Fiber Optics

[Kenneth T.]

I have a 71 with the fiber optic light monitoring system. Some are now coming up dull, almost not there. Is there some maintance required to keep the bright and shiny?

[Joe L.]

Re: Fiber Optics

I have a 71 with the fiber optic light monitoring system. Some are now coming up dull, almost not there. Is there some maintance required to keep the bright and shiny?

Kenneth-----


If the problem involves mainly the front high and low beams, are the seals between the rear of the sealed beam and the fiber optic conductor lens in the headlamp connector in place and in good condition? If not, that's your problem. New seals are available from Dr. Rebuild.

If the problem involves the other lamps, I would check to be sure the fiber optic lens at each of the lamps is clean and that the lens is properly installed in the lamp.

[Michael G.]

Re: Fiber Optics

Ken,
Joe is right on the money (as usual). If it is the latter, my 71 had the optic tubes fall away from the console lenses creating the dim effect you describe. I pulled the console and using a small dab of glue, put them back in the holder. It's a quick-fix, just don't muck up the tubes. Put a dab on the the tube and holder after you have inserted the tubes. Good luck, Mike

[Dick W.]

Re: Fiber Optics

The ends of the cable have a tendancy to become dirty. You can gently remove these from the lens and clean with a "Q" tip and alcohol

[D S.]

Re: Fiber Optics

On a Corvette I once owned that was repainted before I bought it I discovered that the painter shot the insides of the tail light holes thus covering the fiber optic tips.

[Jack H.]

Re: Fiber Optics

Paint overspray on the pickup ends of the fiber optic cables is a VERY COMMON issue! Painters without classic Corvette experience simply don't understand the need to either FULLY remove the electrical system wiring harness assys before painting OR take care to mask the input ends....

The other comment about needing the rubber tubes around the glass monitor 'tits' on the back of each headlamp to guide/seal the fiberoptic pickup is an excellent comment! Without these rubber tubes in place, you can expect light coupling efficiency to dive like a rock making the cockpit display jewels glow VERY dimly!

Last, getting the pickup optics properly inserted into your cornering lamp fixtures will have a display brightness impact as well as installing the correct light bulbs WITH the correct orientation. These single filament bulbs can be installed in the socket in one of two orientations...

If the bulb is installed such that the fiberoptic pickup is looking at the end versus the center of the lamp's filament, you can expect the cockpit display jewel to glow dimly....

[D S.]

Re: Fiber Optics

Snip<If the bulb is installed such that the fiberoptic pickup is looking at the end versus the center of the lamp's filament, you can expect the cockpit display jewel to glow dimly....>

Jack, I never thought about that one. Thanks!

[Kenneth T.]

Re: Fiber Optics

Thanks for the help, I went out armed with Q Tips and managed to get the headlamps and high beams cleaned and working. The other front fiber optic is located in the parking/signal lamp? I thought I saw Joe mention the side marker, if so that's why I had no luck there.

[D S.]

Re: Fiber Optics

Joe probably was referring to the front turn signal lamps. The fiber optics are in the tail light body where the bulbs are for the brakes and turn signals and in the headlamps behind the glass nipples of the rear of the lamps and in the turn signal/parking lamp pods. When the high beam is activated the panel on the shift console will have fiber optic lights that gets brighter. Neat stuff. Been a long time since I drove mine at night.

[Kenneth T.]

Re: Fiber Optics

Joe probably was referring to the front turn signal lamps. The fiber optics are in the tail light body where the bulbs are for the brakes and turn signals and in the headlamps behind the glass nipples of the rear of the lamps and in the turn signal/parking lamp pods. When the high beam is activated the panel on the shift console will have fiber optic lights that gets brighter. Neat stuff. Been a long time since I drove mine at night.

Yeah, I love them too. I hate to be a pest but with the front parking lamp the fiber optic is connected to the plastic bulb holder I see no hole in front for the light to enter and I am afraid to pull out the fiber optic from the socket. The rear ones come out easily, but this.... Nothing in the service manual either. Got a clue? thks

[D S.]

Re: Fiber Optics

You're not being a pest. Those of us who have had these have had the same issues. We love questions and answers.
The front turn signal lamps have, or should have, holes in them for the fiber optic boot. Mine are rubber and have a double lipped edges that can be a booger to get in or out. I used silicone spray and then pinch the boot while carefully twisting and lifting one edge to free the boot. The fiber optic end should just be flush with the top of the boot when inside the lamp hole. You are right to be careful. The fiber optic end has a metal clamp on the fiber optic line inside the boot that bunches all those tiny fibers together. If you pull the clamp off while tugging on the line you might have trouble getting it back on to work as well. If you just want to clean them take the lens off and do it that way. If the fiber optic end is not flush with the boot on the inside push the line until you see the line end appear and then carefully pull it back flush.
According to the 1970-1972 JG very late 1971 and 1972 did not have fiber optic holes in the turn signal pods.

[Kenneth T.]

Re: Fiber Optics

You're not being a pest. Those of us who have had these have had the same issues. We love questions and answers.
The front turn signal lamps have, or should have, holes in them for the fiber optic boot. Mine are rubber and have a double lipped edges that can be a booger to get in or out. I used silicone spray and then pinch the boot while carefully twisting and lifting one edge to free the boot. The fiber optic end should just be flush with the top of the boot when inside the lamp hole. You are right to be careful. The fiber optic end has a metal clamp on the fiber optic line inside the boot that bunches all those tiny fibers together. If you pull the clamp off while tugging on the line you might have trouble getting it back on to work as well. If you just want to clean them take the lens off and do it that way. If the fiber optic end is not flush with the boot on the inside push the line until you see the line end appear and then carefully pull it back flush.
According to the 1970-1972 JG very late 1971 and 1972 did not have fiber optic holes in the turn signal pods.

Yes, I found it. It goes into the top of the grille light. Getting it back in is not easy. I should have waited for your reply, I would have removed the lense. Learned something tonight. I hop to be able to help someone in the future, thanks.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Fiber Optics

According to the 1970-1972 JG very late 1971 and 1972 did not have fiber optic holes in the turn signal pods.

I have yet to see a 1971 that was (verifiably) delivered without clear turn signal lenses and fiber optics. And, I've seen some of the cars made at the very end of production.

Patrick

[Kenneth T.]

Re: Fiber Optics

I have yet to see a 1971 that was (verifiably) delivered without clear turn signal lenses and fiber optics. And, I've seen some of the cars made at the very end of production.

Patrick

Hello Patrick,

I have clear lenses and an amber housing with a rubber grommet at the top of my parking / signal lamps. I picked up my car on July 30, 1971 I guess that would be late, no? Vin 21715

Ken

[Patrick H.]

Re: Fiber Optics

Hello Patrick,

I have clear lenses and an amber housing with a rubber grommet at the top of my parking / signal lamps. I picked up my car on July 30, 1971 I guess that would be late, no? Vin 21715

Ken

Just as expected, and you're less than 100 cars from the end (21801).
By amber housing I "assume" you mean an amber bulb?

Patrick