Topic: Fiber Optics
in Forum: C3 Electrical
Hi everyone,
All of the fiber optics work in my 70 except the tail light indicators are not the same brightness. I found the red lense on the passenger side a little dull so I took care of it and it is a little brighter but still not as bright as the driver's side.
Can you safely cut off a small piece at each end without causing any damage to expose cleaner fiber? I think the end in the passenger compartment looks a little black or discolored.
Thank you
Bill
Lifetime MemberModerator
Also, make sure the ends of the "fiber"(s) are pointed at the center of the bulbs in the housings.
If there's a crack in the "fiber" anyplace, it will be dimmer, too.
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56 
My Link 
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
[QUOTE=Adams' Apple]If it's not too brittle, I think a new razor blade will skim some off the end. You can also use a little polishing compound on the end to clean it some.
Also, make sure the ends of the "fiber"(s) are pointed at the center of the bulbs in the housings.
If there's a crack in the "fiber" anyplace, it will be dimmer, too. [/QUOTE]
I wonder if there is a crack. I am considering taking the harness out and replacing just that fiber line. The car is apart so that I can get a good look at the fiber except for where it is wrapped. That brings me to my next question. If the tape is missing from about the first 1 foot or so will that allow the light to diffuse enough to cause a problem?
The fiber is clearly okay within the passener compartment. The only obvious anomaly is that a lot of the wrapping has come off by the tail lights.
I appreciate your help. It is a simple but frustrating problem.
Bill
Lifetime MemberModerator
Just as a test, try wrapping a rag, or paper around the area where there is no tape, and see if it makes a noticable difference.
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
[QUOTE=Adams' Apple]Being 'unwrapped' may make a small difference, I'm not sure. I do know that if the end of the 'fiber' is not pointed at the center of the bulb, it will definitely make it dim.(er)
Just as a test, try wrapping a rag, or paper around the area where there is no tape, and see if it makes a noticable difference. [/QUOTE]
Just an update and another question. I think I found where the optics were damaged. It appears that it may have been that way from new.
What do you know about the repair kit and can I cut out the very small part causing the problem?
Thanks,
Bill
Lifetime MemberModerator
If the bad spot you found is at the end of the line, you can cut it off, if there's enough slack to install the line back in it's place. Otherwise, you may have to replace the whole line.
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"