Access to the Rear Brake Light Bulb

[Armodilo]

Hey,

Does anyone know how to remove the rear brake light so I can change the bulb? There's no access from the inside, just a small hole for the wiring to get into the fender and no visible screws or access point on the outside of the lights.

I can turn the chrome bezel and light if I use both hands but it doesn't appear to do anything but turn.

Any ideas?

Cheers,

[Mtflyr]

You may be able to pull it out from the inside of the clam-shell. The bulb on mine is attached to it's wired plug which is a sort of press fit into the lens assembly.
You pull it out from the wired plug end change the bulb and press it back into the lens rear hole.

Pete

[Armodilo]

Thanks Pete,

There's absolutely no access from the inside of the clamshell, that area is completely sealed off, just the little hole to allow the cable to run into that area. I'd have to cut an access hole on both sides to be able to get my hand in far enough to work on anything in there -- strange setup.

Cheers,

[albaran]

Some lenses are held on by the rubber base and others are a twist in type such as this:
http://www.sierramadrecollection.com/55 ... 26861.html

[Larry Jowdy]

Depending on the fixture, the lens is held on by silicone sealant. Twist the glass to break the bond then reseal the lens when you've replaced the bulb

[Armodilo]

Thanks. So hold the chrome bezel and try to turn the light to break the seal... should be fun

[DannyP]

The old lenses were glued in place. The new ones from Beck or Vintage should come off easier. The new ones have three nubs that protrude slightly on the base. There are three cutouts on the bezel of the lens. You have to trurn the lens and it will pop off with a little persuasion.

[Armodilo]

They're old ones - 1992 or so, so I'm sure they're glued in. I've tried turning them to find a way to get them to loosen with no luck. I'm really scared to break them -- thinking I might add an access hole on the inside of the wheel arch to avoid destroying them by trying to get them off, who knows what they're glued together with.

[SpyderMike]

When I built my car back in 1989 I did as you suggested and drilled hole sin my inner wheel well to gain access.

[Armodilo]

Thanks, how large an opening did you add, do you happen to have a pick where you put them?

Cheers,

[EEricson]

The big hole is about 5 inches.

[Armodilo]

Awesome, thank you.

[SpyderMike]

sorry for the late reply, but it was the smallest hole big enough to get my hand through.

[Armodilo]

Thanks Mike, going to drills a couple of holes this weekend