GMCforum
For enthusiast of the Classic GMC Motorhome built from 1973 to 1978. A web-based mirror of the GMCnet mailing list.

Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » "Cut the Lights" or "Cut the Body"
"Cut the Lights" or "Cut the Body" [message #62354] Thu, 29 October 2009 20:07 Go to next message
Chr$ is currently offline  Chr$   United States
Messages: 2690
Registered: January 2004
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Karma: 1
Senior Member
I picked up a pair of tailights at the mens mall today. you cannot beat 50% off tuesday and thursdays. Got one for free!!

$26 out the door for two.

Now, I have looked at the two methods. Cut the lights and cut the body. I am leaning towards cut the body to take advantage of the new sockets, but to those of you who have, any leaks?

Do they stick farther into the coach? I have my water tank behind the pass side, with a cutout, but designed for the old lights.

Comments?


-Chr$: Perpetual SmartAss
Scottsdale, AZ

77 Ex-Kingsley 455 SOLD!
2010 Nomad 24 Ft TT 390W PV W/MPPT, EV4010 and custom cargo door.
Photosite: Chrisc GMC:"It has Begun" TT: "The Other Woman"

[Updated on: Thu, 29 October 2009 20:08]

Report message to a moderator

Re: [GMCnet] "Cut the Lights" or "Cut the Body" [message #62366 is a reply to message #62354] Thu, 29 October 2009 20:44 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Mr ERFisher is currently offline  Mr ERFisher   United States
Messages: 7117
Registered: August 2005
Karma: 2
Senior Member
also gives you new reflectors, or you have to use tinfoil if you cut the
reflector off of the lens.
http://gmcmotorhome.info/body.html#tail


gene


>
>
> Now, I have looked at the two methods. Cut the lights and cut the body. I
> am leaning towards cut the body to take advantage of the new sockets, but to
> those of you who have, any leaks?
>

--
Gene Fisher -- 74-23,77PB/ore/ca
“Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today --- give him a URL and
-------
http://gmcmotorhome.info/
Alternator Protection Cable
http://gmcmotorhome.info/APC.html
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist

Re: "Cut the Lights" or "Cut the Body" [message #62370 is a reply to message #62354] Thu, 29 October 2009 20:55 Go to previous messageGo to next message
WD0AFQ is currently offline  WD0AFQ   United States
Messages: 7111
Registered: November 2004
Location: Dexter, Mo.
Karma: 207
Senior Member
Chris, I took a hacksaw blade and cut the back off the new ones and screwed them right on. I used no tinfoil. Never heard of that before. I have good tail and brake lights and they don't leak. Maybe I just got lucky.
Dan


3 In Stainless Exhaust Headers One Ton All Discs/Reaction Arm 355 FD/Quad Bag/Alum Radiator Manny Tran/New eng. Holley EFI/10 Tire Air Monitoring System Solarized Coach/Upgraded Windows Satelite TV/On Demand Hot Water/3Way Refer
Re: [GMCnet] "Cut the Lights" or "Cut the Body" [message #62372 is a reply to message #62370] Thu, 29 October 2009 21:17 Go to previous messageGo to next message
jimk is currently offline  jimk   United States
Messages: 6734
Registered: July 2006
Location: Belmont, CA
Karma: 9
Senior Member
Chris,
We see lot of coaches that come in with the newer tail lights
Having seen them both ways, I tend to lean to the way your going to do
it with the full lens assembly and cut the back panel. This should not
effect the rear area as it does not protrude in that much more than
the origina




l.

On Thu, Oct 29, 2009 at 6:55 PM, Dan Gregg <gregg_dan@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
>
> Chris, I took a hacksaw blade and cut the back off the new ones and screwed them right on. I used no tinfoil. Never heard of that before. I have good tail and brake lights and they don't leak. Maybe I just got lucky.
> Dan
> --
> Dan & Teri Gregg
>
> danandteri.blogspot.com
>
>
>
> ///Halon Automatic Fire Extinguishers
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>



--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Fremont,CA
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist



Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC
jimk@appliedairfilters.com
www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502
Re: [GMCnet] "Cut the Lights" or "Cut the Body" [message #62373 is a reply to message #62354] Thu, 29 October 2009 21:18 Go to previous messageGo to next message
USAussie is currently offline  USAussie   United States
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
Senior Member
Chris,

Here's what I did to "cut the body":

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showgallery.php?cat=5307

Click on the individual pictures of the left and right lenses and read the
narrative.

Regards,
Rob Mueller
Sydney, Australia
AUS '75 Avion-The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion-Double Trouble TZE365V100426


-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org
[mailto:gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Chris Choffat
Sent: Friday, 30 October 2009 12:08 PM
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: [GMCnet] "Cut the Lights" or "Cut the Body"

I picked up a pair of tailights at the mens mall today. you cannot beat 50%
off tuesday and thursdays. Got one for free!!

$26 out the door for two.

Now, I have looked at the two methods. Cut the lights and cut the body. I am
leaning towards cut the body to take advantage of the new sockets, but to
those of you who have, any leaks?

Do they stick farther into the coach? I have my water tank behind the pass
side, with a cutout, but desined for the old lights.

Comments?

--
-Chr$: Perpetual SmartAss
77 Ex-Kingsley 455: The Engineer's Motorhome
Scottsdale, AZ
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist

_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist



Regards, Rob M. (USAussie) The Pedantic Mechanic Sydney, Australia '75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428 '75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
Re: "Cut the Lights" or "Cut the Body" [message #62411 is a reply to message #62354] Fri, 30 October 2009 11:35 Go to previous messageGo to next message
armandminnie is currently offline  armandminnie   United States
Messages: 864
Registered: May 2009
Location: Marana, AZ
Karma: 2
Senior Member
Chris,
What kind (year/make) of tail lights did you use?


Armand Minnie
Marana, AZ
'76 Eleganza II TZE166V103202
visit my gmc blog
click here to visit gmcws.org
Re: [GMCnet] "Cut the Lights" or "Cut the Body" [message #62414 is a reply to message #62411] Fri, 30 October 2009 12:03 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Mr ERFisher is currently offline  Mr ERFisher   United States
Messages: 7117
Registered: August 2005
Karma: 2
Senior Member
*Tail light lenses* - 70s Chevy and GMC vans are the same. '80s full size
vans use new style that can be adapted to the motorhome.

from junk Yard gems
http://www.gmcws.org/Tech/junkyardgems/index.htm

gene


On Fri, Oct 30, 2009 at 9:35 AM, Armand Minnie
<armand@artistichangups.com>wrote:

>
>
> Chris,
> What kind (year/make) of tail lights did you use?
> --
> Armand Minnie
> Marana, AZ
> '76 Eleganza II
> TZE166V103202
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>



--
Gene Fisher -- 74-23,77PB/ore/ca
“Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today --- give him a URL and
-------
http://gmcmotorhome.info/
Alternator Protection Cable
http://gmcmotorhome.info/APC.html
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist

Re: "Cut the Lights" or "Cut the Body" [message #62418 is a reply to message #62411] Fri, 30 October 2009 12:29 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Chr$ is currently offline  Chr$   United States
Messages: 2690
Registered: January 2004
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Karma: 1
Senior Member
They are off of late 80's/early 90's chevy conversion vans. I took one from each van, both from the left side, but I actually have a right and a left. (!!)

-Chr$: Perpetual SmartAss
Scottsdale, AZ

77 Ex-Kingsley 455 SOLD!
2010 Nomad 24 Ft TT 390W PV W/MPPT, EV4010 and custom cargo door.
Photosite: Chrisc GMC:"It has Begun" TT: "The Other Woman"
Re: "Cut the Lights" or "Cut the Body" [message #62423 is a reply to message #62354] Fri, 30 October 2009 12:50 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Larry is currently offline  Larry   United States
Messages: 2875
Registered: January 2004
Location: Menomonie, WI
Karma: 10
Senior Member
As long as you've got it apart, why not convert to LED's. I got a set of LED trailer lights, took them apart, pulled the electronics out and mounted them behind the new 80's lenses. Works pretty good.

Larry Smile
78 Royale w/500 Caddy
Menomonie, WI.
Re: [GMCnet] "Cut the Lights" or "Cut the Body" [message #62424 is a reply to message #62423] Fri, 30 October 2009 12:58 Go to previous messageGo to next message
ljdavick is currently offline  ljdavick   United States
Messages: 3548
Registered: March 2007
Location: Fremont, CA
Karma: -3
Senior Member
Ooooh - any pictures?

Ljdavick at comcast.net

On Oct 30, 2009, at 10:50 AM, Larry <weidnerl@wwt.net> wrote:

>
>
> As long as you've got it apart, why not convert to LED's. I got a
> set of LED trailer lights, took them apart, pulled the electronics
> out and mounted them behind the new 80's lenses. Works pretty good.
> --
> Larry :)
> 78 Royale w/500 Caddy
> Menomonie, WI.
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist



Larry Davick
A Mystery Machine
1976(ish) Palm Beach
Fremont, Ca
Howell EFI + EBL + Electronic Dizzy
Re: "Cut the Lights" or "Cut the Body" [message #62427 is a reply to message #62423] Fri, 30 October 2009 13:16 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Chr$ is currently offline  Chr$   United States
Messages: 2690
Registered: January 2004
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Karma: 1
Senior Member
Larry wrote on Fri, 30 October 2009 10:50

As long as you've got it apart, why not convert to LED's. I got a set of LED trailer lights, took them apart, pulled the electronics out and mounted them behind the new 80's lenses. Works pretty good.

Yeah, Harbor freight has a nice set, but I am contemplating just using the LED bulbs they sell at Checker auto parts...


-Chr$: Perpetual SmartAss
Scottsdale, AZ

77 Ex-Kingsley 455 SOLD!
2010 Nomad 24 Ft TT 390W PV W/MPPT, EV4010 and custom cargo door.
Photosite: Chrisc GMC:"It has Begun" TT: "The Other Woman"
Re: "Cut the Lights" or "Cut the Body" [message #62437 is a reply to message #62423] Fri, 30 October 2009 14:55 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Larry C   United States
Messages: 1168
Registered: July 2004
Location: NE Illinois by the Illino...
Karma: 0
Senior Member
I got a set of LED trailer lights, took them apart, pulled the electronics out and mounted them behind the new 80's lenses. Works pretty good.
____________________________________________________________

That's thinking out of the box.

Do the lens cut down on the light output from the leds?

I heard something about a problem with the LED light conflicting with the Lens red filters, cutting the output down.

Did you notice any of this??

Did you have any problems with the turn signal after you did this??

or Cruise control??


Gatsbys' CRUISER Very Happy


Gatsbys' CRUISER 08-18-04
74 GLACIER X, 260/455-APC-4 Bagg'r
Remflex Manifold gaskets
CampGrounds needed, Add yours to "PLACES" /> http://www.gmceast.com/travel
_
Re: "Cut the Lights" or "Cut the Body" [message #62456 is a reply to message #62354] Fri, 30 October 2009 16:57 Go to previous messageGo to next message
GeorgeRud is currently offline  GeorgeRud   United States
Messages: 1380
Registered: February 2007
Location: Chicago, IL
Karma: 0
Senior Member
I found the new taillight assembly at this site:
http://www.go-part.com/8596-chevrolet-chevy-tail-light-rear-lamp-right-passenger-p-15329.html

Is there a difference in the right and left sided assemblies? It would be nice to upgrade from the original look, and it looks like you can cut down the original bodywork fairly easily to make these fit. LED bulbs may also be a nice upgrade, but first I have to get the assemblies.


George Rudawsky
Chicago, IL
75 Palm Beach

[Updated on: Fri, 30 October 2009 16:58]

Report message to a moderator

Re: "Cut the Lights" or "Cut the Body" [message #62457 is a reply to message #62354] Fri, 30 October 2009 17:02 Go to previous messageGo to next message
WD0AFQ is currently offline  WD0AFQ   United States
Messages: 7111
Registered: November 2004
Location: Dexter, Mo.
Karma: 207
Senior Member
Larry, are you using the Rostra cruise control?
Dan


3 In Stainless Exhaust Headers One Ton All Discs/Reaction Arm 355 FD/Quad Bag/Alum Radiator Manny Tran/New eng. Holley EFI/10 Tire Air Monitoring System Solarized Coach/Upgraded Windows Satelite TV/On Demand Hot Water/3Way Refer
Re: [GMCnet] "Cut the Lights" or "Cut the Body" [message #62467 is a reply to message #62456] Fri, 30 October 2009 17:53 Go to previous messageGo to next message
USAussie is currently offline  USAussie   United States
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
Senior Member
George,

Yes, there is a difference in the curvature of the right and left lights.
Anticipating your next question; nope I don't remember if it makes a
difference or not but I "THINK" it does! ;-)

Regards,
Rob Mueller
Sydney, Australia
AUS '75 Avion-The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion-Double Trouble TZE365V100426


-----Original Message-----
From: gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org
[mailto:gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of George Rudawsky
Sent: Saturday, 31 October 2009 8:57 AM
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] "Cut the Lights" or "Cut the Body"



I found the new taillight assembly at this site:
http://www.go-part.com/8596-chevrolet-chevy-tail-light-rear-lamp-right-passe
nger-p-15329.html.

Is there a difference in the right and left sided assemblies? It would be
nice to upgrade from the original look, and it looks like you can cut down
the original bodywork fairly easily to make these fit. LED bulbs may also
be a nice upgrade, but first I have to get the assemblies.
--
George Rudawsky
Chicago, IL
75 Palm Beach
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist

_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist



Regards, Rob M. (USAussie) The Pedantic Mechanic Sydney, Australia '75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428 '75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
Re: "Cut the Lights" or "Cut the Body" [message #62491 is a reply to message #62456] Fri, 30 October 2009 19:21 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Dan Borlase is currently offline  Dan Borlase   Canada
Messages: 743
Registered: May 2008
Location: Kelowna B.C. Canada
Karma: 0
Senior Member
NO QUESTION that there is a differance left to right. .did mine
this summer. Definately cut the coach...I used a roto zip type
tool...went vary well. There is a good example in an earliar post...I used spring clips as ancors, and had to do some minor
mods to the light screw holes to get them to line up, but all
very do able. All the nessasary light bulb holders are avalable
at all good auto parts outlets.....Wish I knew how to post pics
as all of what I did lives in "my picturs" on my laptop but the
"how to" eludes me.
Dan
Re: [GMCnet] "Cut the Lights" or "Cut the Body" [message #62513 is a reply to message #62467] Fri, 30 October 2009 21:29 Go to previous messageGo to next message
mike miller   United States
Messages: 3576
Registered: February 2004
Location: Hillsboro, Oregon
Karma: 0
Senior Member
Robert Mueller wrote on Fri, 30 October 2009 15:53

Yes, there is a difference in the curvature of the right and left lights.
Anticipating your next question; nope I don't remember if it makes a difference or not but I "THINK" it does! Wink


Does anyone have pictures of the difference(s) between right and left?

I have a set (I hope) around here (somewhere) that I'll eventually install. It might be an idea to install right into right and left into left... Smile


Mike Miller -- Hillsboro, OR -- on the Black list
(#2)`78 23' Birchaven Rear Bath -- (#3)`77 23' Birchaven Side Bath
More Sidekicks than GMC's and a late model Malibu called 'Boo' http://m000035.blogspot.com
Re: [GMCnet] "Cut the Lights" or "Cut the Body" [message #62514 is a reply to message #62513] Fri, 30 October 2009 21:34 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Chr$ is currently offline  Chr$   United States
Messages: 2690
Registered: January 2004
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Karma: 1
Senior Member
Mike Miller wrote on Fri, 30 October 2009 19:29

Robert Mueller wrote on Fri, 30 October 2009 15:53

Yes, there is a difference in the curvature of the right and left lights.
Anticipating your next question; nope I don't remember if it makes a difference or not but I "THINK" it does! Wink


Does anyone have pictures of the difference(s) between right and left?

I have a set (I hope) around here (somewhere) that I'll eventually install. It might be an idea to install right into right and left into left... Smile



They are embossed on the front "R" "L". the bolt pattern is the same, the bulbs are canted outwards slightly...


-Chr$: Perpetual SmartAss
Scottsdale, AZ

77 Ex-Kingsley 455 SOLD!
2010 Nomad 24 Ft TT 390W PV W/MPPT, EV4010 and custom cargo door.
Photosite: Chrisc GMC:"It has Begun" TT: "The Other Woman"
Re: "Cut the Lights" or "Cut the Body" [message #62521 is a reply to message #62354] Fri, 30 October 2009 22:47 Go to previous messageGo to next message
GeorgeRud is currently offline  GeorgeRud   United States
Messages: 1380
Registered: February 2007
Location: Chicago, IL
Karma: 0
Senior Member
The web site I found does have both sides available. This seems like a very nice and simple upgrade to the look of the taillights.

George Rudawsky
Chicago, IL
75 Palm Beach
Re: [GMCnet] "Cut the Lights" or "Cut the Body" [message #62526 is a reply to message #62514] Fri, 30 October 2009 23:01 Go to previous messageGo to previous message
Mr ERFisher is currently offline  Mr ERFisher   United States
Messages: 7117
Registered: August 2005
Karma: 2
Senior Member
>
>
> They are embossed on the front "R" "L". the bolt pattern is the same, the
> bulbs are canted outwards slightly...
>

and if you look at the part removed (see link) you will see the spacers for
the attachment bolts were different length and when the reflector was cut
off only the long ones went with the cut off reflector
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=7747&size=medium

so there was a R and L but after you cut off the bulb sockets, and the
spacers, now they are the same - "no worries mate" ;>)

gene



Gene Fisher -- 74-23,77PB/ore/ca
“Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today --- give him a URL and
-------
http://gmcmotorhome.info/
Alternator Protection Cable
http://gmcmotorhome.info/APC.html
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist

Previous Topic: Re: [GMCnet] LED headlights
Next Topic: Re: [GMCnet] camping at the RV repair: front wheel bearings
Goto Forum:
  


Current Time: Sat Nov 02 16:33:28 CDT 2024

Total time taken to generate the page: 0.01064 seconds