Side marker/reflector ?

[72c20customcamper]

I was going through the parts I took of my 68 stepper and noticed the reflectors front and rear don’t have any provision for a lamp . Every one I’ve come across has the hole where the bulb and socket went into it . At what point in time did they change them ?

[too much stuff]

69 was the change. I think early 69s were still reflectors.

[pjmoreland]

Stepside bed fenders from '68 don't have a hole for wires in the reflector pocket.

[Getter-Done]

That was a 68 only thing.

I don't know any exact date.

I have bought a few 68 parts trucks and these trucks had them also.


I had a set in my swap meet stuff.

I don't know if I sold them or not.

[dmjlambert]

It was 68 and at least a significant part of 69. Here was my thread on the question because I had a 69 with the reflectors. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=707545

[Getter-Done]

Originally Posted by dmjlambert

It was 68 and at least a significant part of 69. Here was my thread on the question because I had a 69 with the reflectors. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=707545

I remember this thread

So it a 68/69 thing

[697498chevy]

My '69 just has reflectors too .

[425HP409]

A lot of federal automobile regulations back in the day took effect on Jan 1 of the year. That left the fall built vehicles not having to comply with the new standards and saved the manufactures a few dollars. So the trucks built before Jan 1st did not have lighted side markers.
Shoulder belts were mandatory for the 68 model year of cars, but it started on Jan 1st. I learned this at a car show when a 68 GTO that was built before Jan 1st did not have shoulder belts.

[Palf70Step]

Far as remember, 69 side markers wre an option. I am nit sure about 68, i do not remember if lights were an option or not. 70 model year they were standard.

['68OrangeSunshine]

Originally Posted by 72c20customcamper

I was going through the parts I took of my 68 stepper and noticed the reflectors front and rear don’t have any provision for a lamp . Every one I’ve come across has the hole where the bulb and socket went into it . At what point in time did they change them ?

Model Year 1968, the Feds required auto manufacturers to begin adding safety equipment. First phase [1968] was Reflectors only. They are molded with an extrusion that can be milled for a bulb and socket. Or remolded in later MYs for the socket slots. MY 1969 [or MY 1970] electrics became optional. By MY 1971 working bulbs in all 4 corners, with the fronts being linked to turn signals, were Standard. [Never having owned a '69 or '70, I'm guessing there.]
The Reflectors in your photo are 1968 types.

['68OrangeSunshine]

Originally Posted by pjmoreland

Stepside bed fenders from '68 don't have a hole for wires in the reflector pocket.

Hey Pat,
Who did the bodywork on your Orange Step Fender? Nice work.
My T-boned fender is a little worse than that one was, but it's real US steel.
But that's a Left, and mine's a Right.
I have a nice '68 P-Side step fender. It's in Gold.

[Richard]

Pretty easy to make markers lighted. Just get correct markers and pigtails and wire in paralell to front/rear park/running lights.

[72c20customcamper]

What I don’t understand is why make the marker with no hole for the light when they knew the requirements would dictate that they be added within the liftetime of the body style? Every cab I’ve seen has the hole for the 3 point seatbelts . They knew well in advance when the regulation would be in place .

And every side marker for these trucks are marked 68 even though the side maker was changed to add a light

[dagnabbitt]

3 point seat belts were an option, although rarely seen, while side markers were never an option.

I agree that it is weird, I assume that not wiring the side markers for lights in 1968 probably saved them a couple bucks per truck. I am sure decisions were made over a nickel back then, so it would have been enough reason to change the stampings for the fenders, while holding off on adding wiring.

[67 twins]

Originally Posted by 72c20customcamper

What I don’t understand is why make the marker with no hole for the light when they knew the requirements would dictate that they be added within the liftetime of the body style? Every cab I’ve seen has the hole for the 3 point seatbelts . They knew well in advance when the regulation would be in place .

And every side marker for these trucks are marked 68 even though the side maker was changed to add a light

If you ever have to ask yourself why an auto company did something the answer is always MONEY!

[72c20customcamper]

Originally Posted by 67 twins

If you ever have to ask yourself why an auto company did something the answer is always MONEY!

That’s my point . They had to retool to put the side markers lights in .

[CAMAROBOY68SS]

Originally Posted by 72c20customcamper

What I don’t understand is why make the marker with no hole for the light when they knew the requirements would dictate that they be added within the liftetime of the body style? Every cab I’ve seen has the hole for the 3 point seatbelts . They knew well in advance when the regulation would be in place .

And every side marker for these trucks are marked 68 even though the side maker was changed to add a light

My guess would be timing and being able to supply the assembly lines properly. They did the bare minimum to still be able to tool up on time and get the lines running after re tooling and training line workers on the changes. Trucks were probably lower on the priority list over passenger cars that also had to have the side markers, so trucks were delayed. Kind of a odd thing but it had happened before with GM.

[Casper42]

my '69 Sierra Grande had just the reflector but had the Chevy dealership electrify them back in the early 1980's.