1963-64 1963 tail lights

[Owen F.]

I just recently picked up a 1963 convertible which I am going to restore.

It appears to be a matching numbers car that has not had a lot done to it.

The one thing that is strange is that it has six tail lights - three on each side.

I know that in 1963 they offered an optional backup light - but normally they only changed out the lens.

It appears to be a modification a prevoius owner might have had done.

Should I remove the extra lights and repair the holes? or leave as is

[Harry S.]

Re: 1963 tail lights

yes, remove the extras.

[Jack H.]

Re: 1963 tail lights

Or live with the deduction(s) for the car's non-factory standard configuration. The 6-tail light configuration was made popular by Jan & Dean's song Deadman's Curve.

[Paul J.]

Re: 1963-64 1963 tail lights

Owen:

I was at a local muscle car show a few years ago and met a body shop guy who had two mid years there that he had just converted to three tailights. Boy he was full of it. He told me how that conversion got the big bucks and he couldn't make them fast enough...right. I guess I looked like I just got off the boat.

I like the way it looks but only as a custom car. I would never have that on mine, although I pay a lot of attention to the market prices of stock originals compared to resto-mods.

That said, I would change it back.

Paul

[Tom H.]

Re: 1963-64 1963 tail lights

Hi Owen ! Welcome to the NCRS board.
Your 6 tail light conversion was quite popular back in the day. Still looks cool today, but won't fly on the judging field.

Depending on your intentions, you can either leave it alone, or have it repaired. If you are just going to drive and enjoy it, I wouldn't worry about it ! If you plan on making the journey to Top Flight, you're going to have to fix it.

[Jim L.]

Re: 1963-64 1963 tail lights

I wouldn't cut the holes in an otherwise pristine body to add the extra tail lights, but if I had a car that already had the lights, I'd leave them in.

They look soooooo cool.

Jim

[Tom H.]

Re: 1963-64 1963 tail lights

There's always been this crazy side of me that wanted a fender flared black 65 coupe with Hooker side pipes and 6 tail lights !!

I can't believe I just said that here !

[Stuart F.]

Re: 1963-64 1963 tail lights

Just a note about if you do change it back; If it did not have optional backup lights originally, you'll want to remove all the electrical works as well, i.e. switch, wires and fuse, etc.

If it is, as it appears a convertible; I run around with the top down most of the time anyway and feel no need for any lighting to back up. You can't beat the visability as it is.

Stu fox

[Mike M.]

Re: 1963-64 1963 tail lights

to convert back to a pair of tail lights on each side, i'd replace the tail-light panel as a repair to your current tail light panel that PERMANENTLY hids the old holes is unlikely.mike

[Ridge K.]

Re: 1963-64 1963 tail lights

Welcome to the technical discussion board, Owen! Glad to have you aboard.
Ridge

[Sydney G.]

Re: 1963-64 1963 tail lights

Is there a way for Owen to determine whether his car originally came with back-up-lamps?

From Owen's description the car appears to be in somewhat original condition. The picture of his car shows the BUL option with added red lights.
Could he tell by looking for something original on the harness, etc.?

Owen, the T86 white back up lamp is a pretty rare option for a '63 !

Syd

[Jim D.]

Re: 1963-64 1963 tail lights

There's always been this crazy side of me that wanted a fender flared black 65 coupe with Hooker side pipes and 6 tail lights !!

I can't believe I just said that here !

You are describing my first Corvette. Only it was a 64. I think I still have the scar on the back of my left leg from the sidepipe.

[John D.]

Re: 1963-64 1963 tail lights

Owen, What month was your 63 built? Meanwhile welcome to the club. Glad to have you aboard. I figure you must be a young man as back in the days when the midyears were knew you wouldn't be caught dead in my hood without 6 taillights. I can remember leaving my new 65 at the dealers until the body shop removed all the emblems, put in 6 lights and removed the front bumper. Plugged the hole up on the side with a snap button from a SS kitchen sink. That was standard issue at Grabiak Chevrolet in New Alexandria PA in mid 60's. l
Listen to Dr. Mike. Replace the taillite panel as you won't hide the big bubba holes in the panel for long. Pass on the backups if you can as royal pain anyhow. By the way the 63 backup lites are very rare. Only a couple of hundred or so cars had them and those cars were very late production. This info in the 5th edition judging manual except I can't find mine right now. Hopefully I gave you the right info.Good luck, John D

[Jim D.]

Re: 1963-64 1963 tail lights

to convert back to a pair of tail lights on each side, i'd replace the tail-light panel as a repair to your current tail light panel that PERMANENTLY hids the old holes is unlikely.mike

If one can successfully replace the tail light panel, there is no reason they can't repair the original and PERMANENTLY hide the holes. It's very simple.

[Clark K.]

Re: 1963-64 1963 tail lights

Can anyone elaborate on the "six tail lights" on a Corvette. It is clearly mentioned in the Jan & Dean hit "Dead Man's Curve". What was the reason to add a pair of lights? -Clark