body

71 REAR TAILIGHT LENS REMOVAL

Posted: 11/22/08 12:32pm Message 1 of 9
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Big Lake, AK - USA
Joined: 8/4/2008
Posts: 21
Vette(s): 1971 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe 350/330hp
Hi All,
 
Man I love this site, you all have so much information that I use all the time!!
 
Have a problem someone out there hopefully has had to deal with. Bought a set of new lenses for all 4 lights across the rear and when I try to replace them I cannot get the old lenses off. Of course, I can't pry on the body with anything, but these babies will not come out. I think someone re-installed them before the paint was completely cured!! :(
 
Any suggestions would be appreciated, thought about a hair dryer, but have not tried it yet.
 
On another note, GET THE CALENDER, it is friggin awesome, great job Adam!!
 
Bob



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71 REAR TAILIGHT LENS REMOVAL

Posted: 11/22/08 2:52pm Message 2 of 9
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Frederick, MD - USA
Joined: 9/8/2003
Posts: 3398
Vette(s): 1969 convertible L71 427/435 4-speed black interior
Once the screws are out, try using a small hook or pick.  Just insert it into the opening and pull.  The lens should pop out.  It could just be years of grime stuck in there making it stick.  


71 REAR TAILIGHT LENS REMOVAL

Posted: 11/23/08 7:44am Message 3 of 9
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
Yeah...like Bruce says, the lenses are prolly "fused" to the housing. There is(or once was) a rubberish gasket between the lenses and the housings. Over time, that gasket will basically glue itself to the lenses and housings, making removal of the lenses a little tough. A small hook/pick, as Bruce says, will give ya a little leverage to get behind the lens, and pry them loose. The hair dryer won't hurt, either...


Joel Adams
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71 REAR TAILIGHT LENS REMOVAL

Posted: 11/23/08 1:26pm Message 4 of 9
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Canada
Joined: 6/23/2008
Posts: 558
Vette(s): 1972, 1980
As said above....but if you can not get the lens out without possible damage, remove the nuts at the back holding the light housing on the body...this way you can remove the whole assembly away from the body and paint and remove the lens with a small flat screw driver.
John



71 REAR TAILIGHT LENS REMOVAL

Posted: 11/24/08 11:18am Message 5 of 9
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Mounds View, MN - USA
Joined: 5/24/2007
Posts: 1031
Vette(s): 70 LT1 coupe, 69 350 HP coupe, 69 390HP 427 coupe, 71 LS5 convert, 85 coupe, 93 coupe
Since you are replacing the lenses, drill a hole in the middle of the lens, and put a good solid hook through the hole.  If you need to, make the hole big enough to pry against the inside of the housing.

Larry



71 REAR TAILIGHT LENS REMOVAL

Posted: 11/24/08 1:21pm Message 6 of 9
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N. Scituate, RI - USA
Joined: 2/24/2006
Posts: 30
Vette(s): 1971 roadster 4 speed blue with white top 1990 roadster 6 speed white on black
this can mess up the paint  don't know if that is an issue or not but goo goon will melt those old gaskets


71 REAR TAILIGHT LENS REMOVAL

Posted: 11/24/08 3:48pm Message 7 of 9
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Canada
Joined: 6/23/2008
Posts: 558
Vette(s): 1972, 1980
Larry, that's a good idea I'll use that in the future.
John



71 REAR TAILIGHT LENS REMOVAL

Posted: 11/25/08 6:25am Message 8 of 9
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Dorr, MI - USA
Joined: 8/21/2002
Posts: 2581
Vette(s): 71 Colonnade Hardtop Coupe Torch Red with black interior originally L48 built to push around 360hp
I had the same problem removing mine. I carefully sprayed a little penetrating oil around them, and let it soak for a while to soften the rubber. They popped right out.   "T"


71 REAR TAILIGHT LENS REMOVAL

Posted: 11/30/08 11:18am Message 9 of 9
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Big Lake, AK - USA
Joined: 8/4/2008
Posts: 21
Vette(s): 1971 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe 350/330hp
Thanks for all the great ideas, those lenses are going down!!


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