Info on 68 convertibles with U46 Vigilite/Lamp Monitoring System

[bowtie68iho]

Does anyone have a 68 convertible with the Vigilite (i.e., RPO U46 - Lamp Monitoring) system installed? 

In the 68 AIM, UPC U46/A1, it mentions a "3928738 SLEEVE" as having been released by Chevrolet and installed by Fisher Body.  Per Group 2.584 in the Chevrolet Parts and Accessories Catalog No. 34 (P&A 34) (Revised November 1, 1967), the sleeve is for 68 convertibles only, only one is required per car, and it is described as "SLEEVE, tail, stop and license lamp fiber optic conductor."

Does anybody have a photo, measurements, and/or location of this "sleeve" that they can post?

Also, does anybody have photos of the 1367472 grommet that goes in the driver's side of the rear-center bumper bracket per 68 AIM, UPC U46/A3?  I believe it is plastic, but not sure.  It is the same grommet used for the license plate lamp wire (68 AIM, UPC 12/C4) on the passenger side of the rear-center bumper bracket.  Per Group 9.775 of the P&A 30A (October 1970), this grommet is used on the following vehicles:

- 66-67 Chevy, battery positive cable generator and forward lamp wiring harness.
- 67-68 Camaro, license plate lamp wire.
- 69 Chevelle, park lamp wire.

Thanks, in advance!
Bernie

[bowtie68iho]

A friend of mine sent me these photos of the grommet mounted on a 68 rear bumper bracket.

[David K]

Bernie,
I have 68 convertibles that I’m getting ready to install the system onto. I scored original fender housings and such and had them rechromed. They are definitely different than the reproduction ones. I have no idea what the sleeve is for. No image that i found came close to what I thought it would be. Never seen one. FYI, the mounting clips count for the coupe are different than convertibles. A4 not A3.
The grommet looks like this I think…a version with the grommet and a version with the e tension piece that goes into the housing. Feel free to PM me to expedite.

[David K]

2

[bowtie68iho]

David,

Can you post up-close photos of the left and right fender housing rubber inserts without the clear plastic lenses in place?

Attached, is a copy of the 68 AIM for the convertible rear lamp monitoring harness.  I'm also trying to get an up-close photo and the dimensions of the tail pan grommet which is circled in red in the attached copy of the 68 AIM.  Can you post a photo and give all of the dimensions (using a micrometer), if you have this grommet?  Thanks!

Bernie

[David K]

Bernie, after disassembling the 2 sets I picked up in the 90s,  I’ve found some very interesting things and need to correct a few things. The pictures I uploaded are most likely wrong. Since GM used items across all lines, I found 1 set is from an El Dorado. But it’s got the red lens pieces for the front marker lamps marker lamps. I’ve scoured the net and have found “Camaro “ parts actually for Chevelle, Impala, etc.  Since we both want correct pieces, here’s my take.
I looked at a few Corvette sights and they sell some parts you might need.
The headlight pigtails have a center hole for the cable—took a headlight out yesterday to confirm.
The pictures are from what I believe to be the correct parts—after I drill holes in my turn signal housing.
License plate light end appears to be the brass looking type.

[David K]

Marker light separated

[David K]

License plate light could be any one of these. I’m working on it.

[David K]

I believe this rubber seal is the one. It’s listed on the Corvetteparts.com site. Looks correct.

[David K]

However, with the red lens installed which I am sure is wrong the light is obviously red. The turn signal is green, so no lens, just the seal.

[David K]

Headlight and turn signal

[David K]

I found this Chevelle or Impala set advertised for a Camaro. The tag light boot might be correct. Don’t quote me.

[David K]

Pic

[bowtie68iho]

David,

The in-line grommet at the top left corner of your photo in your Reply #8 appears to look like the one circled in red on the 68 AIM page that I attached earlier for the tail pan grommet.  Can you post close-up photos of that in-line grommet at different angles, plus post its measurements using a micrometer?  Thanks!

Bernie

[David K]

Can do. More photos from my 68. Original light sockets with provisions for optic. Who knew?