Help! 88 Covertible Tailight Bulb Replacement

[McSnagg]

How do you get at the left outer tailight bulb on an 88 convertible? I checked my Helms manual, and theres no way I can squeeze my arm in there from the bottom as recommended. Also tried by taking the license plate off...again no way.

Do I have to drop the exhaust?

 

[tonylong]

Try removing the cover and the surround of the fuel filler area. I removed the license plate stuff, and then the filler, and then the inner tailite stuff before I could get at the outer lens. When you do get to it replace all the bulbs just because it's such a PITA to do. I'm sure there are others here who can give you specific help.

Another suggestion: If you can see the item, but can't get your hand in there - I had that happen when I needed to replace the power antenna assembly, I could see but couldn't reach it, so I enlisted the help of my neighbors young son who had long skinny arms. His hands and my directions worked out well. I gave him $50 for the two hours it took us both. The garage wanted to remove the rear bumper and would have cost me $250 +.

 

[CorvetteArchives]

Tony...here comes MY favorite way yet again as to how to do this otfl you knew it WAS coming right?
The EASIEST and FASTEST WAY (unless you can quickly drop the exhaust) IS to do it from the license plate area. It took me Less than an hour to replaces all 4 lenses with LED's.
I removed the license plate and both reverse lights. I stuck my arm in and easily undid the inner bulbs. Since I was replacing the lenses I removed the inner ones and stuck my arm through hole to reach the outers.

Now I know you arent replacing a lens BUT ...I STILL think that its Faster and Easier to remove the 2 inner lenses! There are only 2 bolts (10mm) at the 4 o'clock and 10 o'clock positions. Once the lens if free it takes all of 30 seconds to change the outer bulb.

 

[tonylong]

I knew someone would have a good method. thanks.

 

[JimBobC4]

I do it exactly the same way. Be sure and start the 10mm screws in the holes in the cover BEFORE you try and put the lens base back into place.

 

[ZumZum]

I removed the screws that hold the rear fender panel to the inner fender well. That way I was able to get enough flex in the fender to stick my arm up in between the muffler and the fender.