kodpkd

Anyway to fix the tiny turn signal indicator lights on the rear of the shift console?

Easy Mike

Model year? I'm guessing you're talking about fiber optics.

SwampeastMike

Those aren't lamps. They use fiber-optic lines in or on all of the outside lamp fixtures. In this way they are proof that the lamps are actually burning. Do some searching to find out how to troubleshoot the system. Often it's a very simple problem. Nearly all replacement parts are available.

kodpkd

Sorry,, it,s a 1968. I see the fiber optic replacement lines now. Thanks. I found that my rear turn signal indicators are working,,,,, but one of them is very dim. I'll see if I can track this down.
Is there a way to clean the ends of the fiber at the light and at the shift console? Or cut the ends to make clean end?

Techno

Mine were painted over and I sanded/dissolved the paint off. The other reason could be the fiber cable isn't seated in the console mount properly. Its easy to check the tail light end first. Take off the lens. Look for the funny wire in the grommet poking into the housing. Clean it and check to see if this fixed it.
If not then the problem is either the cable (probably not) or the cable became unmounted in its bezel in the center console.
If you've never take out the center console before be for warned it is not an obvious easy to do thing.
You can break things if done incorrectly.

kodpkd

I have the center console out restoring it. The rear tail light connection looks good. With the light on, when I take the optic line off, very bright light in the hole. When I first started working on it there was a dim light showing from the console fiber optic line. I do think the line going into the rear light is dirty. I tried cleaning it and sanding it. I will try again. Have you tried to cut it with a razor blade to make a clean cut? What did you clean it with? Thanks
I tried cutting both ends with a razor blade, still very dim.

Techno

It was a very long time ago. I think I used fine sand paper and a solvent. The idea was to polish, not scratch it. I definitely had paint over spray on mine.
Since you removed the ends with a razor I doubt you'll get them any brighter. They're not all that bright and you really don't want a BRIGHT light here, there is no dimmer.
These aren't turn signal indicators, those are on your dash. The sole purpose is to indicate a blown light bulb.They should be visible with your head lights on and when you hit the brakes.

kodpkd

My left tail and license plate FO lights are visible, the right one is barely visible even with the garage lights off. I'm thinking maybe there is a splice or a break in that line.

7T1vette

The light produced by the bulbs in the turn signals (headlamps, license) is transferred thru the fiber optic{F/O} [glass] cables to the lenses in the center console plate. So, the ends of the cable and the colored lenses on the lamp-end of the system need to be clear and polished to allow as much light as possible to enter the cables.

Remove the tail lamp lenses and check out the condition of the F/O cable and little lens covers. If they are dirty, painted, dull, un-polished, fix them.

kodpkd

Yep,,,, did that.

7T1vette

Did the amount of light at the console increase? Those indicator lenses never showed brightly. All you want to see is that some light from the lamps indicates that they are still working. When you notice that there is NO light from one of the indicator lenses, that bulb is "out". That is the entire reason for the F/O system.....so that you know when a bulb has failed.

kodpkd

The RT FO light is VERY VERY dim.

Easy Mike

FWIW: the console lens can get dirty. Have you removed and cleaned it?

kodpkd

Yes,,, the console is all apart for restore. When I say the FO is very dim,,,, I mean right at the end of the FO cable​​​​​​​.

kodpkd

I cut the brass end off of the FO line at the tail light. Cut the FO line with a razor, sanded the end. Reconnected the brass fitting and installed it. No change to the VERY DIM light coming out of the FO line at the console area. I guess I am done.

7T1vette

I think if you want to trim the end off the F/O cable to clean it up, you might want to put some heat-shrink tubing at the end so the fibers are contained well...then cut the end with a VERY sharp razor blade or sharpened X-acto knife blade.

kodpkd

Would seem that the black covering on the fiber optic line itself accomplishes the same thing. I think there must be a break in the line between the rear light and the console indicator.