63 dart Tail light build

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vernk

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So the day I pickup my free dart, on the way home the tail light decided to jump ship. I traced my steps as best I could but it was nowhere to be found. Well, I wasn't too keen on the price tag for NOS or even used tail lights for this '63 270 of mine. I'm not restoring I'm just going to pretty her up and drive drive drive.

So....I picked up a set of Grote generic tail lamps for less than 20 shipped and I actually like them. I designed a housing for them so they face forward rather than lighting only the ground. And the fitment is actually OK. My first time 3d printing with ABS so I actually think it came out pretty nice. I have yet to fit and finish. I will definitely mate this up much cleaner. But it will be the actual housing withe a few coat of Bondo and color. I'll get pictures of the light mocked on the car soon.

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Ok. It's mocked up and wired...somewhat. I don't have a service manual yet. Might anyone send me a wiring diagram?

Running lights work, but lights go out with brakes on this one light. Other side works as it should. Yes the Grote lamp is a two wire double filament as the OE is.

The housing needs more design tweaking. Here are some pics

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So far, so good! Are you going to acetone vapor-bath the bezel? I'm actually considering the red translucent filament for the lens itself. Just thought it would be fun to 'play around' with...

Good luck!
 
thx! i will when i get the housing im happy with, but just for strength. i will clean it up with bondo and paint the housing after it is molded to the car better. did not know there was translucent filament, please post updates. i would be very interested to see how it goes
 
Ok. It's mocked up and wired...somewhat. I don't have a service manual yet. Might anyone send me a wiring diagram?

Running lights work, but lights go out with brakes on this one light. Other side works as it should. Yes the Grote lamp is a two wire double filament as the OE is.

The housing needs more design tweaking. Here are some pics

View attachment 1715063371

View attachment 1715063372

Got to know buddy, how's it working out for you? I need to do something like this. All the lights are snapped up these days. Supply is long gone...
 
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