Gents: This is a very basic question; yet, I don't want to break anything. How do I change my burnt out bulb? It's not very intuitive. Any guidance would be very appreciated. Many thanks and Merry Chritmas from sunny Texas. Best, Ned
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Re: 1966 Rear Brake Light Bulb - Change
Ned -
Remove lens (2 phillips screws), which exposes the bulb. Push bulb in and turn counter-clockwise to disengage bulb retaining pins from grooves in side of socket, and remove bulb. Inspect socket and the two bulb contacts for corrosion, and install new bulb (align pin closest to bulb base with short groove closest to bottom of socket, which will also align the other pin with its mating groove, push in, and turn clockwise to seat. Note: the bulb will only install one way, with bulb base pins and bulb socket grooves aligned. -
Re: 1966 Rear Brake Light Bulb - Change
John: Thanks man. Pretty basic question for most of you fellows. I really appreciate the quick and detailed response. Best, NedComment
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Re: 1966 Rear Brake Light Bulb - Change
John: I'm a pretty strong guy and I can't get this bulb out. Pushed it in and turned it counter clockwise. Any tips?Comment
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Re: 1966 Rear Brake Light Bulb - Change
Ed,
I've had this happen numerous times. The bulbs tend to corrode in their sockets and when you push the bulb and attempt to turn, the glass globe contacts the light housing. I would put some gloves on and try again. Gloves because odds are fairly good that you might crush the glass bulb. Then you can work the socket out with a pair of needle nose pliers. Not ideal, but it may come to this. They will come out as John described above.
P.S. disconnect the battery if you need to use the pliers to get the socket out.Leif
'67 Coupe L79, M21, C60, N14, N40, J50, A31, U69, A01, QB1
Top Flight 2017 Lone Star RegionalComment
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Re: 1966 Rear Brake Light Bulb - Change
Edmund, it should turn counter clockwise about 1/8 of a turn, no more than 45 degrees. It might be tight from corrosion that formed over the years but after you turn it that 1/8 of a turn - or until it stops - you should be able to pull it straight out - it may need to be wiggled a bit because the corrosion is providing some resistance / friction.
Regarding the bulb itself. If it is an original or one that was in stalled a long time ago the number on it should be a 1034. Your owner manual and shop manual also indicate that a 1034 is the correct bulb. They are not made any more. But.... do not despair. The replacement bulb is an 1157, identical configuration just "improved" materials and workmanship. 1157s are supposed to illuminate a bit brighter but I can't tell the difference. You can get 1157 at any auto parts store, usually sold in packs of 2 for a few bucks.EdComment
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Re: 1966 Rear Brake Light Bulb - Change
You might also use some WD-40 thru the thin "straw" end a give a short burst into the bulb base/socket. Then wait a few minutes for it to work. Then use gloves or a small piece of rubber to grip the glass end and turn.
Cleanup any excess WD-40 before installing the new bulb.
Old bulbs (NOS) are available in Ebay if you look.
LarryComment
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Re: 1966 Rear Brake Light Bulb - Change
Edmund and Ed,
I think you may find that if you use a 1157 bulb it will change the way (timing) it flashes. That can be fixed if changing the flasher but it is easier to just find the 1034 bulbs.
JRComment
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Re: 1966 Rear Brake Light Bulb - Change
Thanks Corvette brothers. The fellowship in the NCRS is extraordinary. The socket was clean and dry. The issue turned out to be the bulb type (Sylvania 1157 with a tin base). My neighbor had a brass based vintage 1157 and it worked. Thanks guys and Merry Christmas. Best, NedComment
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