Were inboard backup lights standard in '66, or still optional? Finding conflicting answers.
Carl #35580
Carl #35580
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Da Corvette Black Book say
"Backup lights became standard equipment in the 1966 model." Jack -
Re: 1966 Tail Lights
Carl: page 9 of the Corvette factory show room brochure for 1966 states the following; ".......At the rear, backup lights are now standard."
regards
Bill #8620Comment
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The weird thing is ....
... that apparently some '66s with backup lights had no day/night mirror.Comment
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Re: The weird thing is ....
Wayne: Exactly!!! My 66 has it's original dated mirror and it's NOT a day/night type. This has been the subject of a number or "aerobic" discussions on the judging field for some time. Again, the factory show room brochure for 1966 lists this information on page 14: "Here are the kind of extra cost options demanded by enthusiasts of luxurious motoring"!!!! How's that for a 60's marketing lead in.....then it goes on to list this option; "Inside prismatic-type day-night non-glare mirror." Interesting stuff!!!
regards
Bill #8620Comment
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Even in the first month of prod.?
Thanks, all. Looking at a pretty original '66. From the rear pictures, looks like inboard lights are red. Had not looked at a brochure, but I believe pre-production vehicle pictures for that model year showed NO back-up lights (but I could be seeing things). Guess this would hold true on a real early car too (in the first 650 produced), no?
Carl #35580Comment
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Re: The weird thing is ....
Mornin' Bill,
When I ordered my '66 coupe (#23514), the salesman asked me if I wanted the day/night mirror, cost was about $8 dollars I think. Told him "no", car was delivered with the standard dated mirror, which I used for many years. I bought a day/night mirror several years for about $100 dollars, but then what would you expect from the fellow who gave away his origonal motor. BillComment
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Re: Even in the first month of prod.?
Carl: it is certainly possible that an early 66 made it out without backup lights. I looked at a fairly original car with a vin# in the low 800 range just recently and it had backup lights. I don't know where you would get definitive information on this but it certainly is an interesting situation.
regards
Bill #8620Comment
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Re: The weird thing is ....
Hey Bill: good to hear from you. Any chance that you or some of the other NM people will make it up for the Rocky Mtn Chapter meet on March 17th? I know Raton pass gets pretty snowy this time of year but if you can make it we'd love to have you!!!
regards
Bill #8620Comment
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Re: Even in the first month of prod.?
Carl - While these kinds of things aren't impossible, it seems somewhat unlikely in this case. The '66 AIM I have shows 910427-8 LAMP,ASM.,BACK-UP INBOARD L & R.H. and a 7-26-65 date on the REVISION RECORD. I expect the rear wiring harness might hold the answer. I'd look for signs of replacement or some splicing because the back-up lamps should have a 1 wire pigtail to the socket and the tail/brake/directions signal lamps should have a 2 wire pigtail to the socket. Also,might check for signs or remains of the back-up lamp switch installation. PeteComment
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And my mirror...
is also NOT a day/night mirror (on my Bowtie car). It (the glass) is dated April, '66. The option brochure for '66 shows the day/night mirror as an option, not std equipment.Comment
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Re: The weird thing is ....
Howdy Bill!
It is possible some of us will make it to your meet, don't know how many yet. I am trying to talk Everett O. into letting me drive his four and a quarter horse coupe up for him. He is resisting this idea, but I am confident I will prevail! :-) BillComment
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Talk to the car...
Bill: the problem here is that you asked "Everett"!!! Ask the car if it wants to go and it will tell you YES!!!!!!!!That will trump EV....Keep the pressure on......
regards
Bill #8620Comment
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Re: The weird thing is ....
Bill - What a sad tale one guy got your engine and another guy got your $100. We'll probably have to buy you breakfast at the next meeting. The good news is the original dated mirror is now worth more. PeteComment
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Re: Even in the first month of prod.?
Carl,
If I am not mistaken, late 1965 (maybe January 1, 1966) was the time that a highway safety law passed by Congress became effective REQUIRING manufacturers to include certain safety features which, I believe, included back-up lights and seat belts. It may also have included the day/night mirror. If the General implemented the provisions early before the effective date, it was because they knew it was coming anyway.
The reason that I know is that I ordered a 66 Chevy Impala two door hardtop around Thanksgiving, 1965, which was delivered in mid January, 1966. I remember that I was pleased to learn in the ordering process that I was going to get the extras "free" (har, har). I wouldn't be surprised if some very early cars (pre-law) were produced without the required safety items, but this is strictly speculation on my part.
Chuck SangerhausenComment
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