69Z Camaro tail lamp question

[L78 steve]

What are the correct 3 bulbs for the tail lamps?In the car now are,Outer segment 1157,mid segment(reverse)1156,Inner segment 1156.The problem is the 1157 has a 3 candle power filament and the 1156 has a 25 c.p.When they are both on at the same time in park lamp position they don't match.They only match when the brakes are applyed.The lamp sockets are dual contact outer.Single contact mid.And single contact inner.so the bulbs match the sockets.Did somone switch the inner sockets from double to single or are the 1156s wrong for the inner position?

[1968RSZ28]

Steve -

As per the 1969 Chevrolet Chassis Service Manual:


Tail, Stop, and Directional Signal:  1157

Backing Lamp:  1156


Paul

[JohnZ]

That info is also in the Owner's Manual; amazing how many folks don't have one (all the vendors have them) or don't read it.

[L78 steve]

I have the owners manual and it does list 1157s.So that would mean the inner most segment on the tail lamp would have a 1157 bulb.But the sockets are single contact.And the wire harness looks unaltered.Do your 69s have dual contact sockets on the inboard positions?

[RamAirDave]

1156s in the inner sockets will be too bright.  From my understanding, the inners are only running lights, with no brake/turn function.  With the lights on, they will be as bright as the outers are when the brakes/turns are on.

I had this issue on a non-RS I just built, and found on TC that it isnt an uncommon problem.  Had 1157s outer, and 1156s in the other two.  I had never even heard of 1155s, but they give the correct brightness on the inner taillights.

[L78 steve]

Thanks Dave for the reply,I can,t believe that the 69s came with the 1156s in the inner segment.Its as bright as the outer segment when the brakes/directionals are applied and makes it not as noticeable as to a lane change or stop.There are 1095 bulbs listed in some catalogs that have the S2 base with a single contact and 3 candle power but seem to be no longer available.I,m curious as to what other perfectionists out there have done about this?

[PURESS]

Hey Steve....Not a perfectionist..but when I was a tadpole..my first 69, The car was rear ended by a drunk.  After buying another 69, out cruising with a buddy...I noticed his tail light section and it is hard to see the brakes cuz only one light..so I converted my inner lights to turn and brake lights..and I have to say it does look good...so if you cruise alot at night you might want to consider this; if going restoration, leave it stock. scott

[JohnZ]

Actually, the owner's manual and shop manual information (#1157 for tail, stop, directional) is wrong; the inboard socket only has two wires (hot and ground), and a single base contact. I think the manual info applies to the Nova, which had a single tail/stop/directional lamp on each side, and they forgot that the Camaro has a second running light on each side. I've found that a #97 bulb in each inboard socket gives exactly the same brightness as the running light filament in the 1157's in the outboard sockets.

[L78 steve]

Scott,I thought about converting the inner sockets and wiring to dual contact but couldn't cut into a original harness.I found a pair of obsolete 1095s and they are perfect.But at $4.00 a piece I will try also try JohnZs suggestion #97s.This is my first 69 and was wondering what others did about this.Thank you all for your help.Steve G.

[RamAirDave]

Actually, the owner's manual and shop manual information (#1157 for tail, stop, directional) is wrong; the inboard socket only has two wires (hot and ground), and a single base contact. I think the manual info applies to the Nova, which had a single tail/stop/directional lamp on each side, and they forgot that the Camaro has a second running light on each side.

I think that it would be correct for RS cars, in which both the inner and outer sockets have brake/turn function.

[ss jim]

I have  #67's  on the inner lenses and these work well. Hope this helps. Jim

[L78 steve]

I have  #67's  on the inner lenses and these work well. Hope this helps. Jim

While I'm at it I'll try them too.Thanks,Jim.

[blackss69]

I have an original 69 SS Carmaro (not RS).  I am the original owner.  The inner bulbs are 67 the same as the license plate lamp. 

blackss69

[L78 steve]

Thank you, blackss69.