Fleetside Taillights and Back-Ups

[robber grin]

I pulled my Fleetside taillights and Back Up Lights apart and I'm getting the housings blasted today - but the wiring is TIRED!

Are re-pop harnesses (or pig tails) the "best" way to go, or can someone tell me how they got theirs fixed up otherwise???

I'm thinking I can rework them somehow or another and thought I'd ask the pros.

Thanks - bob

[neglected61]

I bought a complete taillight harness for my 61 for like 35 bucks from http://www.classicparts.com/ its the complete harness from where it splits out under the cab on back to the taillights, even has the license plate light. just unplug you old crap and plug in the new harness. the lenght was kinda weird on my new harness but it works great. dont know about the reverse lights though, mine doesnt have them.

http://www.classicparts.com/1962-66-.../#.U-2LMZRdVIE
http://www.classicparts.com/1960-61-.../#.U-2LRZRdVIE

[Woogeroo]

Parts Sources

-W

[robber grin]

Hey n61 / woog thanks for the tips.

bob

[neglected61]

i try to help when i can.

[robber grin]

Got my buckets blasted and started the rework on the tail lights and back up lights.

rg

[robber grin]

The back up Light wiring was pretty well done and one of the springs had rusted away in the socket.

Found an old GM truck step bumper tag light I saved and the spring will work.

Then I took some 1/8th inch aluminum pop rivets, pulled the pins and soldered them unto some 16AWG stranded copper wire and made new pig tails for the Back up Lights using the old socket and boots.

Gotta love Rusto silver and black, some home made foam gaskets and onezo/dunzo.

That's e'nuf for now - tired.
rg

[neglected61]

looks good man

[robber grin]

Thanks bud!

I have to figure out why one tail lamp pigtail has three wires and one has two???

Three wire side is yellow on one post; then a brown wire with a brown and yellow wire to the other post.

I'm thinking that is the DS and the striped wire connects the brake light function to the passenger side... then one goes to the tag somehow too.

Two wire side is green on one post; then green with brown stripe on the other wire.

Need some GM schematics!

rg

[pimpston65]

Originally Posted by robber grin

Thanks bud!

I have to figure out why one tail lamp pigtail has three wires and one has two???

Three wire side is yellow on one post; then a brown wire with a brown and yellow wire to the other post.

I'm thinking that is the DS and the striped wire connects the brake light function to the passenger side... then one goes to the tag somehow too.

Two wire side is green on one post; then green with brown stripe on the other wire.

Need some GM schematics!

rg

the extra brown wire is for the license plate bulb.

[robber grin]

Thanks ps65!

Thought it made sense to verify the tail lamps worked before I wired them and found one housing had lost continuity between the brass insert and the base.

First I thought it was the bulb but not that lucky... then I figured load the contacts up with some solder to make sure we have good contact on the bulb... nope... nothing.

Checked the base to socket for continuity with the meter and got nothing.

Drilled a small hole into the brass and loaded it with some solder and it grounds now.

Checked them both off a lantern battery and it's time to make a harness!
rg

[robber grin]

Drilled my bed sides using a hole saw and installed a set to see what they looked like on the truck. Time for some wiring.
rg