'69 tail lights removal. Any tips?

[K9COP]

Guys, I've looked on here but can't find a simple explanation of how to remove the taillights. Before I just randomly start unbolting/screwing things (to change bulbs) any tips/hints or instructions please?

Thanks,

CS

[twodko]

Top 'o the day CS!

When I pulled the tail light assemblies off my 69 I just pulled all the bulb wiring and then removed all the nuts except one on top that I just loosened. When I was ready to remove the housing I pulled that last nut off and gently rocked the assembly up and down until it came free. Mine was somewhat of a bitch because the factory sealed the bottom outside corners with this nasty butyl (sp) adhesive over the gasket. I guess to keep water coming in??  It was a lot of work getting that stuff off the housings.......IRC I used lacquer thinner and soaked the housing edge. Even then I used all my cuss words........twice!

[Troy]

So are you just trying to change bulbs or is there more to this?

Troy

[kab69440]

There's no reason to pull the housings to change bulbs. Just remove the cover panel and pull the bulbs out. If you need the housings and lenses out, just remove the speednuts and pull them out. It's pretty straightforward.

[twodko]

I misunderstood......

[K9COP]

Thanks all, I guess I didn't make myself very clear. I was initially just wanting to change the bulbs, but had a slow meander through the process and actually removed the whole assemblies, then the metal backing 'cans' from the lenses by removing the Phillips screws. My lights have no plastic backing covers on..

Anyhooo, once all apart I could see how the bulb holders were held in (compression fit) and that allowed me to use a small crescent shaped 'pick' to carefully lever the bulb holders out from the trunk side of the lights. I just wasn't comfortable pulling on cables.... I intend to update the bulbs a little.

She's slowly coming together... on the good side, I managed to get the hood turn signals wired today. The previous owner removed/deleted all the side marker lights, so I'm adding very small and subtle LED turn signals to give me some extra safety at junctions...

Thanks again,

CS