Installation of updated taillights

[rbwesley]

I purchased later-model van taillight assemblies from a GMC dealer and
installed them in place of the originals. Used stainless screws to
install, had to cut some clearance in the area behind the taillight
housings but was minor surgery in the fiberglass. Soldered wires into
the existing looms and sealed with shrink tubing, very easy to wire.
Total time for installation was about 4 hours. If Jim Bounds has a
version that eliminates the surgery that would make it a bolt-in. My
total cost at the time (~2 years ago) was a little over $100 and
provided a nice update with a very clean look. The light assemblies
should also be available in wrecking yards, looks like the same unit on
Chevrolet and GMC vans, about '87 and later.

Someone was also offering a lens kit (no housings) some time back in GMC
Motorhome Marketplace, perhaps someone else can research this option and
report.

Bob Burkitt Cincinnati, OH '77 Palm Beach

 

[jim bounds1]

Bob,
Yes, I do not cut out the OEM bulb assy. I cut the back out of the tail
light assy. with an air saw and screw it onto the coach.

Leave the divider between the backup & red light and cut all but an inch or
so from the lens. This is quicker and involves less mods, besidesI do not
like the idea of creating 2 large holes in the back of the coach. They are
too high to let water out from the other 3 thousand leaks and even if you
do get it sealed well, changing a bulb someday in the future might create a
leak.

Hope this helps,

Jim Bounds
- ----------------------------

>I purchased later-model van taillight assemblies from a GMC dealer and
>installed them in place of the originals. Used stainless screws to
>install, had to cut some clearance in the area behind the taillight
>housings but was minor surgery in the fiberglass. Soldered wires into
>the existing looms and sealed with shrink tubing, very easy to wire.
>Total time for installation was about 4 hours. If Jim Bounds has a
>version that eliminates the surgery that would make it a bolt-in. My
>total cost at the time (~2 years ago) was a little over $100 and
>provided a nice update with a very clean look. The light assemblies
>should also be available in wrecking yards, looks like the same unit on
>Chevrolet and GMC vans, about '87 and later.
>
>Someone was also offering a lens kit (no housings) some time back in GMC
>Motorhome Marketplace, perhaps someone else can research this option and
>report.
>
>Bob Burkitt Cincinnati, OH '77 Palm Beach
>
>
Jim Bounds / Co-op Motor Works Orlando www.gmccoop.com