Remove and replace the tail light assembly on a 1970 AMC Rebel Machine, including lens, housing, and bulb replacement.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Tail light assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification or aftermarket equivalent for 1970 AMC Rebel
• Tail light lens gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• 1157 dual-filament bulb × 2 — Standard 1157 for brake/tail function
• 1156 single-filament bulb × 1 — Standard 1156 for backup light

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn ignition off and headlight switch to OFF position
3. Open trunk to access rear of tail light assembly
4. Clean exterior surface around tail light lens to prevent dirt from entering housing

Procedure

1. 1

   Access trunk interior trim panel
   From inside the trunk, locate the interior cardboard or fabric trim panel behind the tail light assembly. If present, gently pull back or remove the panel to expose the back of the tail light housing. Some models may have a small access door instead of requiring full panel removal.
2. 2

   Disconnect wiring harness
   Locate the wire harness connector at the rear of the tail light socket assembly. Grasp the connector body (not the wires) and pull straight back to disconnect. Note the orientation and which wires correspond to which functions for reassembly.
3. 3

   Remove mounting nuts from studs
   Using the 10mm socket, remove the mounting nuts securing the tail light assembly to the body. The 1970 Rebel typically uses three studs per tail light assembly. Support the assembly from outside while removing the final nut to prevent it from falling.
4. 4

   Remove tail light assembly from body
   From the exterior of the vehicle, carefully pull the tail light assembly straight back away from the body. The assembly should slide off the mounting studs. If stuck, gently wiggle while pulling to break any corrosion seal. Remove the old gasket from the mounting surface.
5. 5

   Remove bulbs from old assembly
   If reusing bulbs or transferring them to a new housing, press each bulb socket inward and rotate counterclockwise approximately 1/4 turn to release. Pull the bulb and socket assembly straight out. Note bulb positions: upper is brake/tail (1157), middle is turn signal (1157), lower is backup light (1156).
6. 6

   Clean mounting surface
   Clean the body mounting surface where the tail light assembly seals using a clean cloth. Remove any old gasket material, dirt, or corrosion. Ensure the mounting studs are clean and threads are in good condition.
7. 7

   Install bulbs in new assembly
   Insert the appropriate bulb and socket assemblies into the new tail light housing. Align the pins on the socket with the slots in the housing, press in, and rotate clockwise 1/4 turn until seated. Verify each bulb is secure in its socket.
8. 8

   Position new gasket and assembly
   Place the new tail light lens gasket onto the back of the tail light assembly, ensuring it aligns with the mounting holes. From outside the vehicle, carefully align the assembly with the three mounting studs on the body and press it into place until it sits flush against the body.
9. 9

   Install mounting nuts
   From inside the trunk, thread the three mounting nuts onto the studs by hand until finger-tight. Using the 10mm socket, tighten the nuts in a crossing pattern to ensure even seating. Tighten firmly but avoid over-tightening, which can crack the lens or housing.
10. 10

    Reconnect wiring harness
    Reconnect the wire harness connector to the tail light socket assembly, ensuring it clicks or seats fully. Gently tug to verify secure connection.
11. 11

    Reinstall trunk trim panel
    If the trunk interior trim panel was removed, reinstall it by aligning any clips or fasteners and pressing it back into position.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all mounting nuts are tightened evenly to prevent stress cracks in the lens
2. Verify gasket is properly seated around entire perimeter to prevent water intrusion

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position and activate headlights to verify tail lights illuminate
• Have assistant press brake pedal to confirm brake lights function on both filaments
• Activate turn signals (left and right) to verify proper operation
• Shift transmission to reverse to verify backup lights illuminate
• Inspect exterior of assembly for proper seating and alignment with body contours
• Check for any light leaks around gasket that might indicate improper seating

More procedures for this vehicle