Almost made a dumb mistake - lesson learned.

[O Vette]

I recently got a nice low mileage '77 Yellow coupe. Love that bright yellow. Looking over car, I noticed a small light under the rear bumper. Thinking it was added by someone, I was going to take it off to keep more originality. Then, I learned from an excellent internet researcher, that the light was part of the ZX2 convenience group. I knew there was a convenience group but, didn't know the name or what features it conained. It pays to throughly look before you leap into doing anything on this generation.

 

[Hib Halverson]

A small light under the rear bumper was not part of ZX2.

For 1977, ZX2 included:
headlight warning buzzer
delayed dome light cut off
underhood lamp
inside courtesy lights
low fuel indicator
mirror on the passenger visor.

Also, the low fuel light was not on all cars with ZX2. It was a late introduction.

 

[O Vette]

If the light under the rear bumper wasn't part of the ZX2 package, did it become a starndard feature upon its introduction when GM made some changes in the later 77's? I know changes were made during the '77 production year, i.e. removal of the fender alarm, etc. I think, the changes started around March 2, 1977. I am trying to determine if the light was a factory installed feature for '77.

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

You're not referring to the light for the rear plate are you? Where is this light mounted?

 

[6880 Mike]

Some model years have a spare tire light in the event you have to change a tire in the dark. The 80s have them, but I don't recall when they first showed up. If it was standard for your model year, the owner's manual will probably show it and tell you how to turn it on.

 

[Yoda]

Some model years have a spare tire light in the event you have to change a tire in the dark. The 80s have them, but I don't recall when they first showed up. If it was standard for your model year, the owner's manual will probably show it and tell you how to turn it on.

:duh
All these years I have referred to the light you refer to as a spare tire light, as a walk around light that came on when the engine was/is turned off. Never heard of it referred to as the spare tire light, but it makes sense... learn something new each day

Bud

 

[Yoda]

This may help a little, but it does nothing for VIN/SN it only states year the parts cover. This is from one of our "Aftermarket Parts Sponsors"

1975-2012
75-10 License Lamp (2 Required)
77-87 Spare Tire lamp
Part# 493068 Pkg EACH Instructions
Price 16.95

This looks like to me that the light started in 1977

Bud

 

[O Vette]

Well, I'm pretty convinced this light (shall we call it a spare tire light?) was original to the car, so I'm leaving it on. It looks like it started in the '77 model year, whether or not it was part of the ZX2 convenience package which is also on the car.

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

This book

Original Corvette 1968-1982: The Restorer's Guide 1968-1982 - Tom Falconer, James Mann - Google Books

clearly states that a spare tire carrier lamp was part of RPO ZX2. I'm convinced.

 

[Hib Halverson]

I think "Vettehead Mikey's" information is more complete than my source.

I'm convinced, too.

 

[mkapp7879]

 

[GTR1999]

Well that is news to me too. I never owned a 77 though but that is kind of a cool deal. Looks bubba but is factory!

 

[6880 Mike]

Thankfully (knock on wood), I've never had to use the one on my 80.

 

[minifridge1138]

I don't know about the '77, but my '82 has that same light.
Mine comes on when the interior dome light is on.
I owned the car for almost a year before I noticed. I was in my garage with the door closed and opened the doors to do something. I noticed a faint glow coming from the back near the spare tire and found the bulb.

Isn't it fun when you learn something new about your own car?