Unlit front side markers

[mancad]

I got a 68 C20 Custom Camper from the original owner, who I have know since the truck was new. I noticed the front side markers did not come on. There were a few inches of wire coming out the back of the markers that went nowhere. When I asked about it, he said the truck came from the factory with only amber lenses; they had no bulb holders or wiring. They added the existing markers with a bulb but never connected the wiring. Has anyone heard of this situation?

As a side note, years ago I had a GM parts manual for my 1970 Corvette. It was hundreds of green pages with drawings and part numbers for everything on the car. Is such a thing available for my truck?

[leddzepp]

He is correct. 68 did not have lighted side markers.

[SHANE 73Z]

Welcome to the board!

1968 was an odd year.

If you look at pictures here you will find that 1967 models had no side marker lights or reflectors all. 1968 the DOT mandated reflectors at a minimum.

At the moment, I cannot remember if the lighted side markers were an option or if they were a midyear change.

It sounds as though someone bought some lighted markers for your truck (which was born with reflectors only) and never wired them in. If you do a search for "1968 marker lights" you should find more information.

Shane

[mancad]

Thanks guys. That's good stuff.

[FirstOwner69]

This question comes up frequently.

My 69 did not come with lighted side markers, just red and amber reflectors with no bulb provisions. I believe the lighted versions were a mid year change during the 1969 model year. Some folks say as an option, but my bet is that they became standard equipment due to government mandated date. Here's a picture of the back of one of my reflector markers.

[FirstOwner69]

Just did a search and found this quote that explains the mystery:
"Initially, the regulation for 1968-1969 required lights OR reflectors, which is why some cars in 1968 had amber lights in front and red reflectors in the rear (1968 Ford Motor Company cars, for example). Chrysler vehicles used lights in 1968 and reflectors (on most models) for 1969. This regulation was later amended to require lights AND reflectors on all vehicles made on January 1, 1970 or later, which is why most lines had changes to their side marker lights for the 1970 model year."

From this source:
http://automotivemileposts.com/autob...kerlights.html

Also note that the earlier front side marker lights in our trucks did not flash with the turn signal, but by 1972 they did flash.