tail light out of a C4

87Z51 · November 13, 2002, 11:00:09 PM

If your arms are thin enough you can get at them from below.Otherwise remove number plate and undo inner lights from there , then use that hole to access the outer light.Not the easiest of jobs but not the worst on a C4

Vette Obsessed · November 14, 2002, 10:45:05 AM

You can also get in via the fuel filler door if you remove it.

rebel · November 14, 2002, 03:18:05 PM

another suggestion, those 2 * 13mm nuts are easiest accessible by removing the rear wheels and inner wheel well and get in from underneath ....

Stingraynut · April 28, 2003, 06:16:35 PM

I just replaced a globe in the outer rear lights (was indicator - had 2 filaments, one disconnected)

Couldn't get in from underneath even with lower bumper bolts removed.

Couldn't get in from Number plate

Couldn't get in from Fuel filler (lid removed etc)

Had to remove inner lenses by going through fuel filler hole then got in through that lens hole to reach the outer lense !!!!!

They're 10mm bolts on my 88 (not 13mm)

I dropped socket inside and it rolled into a sloping U channel - took 30mins and much pain to recover !!!!

I'm thinking about putting my red stop/tail lights on the outer and indicators inner - any thoughts ?

S'nut

Vette Obsessed · April 29, 2003, 07:57:35 PM

QuoteOriginally posted by Stingraynut
I just replaced a globe in the outer rear lights (was indicator - had 2 filaments, one disconnected)

Couldn't get in from underneath even with lower bumper bolts removed.

Couldn't get in from Number plate

Couldn't get in from Fuel filler (lid removed etc)

Had to remove inner lenses by going through fuel filler hole then got in through that lens hole to reach the outer lense !!!!!

They're 10mm bolts on my 88 (not 13mm)

I have found the exact same thing recently when I had to fix a broken wire on my right indicator. I have skinny arms and there is no way I can access the indicators any other way aside from through the top by removing the whole fuel filler lid assembly. This is one job I truly hate doing on a C4.

QuoteI'm thinking about putting my red stop/tail lights on the outer and indicators inner - any thoughts ?

I did that because I prefer the look of the brake lights being on the outside but I don't see what you will gain by swapping them around from a maintenance standpoint. After all, you don't know what bulb is going to go next do you?

Stingraynut · April 30, 2003, 12:32:07 AM

Re -Swapping the lights around, it was purely to look better and maybe better from a safety angle.

As you say, who knows which globe will blow next

Today I tried to fit a replacement halogen to the Left driving/fog light- much skinned knuckles and it is not in tight. Tomorrow I'll try fitting the right globe to the left and vice versa to prove I have the correct part.

I need something like 'snail eyes' to see what I'm doing.

Just in case........
(No....that's not a special Corvette tool, just something snails have that would be v useful for these tricky jobs.)

S'nut

Tom Matic · May 25, 2003, 06:21:33 PM

I swapped the lights around so that the red lenses are at the outer spots. It's a real pain of a job.

I actually took the whole back end off to be able to get at the lenses. There's probably around 26 or so small bolts that need to be removed. Some you get at from underneath the car. Then there's maybe ten along the top ridge attaching the tail to the body. These are accessed through the fuel filler cap. You'll need a small ratchet and skinny arms as it's real tight to get in there. be prepared to be patient.

The worst part is putting the tail section back on. Care must be taken to align the tail with the body exactly. I found that if I did not tighten them in seguence and gradually to THE SAME TENSION that I ended up with warpage on the top flat section of the tail peice. The tail peice is made from real floppy plastic and if its not held in place while you;'re tightening the bolts, it's real easy for it to shift a millimetre ot two and that of course leads to less than desired alignment.

I think from memory that the correct sequence is to tart from the centre and work your way out, alternating from side to side. Get them to finger tight, and then gradually tension them up further once you are happy with alignment. This is probably a two person job, although I did it myself. Much quicker and easier with a helper on hand I'd reckon, plus the neighbours won't hear as much swearing.

Be extra careful not to lose sockets or nuts as they end up in channels and other spots where they are very difficult to retreive.

johnny86convert · August 23, 2003, 09:53:06 PM

While trying to finish off the black beauty this week I had the pleasure of doing the " PAIN IT TAKES AND THE SKIN OFFA THE FOREARMS WITH TAKING BOTH REAR LENSES OUTTA MY 88 TO MAKE IT COMPLIANT with the regs in n.s.w." reporting that the pain is great, the swearing was profuse and a big thanks to johhny sards and greg morris for the help, BTW sure was a surprise to find they even swap sides with the battery ;););););););) now some tips with cleaning the engine bay to steam clean or not???????????

Brutus · August 24, 2003, 06:50:31 AM

QuoteOriginally posted by johnnyholmes.86 convert
now some tips with cleaning the engine bay to steam clean or not???????????

Just remember that computers and all their electrical bretheren are slightly averse to any degree of moisture in and around their allotted proximity.:b2:22

johnny86convert · August 24, 2003, 09:16:45 AM

hey BOB looks like a lot of late nights with a lot of cotton buds then and lottsa elbow grease hehehehehe;);););) hows your car going??????I'll be in canada while your at FOX so please put some photos on the forum please?

Vette Obsessed · August 26, 2003, 11:36:22 PM

Hi JH, I was talking to Johnny S the other night and he mentioned your car and how nice it is. Can't wait to see it up close.

I'd be careful about steam cleaning your engine bay. I'd also be careful about using certain types of degreasers on the rocker covers and intake. The intake should be okay but some degreasers can kill the finish on the paint on your rocker covers and help turn them a nice shade of brown...

Have fun in Canada, I'd love to get over there one day, I've met lots of nice people from over there...

johnny86convert · August 28, 2003, 07:54:42 PM

OK, it started 2.30pm sunday arvo,power out,long nights,warm beer, sucky sucky suck suck, got the power back 10.30 am thursday, have found a whole new way of showering with a big pot of hot water ,flannel and soap,very japanesey......... but thanks for the info from VO ( always Mr good advice)and the ever present BOB (I hope its as clean as his in the end , good mate) after the week I've had its so nice to see lights and looking forward to a good long shower ;););););););0