68 had no side markers but reflectors instead? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

superfly68 · 03-09-2004, 02:38 PM

this is what a reputable resource for parts for our truck is telling me. i ordered a 67-68 rear wiring harness to replace mine. when i got it i noticed that it didn't have any wiring for the side markers.
Is it true that 68's only had reflectors or is this guy on crack? Is he thinking ford?

Scottri · 03-09-2004, 02:41 PM

My 69 GMC is the same way. I was pretty sure that they didn't hook them up until 69 or 70.

Mixup · 03-09-2004, 02:45 PM

My 69 had reflectors.

71402BB · 03-09-2004, 02:49 PM

Your source is correct! I'm not sure the exact year they did put the lights in them, but I bet CPNE, or anyother 67-72 truck genious could tell you.....

Dean · 03-09-2004, 02:53 PM

1970 I think.

superfly68 · 03-09-2004, 03:02 PM

so does that mean i have a 70 bed and fenders? any way to verify the year of parts?

demi · 03-09-2004, 03:07 PM

I believe for 69 the front and rear side marker lamps were option
number UB3.

BONY · 03-09-2004, 04:11 PM

my 68 has side markers

Longhorn Man · 03-09-2004, 07:02 PM

in 68 and 69, they installed reflectors, which look exactly like the side marker lights as base equipment. Lights could be had as an option in either year. (some will argue, but I have seen both in person, listed on the glove box, and also listed in the book)
In 1970, they were made standard. Some of them had front markers that would blink, while others did not blink (with the turn signals) There seems to be no ryme nor reason on the blinking, I have done a poll on here about 2 1/2 years ago on the blinking, and there was no trend what so ever...just some did and others did not.

J.Lance · 03-09-2004, 07:09 PM

The side marker reflectors are identical to the side marker lights, just the reflectors did not have the hole knocked out in the back of the housing to accomodate the bulb. Lights were optional in '68 and up until they became standard equipment in '70.

Trade your harness back in for a later harness and you'll be all set. Ordering a harness which would work for 67 and 68 is your first clue that it won't include provisions for side marker lights since '67 of course had none.

superfly68 · 03-09-2004, 07:15 PM

yeah, i should have known better.
i was just shocked that they didn't all come with lights. I learned something today. can i go home now?

1969 GMC · 03-09-2004, 08:00 PM

my 69 has the lights and reflectors. the lights come on with the headlights, and they also blink when you hit the turn signals. they aren't listed on my gb, and I have a plain jane truck. so maybe PO installed these? i can't really believe that.

03-09-2004, 02:38 PM	#1
superfly68 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Encinitas,CA Posts: 316	68 had no side markers but reflectors instead? this is what a reputable resource for parts for our truck is telling me. i ordered a 67-68 rear wiring harness to replace mine. when i got it i noticed that it didn't have any wiring for the side markers. Is it true that 68's only had reflectors or is this guy on crack? Is he thinking ford? __________________ no longer have a ride, but still a fan!

03-09-2004, 02:41 PM	#2
Scottri Registered User Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Beaverton Oregon USA Posts: 338	My 69 GMC is the same way. I was pretty sure that they didn't hook them up until 69 or 70. __________________ 1969 GMC 3/4 Ton Long Bed Fleetside 350, 4 speed manual, P/S, P/B, Edelbrock 1406 Carb Beaverton / Portland Oregon

03-09-2004, 02:45 PM	#3
Mixup Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Henderson, NV Posts: 358	My 69 had reflectors. __________________ 1980 Chevy Shortbed Pickup 1969 Z28 engine Turbo 350

03-09-2004, 02:49 PM	#4
71402BB now thats a true COON DOG Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Franconia, NH Posts: 1,977	Your source is correct! I'm not sure the exact year they did put the lights in them, but I bet CPNE, or anyother 67-72 truck genious could tell you..... __________________ current project 67 402BB stout th350 3.08's with a locker. Plan on tubs 18.5's out back! (thanks Burnsman!) 71 SWB Stepside, was a 250, now is a 402 Big Block with 4 speed and 3.73's ( was crushed by a tree, bed sold, motor pulled) was my first truck!... oh well... 72 LWB 4x4 350 4-speed 3.08's posi wearing army olive drab green (SOLD!) 68 BURB 50TH LOOKALIKE work in progress, soon to have 250-I6 with a 3-speed on the tree 4.11's and posi ( currently sitting in back yard tarped awaiting time, $$$, and lots of love!) 67 1 TON- work truck 396 sm 420 4-speed, flat bed 4.57 gears "big red" (my first landscape truck, very rusty and crusty! but still gets the job done when needed!)

03-09-2004, 03:02 PM	#6
superfly68 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Encinitas,CA Posts: 316	so does that mean i have a 70 bed and fenders? any way to verify the year of parts? __________________ no longer have a ride, but still a fan!

03-09-2004, 02:53 PM	#5
Dean Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: Cincinnati, Ohio Posts: 1,492	1970 I think.

03-09-2004, 03:07 PM	#7
demi Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Arizona Posts: 305	I believe for 69 the front and rear side marker lamps were option number UB3.

03-09-2004, 04:11 PM	#8
BONY Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: ROCHESTER MN Posts: 4	my 68 has side markers

03-09-2004, 07:02 PM	#9
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	in 68 and 69, they installed reflectors, which look exactly like the side marker lights as base equipment. Lights could be had as an option in either year. (some will argue, but I have seen both in person, listed on the glove box, and also listed in the book) In 1970, they were made standard. Some of them had front markers that would blink, while others did not blink (with the turn signals) There seems to be no ryme nor reason on the blinking, I have done a poll on here about 2 1/2 years ago on the blinking, and there was no trend what so ever...just some did and others did not.

03-09-2004, 07:09 PM	#10
J.Lance Too many is never enough! Join Date: May 2003 Location: Idaho Falls, ID Posts: 455	lights The side marker reflectors are identical to the side marker lights, just the reflectors did not have the hole knocked out in the back of the housing to accomodate the bulb. Lights were optional in '68 and up until they became standard equipment in '70. Trade your harness back in for a later harness and you'll be all set. Ordering a harness which would work for 67 and 68 is your first clue that it won't include provisions for side marker lights since '67 of course had none. __________________ Jason 1968 K10 SWB Fleetside 1971 K2500 GMC LWB 1968 K20 (later frame, donor body) 1972 C20 LWB parts truck 1993 K2500 Suburban, tow rig, 454, 4L80E NEW!! 18' Siem's car hauler 2004 Honda Odyssey (family man!) Last edited by J.Lance; 03-09-2004 at 07:11 PM.

03-09-2004, 07:15 PM	#11
superfly68 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Encinitas,CA Posts: 316	yeah, i should have known better. i was just shocked that they didn't all come with lights. I learned something today. can i go home now? __________________ no longer have a ride, but still a fan!

03-09-2004, 08:00 PM	#12
1969 GMC Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: The Rubber City Posts: 5,498	my 69 has the lights and reflectors. the lights come on with the headlights, and they also blink when you hit the turn signals. they aren't listed on my gb, and I have a plain jane truck. so maybe PO installed these? i can't really believe that. __________________ 1969 GMC K2500 1996 Honda Accord 2007 Kawasaki KLR 650

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.