How to Remove Tail Light Assembly in 1968

[WestyMeg]

Hi all, feeling very frustrated today. So far I have managed to fix nothing on my car, and it's starting to have more problems instead of less. I know, woe is me...

My question of the moment is, how do I remove the tail light assembly on my 1968? I have the lenses off, but I don't see any more fasteners, and I don't want to man handle it off if there's something I'm missing.

I guess a second question is, is there a maintenance/repair manual that is recommended for my Ghia? I need help.
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Why is the rum gone?!

1968 Karmann Ghia-some fancy white
1985 Westfalia-some crap brown
1971 Opel GT-hubby's first car
1974 914-mostly rust colored
2007 Cayman S-Sapphire Blue (so pretty!)

[bnam]

There are two butterfly nuts inside the rear fenders that hold the assembly. Unscrew them
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1971 1302LS Convertible (RHD) owned since '74
Click to view image
1965 Karmann Ghia Coupe - under restoration
1966 Fiat 1500 Cabrio (with 1600 Twin cam)
1952 Citroen TA 11BL

[rcooled]

[WestyMeg]

Thanks folks! Called it for the day with little success, but tomorrow is another day!

I don't think I ever mentioned what the problem is. I have something electrical going on. All my lights worked in March, now the rear lights are suspect at best. I definitely don't have brake lights, reverse lights, maybe one turn signal light, but maybe not. The hazard lights don't seem to work now either. Anyhow, I'm working on tracking down the problem. I know pretty much nothing about electrical systems, so this is a challenge to put it lightly.

As for the manuals, thank you very much! I do have John Muir's book and have read it cover to cover, but I struggle with stupid little things. I'm hoping the Bentley Manual will help me with this. I ordered it, should be here Tuesday. I will probably tackle the issue again after work then.

Thanks again for your patience!
_________________
Why is the rum gone?!

1968 Karmann Ghia-some fancy white
1985 Westfalia-some crap brown
1971 Opel GT-hubby's first car
1974 914-mostly rust colored
2007 Cayman S-Sapphire Blue (so pretty!)

[sputnick60]

To remove the light fitting you’ll need to get inside the guard in the engine bay. A couple of wing nuts are at the rear of the fitting and secure it to the bracket welded into the opening.

The wingnuts provide a fortuitous ground return that can be improved upon with a proper earth connection as I have done in the photo here
Nicholas
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'66 Karmann Ghia Cabriolet...
'65 Porsche 356C Coupe...
2005 Mecedes Benz C180 Kompressor Estate
Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery!

[WestyMeg]

Still haven't made much progress on this. The light assembly sockets that hold the bulbs were full of dialectic grease and tin foil...seems safe to me. O.o
So, now it's remove assembly without destroying the tar board, play with very old wiring and maybe do something about the lack of reflective surface on the assembly. One side is 'foiled' again all behind the bulbs. The other is just pretty much grey. No wonder why they are so dim.

Going to jump into it tomorrow, not sure what to do about the reflective part. Maybe rattle can chrome paint??? Something better than tin foil. Anywho, wish me luck!
_________________
Why is the rum gone?!

1968 Karmann Ghia-some fancy white
1985 Westfalia-some crap brown
1971 Opel GT-hubby's first car
1974 914-mostly rust colored
2007 Cayman S-Sapphire Blue (so pretty!)

[Era Vulgaris]