Complete removal and replacement of the tail light assembly on a 1966 Chevrolet Corvette, including lens, housing, and bulb replacement.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Tail light lens × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Tail light housing gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Tail light bulb(s) × 2 — 1157 dual-filament bulb
• Tail light assembly mounting screws × 1 — Use OEM specification if corroded

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn off all lights and remove ignition key
3. Open rear luggage compartment and remove any stored items that obstruct access to the inner tail light housing area
4. Clean exterior lens area with mild soap and water to prevent dirt from entering housing during disassembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Access tail light assembly from interior
   Access the tail light housing from inside the rear of the vehicle. On the 1966 Corvette (C2) there is no external trunk lid; reach the back side of the tail light assembly through the rear storage compartment behind the seats. Locate the tail light housing on the driver or passenger side, accessible from inside behind the fiberglass body panel. The assembly is mounted to the body with fasteners reachable from the interior side.
2. 2

   Disconnect electrical connector
   Locate the wire harness connector attached to the tail light socket. Grasp the connector body (not the wires) and pull straight out from the bulb socket to disconnect. If connector is corroded or stuck, gently wiggle while pulling. Note the orientation for reinstallation.
3. 3

   Remove tail light housing mounting fasteners
   Remove the fasteners securing the tail light housing to the body from the interior side (typically retaining nuts on housing studs — verify exact count and type against a 1966 Corvette assembly manual). Use the appropriate SAE socket or nut driver; note that this 1960s American vehicle uses inch-based hardware, not metric. Keep all fasteners organized for reassembly.
4. 4

   Remove tail light assembly from body
   Carefully pull the entire tail light housing assembly straight back toward the interior of the vehicle. The lens and housing assembly will come out as one unit. Support the lens from the outside if necessary to prevent dropping. Remove the rubber gasket from the body opening and inspect for damage or deterioration.
5. 5

   Separate lens from housing
   With the assembly removed, locate the screws on the interior side of the housing that secure the lens to the housing body (verify exact count against a 1966 Corvette assembly manual). Remove these screws and carefully separate the lens from the housing. Note the position of any alignment tabs or indexing features.
6. 6

   Remove and inspect bulbs
   Push each 1157 bulb into its socket and turn counterclockwise approximately 1/4 turn to release the bayonet lock. Pull bulb straight out. Inspect bulb sockets for corrosion, heat damage, or bent contacts. Clean sockets with electrical contact cleaner if corrosion is present.
7. 7

   Clean and inspect components
   Clean the lens interior and housing with mild soap and water. Inspect the lens for cracks, crazing, or fading. Check the housing for cracks, melted areas near bulb sockets, or damaged mounting tabs. Inspect all mounting screw holes for stripped threads or cracks in the fiberglass.
8. 8

   Install new or cleaned bulbs
   Insert new or tested 1157 bulbs into the socket. Align the offset pins on the bulb base with the socket slots, push in, and turn clockwise 1/4 turn until locked. Verify the bulb is secure by attempting to pull it straight out without twisting.
9. 9

   Reassemble lens to housing
   Position the lens against the housing, aligning any indexing tabs or features. Install the lens-retaining screws from the interior side of the housing to secure the lens (use the same count removed during disassembly). Tighten screws in a cross pattern to ensure even seating and gasket compression. Do not overtighten as this can crack the lens.
10. 10

    Install new gasket
    Place the new rubber gasket onto the body opening or onto the flange of the tail light housing, depending on gasket design. Ensure the gasket is properly seated in its channel and not twisted or folded.
11. 11

    Install tail light assembly into body
    From inside the luggage compartment, carefully guide the tail light assembly into the body opening. Align the mounting holes in the housing with the holes in the body. Ensure the gasket remains properly positioned and does not shift during installation.
12. 12

    Secure housing with mounting fasteners
    Install the housing-to-body fasteners from the interior side (use the same fasteners removed in disassembly — typically retaining nuts on studs). Start all screws by hand before tightening. Tighten in a cross pattern to ensure even gasket compression and proper lens alignment. Do not overtighten as this can crack the fiberglass housing or body.
13. 13

    Reconnect electrical connector
    Plug the wire harness connector back onto the bulb socket, ensuring it seats fully with an audible click or firm resistance. Verify the connection is secure by gently tugging on the connector body.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
2. Verify gasket is properly seated with no gaps or pinch points that could allow water intrusion
3. Check that lens is flush with body contour and evenly gapped around perimeter
4. Replace any stored items in the luggage compartment

Verification

• Turn ignition to accessory or on position
• Activate parking lights and verify tail light illuminates with proper intensity
• Press brake pedal and verify brake light function (brighter filament)
• Activate turn signals and verify proper flashing operation on the affected side
• Inspect from outside for proper lens alignment, even lighting, and no light leaks around gasket
• Check for condensation inside lens after first rain or car wash, indicating improper gasket seal

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