sorry if this is miscategorized, but I was not sure to post it in:

88
98
electrical
body

so here I am

my question:

from my recollection, most if not all GM cars from 68 on had side marker lights that flashed alternately with the turn signals.

Mine do not.

Both parking lamps (round and square red circled below) come on but only the inner (round) flashes with the turn signal, and nothing on the edge / side (it is lit by the outer [red square]) flashes (it is lit but not flashing)



any ideas?

 

I'd have to check my Ninety Eight to make sure, but I'm pretty sure that's the way those are designed to work and the shop book wiring diagram backs that up. The parklight wraparound serves as the side marker lamp as the 1976 FS car does not have separate front fender side markers as 74-earlier had; the inner lamp is considered to be the park/turn signal lamp.

As to why? I can't explain. Flashing marker lamps were not a federal requirement to my knowledge and in all honesty have been a pain on all my cars that have them, because they burn out the 194/168 marker lamp bulbs every couple years. My 83 Cruiser has one burned out right now.

 

Yes,
On your 98 (I'm pretty sure but not 100% because it's been awhile since 1976 even for us old guys) I believe that you get the front and amber side light flashing for signals. They ususally alternate when the lights are turned on but ARE designed to flash at the same time when headlights are off.

Only way to check whether they are working right to test it. Lift the hood and look at the assembly on the side to see whether the amber light has a socket going to it. It should because manufacturing codes required front (yellow) and rear (red) lights or reflectors to be installed starting in 1968. If the yellow side light isn't working your bulb is likely burnt out. I think these bulbs are 194 plug ins. Anyway give it a try and post the results.

Your 98 is also equipped with cornering lights (that white unit on the side in front of the fender) When your signal is on, the cornering light also comes on but does not flash. (only works when the park or headlights are on)

FYI the "alternating" sequence of the turn lights on most 70's and up GM is only active when the headlight circuit is closed.

 

thanks guys

Allan, the side marker light works, but since the signal is the inner, the side does not flash

seems like it may be correct but I want to change it

I also want the cornering light to be amber until I signal

I like lots of lights!!

Now if I can only figure out how to make these lenses amber, I will install them behind the front wheels. kinda ghetto I know but wtfe

 

Hey Jeff,

Great collection by the way! I have 2 76 98's and your lights are working correctly. After '75, the only side lights were cornering lights on 98's. You can easily change your cornering lights to a set from a '74 or '75 which does the job of a cornering light and turn signal. The bottom "third" of the light is turn signal and the top "two-thirds" is cornering light. Not sure how how the wiring would go, aside from tapping into the existing leads but this would at least give you the side lights. Also not sure how to make them alternate. Not sure if this really helps but I can tell you for sure that your car is correct as is. John

 

thanks John, yeah I hate the way it is, the big yellow square is just a reflector. I was thinking about adding an amber light to the whole cornering light that would be "drowned out" by the cornering light, but I am still thinking about how to do it

 

hey no problem. Although I've never actually done it, I'm sure it wouldn't be too hard to add a bulb behind the amber reflector on the sides. I've thought about this every time I've ever had one of those bezels off and apart but just never done it. One of my cars is very original but the other is one that I will bend on now and again, maybe I'll try it one day!

By the way, if you ever come across an NOS RH grille for a '76 98/Custom Cruiser, let me know please! Same goes for a black, two-spoke steering wheel (NOS or near mint used).

 

John BEAUTIFUL black Ninety-Eight would love to see more, and the other? 2??? Good Lord man that's cRaZy (I'll take 1 )

 

Ha thanks! That's my baby. Still putting it back together after a very long term frame-off. The headliner and moonroof are going in/together next and I cannot wait for either. I would love to get it to the nationals this year but not going to rush the car either. I'll bring my other one which is mostly original and a very nice car, just not on the same level. How do I add pictures to a post on here? I'm new!

 

to attach, first GO ADVANCE (reply)

Look for this box



click paper clip (in red) follow prompts

To display a pic already online, use the yellow box (circled in green) and copy the link

 

OK, I think I did this right but for some reason only one picture uploaded. It said 2 files failed. Let me know.

 

WOW THAT IS NICE, THE OTHERS MAY BE TOO LARGE

IF THEY ARE ONLINE SOMEWHERE (I USE GOOGLE, OR PHOTOBUCKET OR SOME OTHER PROGRAM) sorry for the caps

You can use that yellow box and add the link

 

yeah I figured the size may be the reason. They are fairly high resolution. I'll try another method but thanks! I took that pic just after I finished putting the back seat in. I had also just recently finished the viny top and moulding. I'm hoping to get it to the upholstery shop in the next couple of weeks. Every step is so exciting....especially when you're so near the end!