Topic: Back up lamps
in Forum: C3 Electrical
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Hi everybody, happy new year. Just received a pair of 50-watt back-up lamps that I had forgotten I ordered at Cabella's. They are for pick up trucks, but it's hard to see behind a C-3, so I figure more light is better.
I got them because I installed the tail lamp conversion kit that takes away the back up lamps and makes all four lamps tail lamps. I also installed LED bulbs in those four lamps. I was previously considering adding a high or third brake lamp, but with four LED brake lamps, there is no need. I was wondering whether to just go without (still an option if I don't like these), or to try to find another source. I had purchased a pair of C-4 back-up lamp housings and was going to fabricate a way to set them in, but scrapped it and sent them back.
I've noticed that there are two pieces of channel attached to the rear frame behind the bumper, just inside the tail pipes. Don't know what they're for, but I am going to install the back up lamps to them. They give me the perfect positioning for the lamps. The lamps are rectangular, so they won't hang out in space below the bumper, but will be right up against the bumper, just inside each tail pipe. Going to splice them into the existing back up lamp harness.
I removed my spare tire carrier last year so I can reach the diff plug. Just left it off. I enjoy the view of the suspension componenets. I think it looks lighter and more attractive without. I don't want to spoil the view under the car, so the finished product will be judged as part of the overall look from behind. Perhaps a tiny high-intensity lamp could create a less intrusive appearance, but I stopped my search and just decided to try this and git er done.
I got my wife a digital camera for Christmas, so I will be sending pics in hopefully this month. Also replacing valve cover gaskets, left headlight actuator, and PS return line, so I'll be busy.
If you want to see what I do when I'm not at work or driving may favorite car, go to www.youtube.com/stanhamrick. I'm the guy on the sax (Steve Wolfe). (Stan is the bass player/manager.) The band web site is www.potomacjazz.com. Good mix, eh? Jazzy American car, and authentic American music.
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Lifetime MemberHOWELL, NJ - USA
Joined: 5/18/2004
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Vette(s): 1979, Targa Blue (72 Color), Pace Car rear spoiler, L88 hood, Dark blue factory interior, 525HP 406, HD 700R4, 370 gears,Steeroids, composite rear spring, TT IIs wrapped in T/A Radials.
Great music Steve! I played a horn in a 40s stage band for a few years in NY. Gave it up when I found the C3!!! Kidding - lost interest when I started dating after college and the Army...
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Former Member
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Cramerton, NC - USA
Joined: 8/22/2006
Posts: 1094
Vette(s): black 1982 coupe slate gray interior, 350 crossfire, 1985 fuel pump, Steeroids R&P conversion
Steve, I too have installed the tail light conversion and am currently without back-up lights. Ive thought of doing the same thing as you are talking about but couldnt find a place to put them where they wouldnt look "odd" or ruin the lines of the car. Id love to see pics when you get yours installed. What kind of LEDs did you use?
i`ve been wanting to convert my taillights into 4 working lights. Do you know of a kit for `69s? is it the same as you guys used and where did you find it? Thanks ,Bob
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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
Just buy tail light assemblies and pigtails, and splice into your existing tail light wiring. Corvette Specialties carries all you need.
Larry
CorvetteSpecialties.com
Larry
CorvetteSpecialties.com
thanks larry, can you post the part #`s for what i need?
Former Member
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Cramerton, NC - USA
Joined: 8/22/2006
Posts: 1094
Vette(s): black 1982 coupe slate gray interior, 350 crossfire, 1985 fuel pump, Steeroids R&P conversion
I used the bubble tail light conversion and got from riks but it shows 1975 - 1982. I found the bubble tail light lens but not the conversion for the earlier C-3s.
i already have the bublle lenses installed. I wonder if i just need to change the bulbs and tap into the existing tail light wiring. I`m not concerned with back up lights. Visibility is clearer than the later 70`s models
Former Member
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Cramerton, NC - USA
Joined: 8/22/2006
Posts: 1094
Vette(s): black 1982 coupe slate gray interior, 350 crossfire, 1985 fuel pump, Steeroids R&P conversion
Tapping into the original tail light would do the trick but you may consider this. What I did was to add another bulb socket that came with the conversion kit (but would be available at any auto supply or corvette supply. Some of them are really cheap so try to get a quality one). I used a "scotch lock" connector to tap the new socket onto the original tail light wiring and installed the new socket into the housing previously used for the back up light. I then used a small plastic bag to cover my old back-up light socket and wire tied it tightly around he wiring to keep out moisture and road grit. The old socket and bag were wire tied out of the way where they arent banging around. In doing it this way, I can return to the original configuration an just a few minutes if I should decide to.
Steve,
Love the sax. My father played it and I always regreted not taking lessons and learning to play.
Maybe when I retire.
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