Just purchased a documented unmolested 48,000 mile '68 RS conv. fully loaded, incl. orig console 8-track and the "Fiber Optics" option. I understand the 'optics' option was RARE and told exceptionally rare on a Conv. However, what IS its purpose...exactly? Esp. the "pod" in the back??? I'm having hard time finding any info on this option. Any info is helpful.

[This message has been edited by robertw (edited 07-12-2000).]

Its purpose was to inform the driver of any "burned out" bulbs. As the turn signal bulb flashes, the light is carried throught the fiber optic cable and flashes in the vigilate.

The two on the fenders are for the front turn signals while the "pod is for the rear lights.

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Steve McCorry - Central Ohio Camaro Club
'69 Camaro RS/SS-350 - Daytona Yellow
'95 Camaro Z-28 - Sebring Silver
click here to see my car ---> www.mindspring.com/~mccorry (http://www.mindspring.com/~mccorry)(updated 7/1/00)

Just to add to the info Steve has provided. They also monitor the running lights and headlights. and to give you an idea of value I have seen them on ebay NOS starting at $2,000. My '69 came with them as well but some of the fiber and ends are missing. It's time for me to start looking at the junk yards!

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...Dennis
Topless'69 (http://home1.gte.net/ddunio/topless69)
Camaros Limited Nor-Cal (http://camaroslimited.com)
rsss.fun@gte.net

DjD,

What are the more difficult pieces to find?

I have three (two of a left or right?, one of the other) front fender pieces. I think. I scored them off a late 60's wagon in the boneyard about 15 years ago. If they were correct, and I could find the interior bits at a reasonable price, I'd do the deed.

Thanks. Carl

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Click here to see see my car and hear 5-speeds. http://www.geocities.com/casanoc

You can get the chrome covers through repro dealers. I haven't seen the fiber or the plastic with the lenses anywhere but ebay. There are special metal ferrals on the ends of the fiber used to keep the fiber in place.(these could be fab'd from thin tubing) Also there are special sockets and gromets to attach the fiber to each light. The rear setup is different on the convertible because it doesn't mount on the package tray like the coupe...

GM actually put this monitoring system on a bunch of different models just not many on each! If you find a car at the junk yard with fiber it could be worth the effort to salvage it, just take care in removing so it doesn't get dammaged.

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...Dennis
Topless'69 (http://home1.gte.net/ddunio/topless69)
Camaros Limited Nor-Cal (http://camaroslimited.com)
rsss.fun@gte.net

I took the whole enchilada, from the ferule to the chrome as a unit. It has, I think, a blue, clear, and green circle in the lens?

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Click here to see see my car and hear 5-speeds. http://www.geocities.com/casanoc

It might be helpful if you know someone who works with AT&T or some other cabling company that works with fiber optic cable. It is touchy and delicate to work with, so experienced help is very good.
Yes, the vigilite is quite rare. Looking in junkyards for these kinds of parts is like looking for a needle in a haystack.

My Z28 has the light monitoring system and I also own a 69 Vette with fiber optic's, teh Corvette catalog (mid america, ecklers) offer repair kits for these units. You can buy the fiber optics tubes and some ends, check out the catalogs.

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1969 RS Z28 Black, white deluxe interior

I work for GTE.. oops Verizon Communications and the fiber we place in the field is much finer... I know a guy that actually used super glue to splice 2 pieces and the light passed thru fine!

JC69RSZ28 thanks for the tip! do you have a web site or number for "midamerica, ecklers"?

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...Dennis
Topless'69 (http://home1.gte.net/ddunio/topless69)
Camaros Limited Nor-Cal (http://camaroslimited.com)
rsss.fun@gte.net

M&H Electric or one of the other good wiring harness reproducers might be able to help you out. I know that they do some first rate fiber optic harnesses for 68-71 Corvettes (which came standard with a light monitoring system) and I imagine that they could put together a good system for a Camaro if the two versions are similar.

Regards,

Stan Falenski

You might try contacting wired@proaxis.com, he knows everything there is to know about Camaros. I own a 69 Rally with Fiber Optics, but the previous owner felt the need to cut the rear lense out of the car completely and I haven't been able to locate another. I do have working lenses on the front fenders, but I also understand there was a lense located in the ashtray.

robertw, how is that 8-track wired up and where are does the wiring go through the console? I bought an original 8-track player for my car and would like to put it in this spring. I have an original AM-FM "blue dot" stereo radio.

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'69 RS SS 396 375hp L78 Convertible, M22, 3.31 posi, deluxe interior, gauges, rosewood wheel, AM-FM,fold down seat, tilt wheel, SS wheels, console mounted 8 track player, chambered exhaust
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=1169124&a=8603468

I have probably enough pieces to make a complete coupe set if anyone is interested. As was mentioned earlier, the fiber is a MUCH larger diameter on the car than is used in the telcom industry. I patched a cut in mine with super glue also. It is a little dimmer than the other but not much. I bought a NOS fron half off of ebay so they are out there.

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Cars:
68 RS/SS BB ragtop (http://home.swbell.net/paxtonr/camaro.htm)
63 Nova II ragtop (http://home.swbell.net/paxtonr/nova.htm)
Club:
Camaro Club of Kansas City (http://camaroclubkc.homeip.net)

Is the fiber glass or is it plastic? I think given how thick it is and the fact you can repair it with super glue, not the best con ductor of light, that it may be a form of plastic rather than high quality "glass" like most of the com equipment uses.

Something that has a cross section of 62.5 microns won't cut it connected to the tail lamp housing.

It's plastic. There are about a dozen strands in it so the diameter is fairly large. The most difficult part to find was the lens that goes in the fender insert. They are generally all cracked. I got lucky and found that NOS pair so they are mint. http://www.camaros.net/forum/biggrin.gif

Beware that the coupe and convertible rear section is different. Namely the pod that mount to the rear seat.
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Cars:
68 RS/SS BB ragtop (http://home.swbell.net/paxtonr/camaro.htm)
63 Nova II ragtop (http://home.swbell.net/paxtonr/nova.htm)
Club:
Camaro Club of Kansas City (http://camaroclubkc.homeip.net)

[This message has been edited by rs1968ss (edited 01-06-2001).]

DJD,

Here's the info for Ecklers if you are interested. 1-800-327-4868 or www.ecklers.com. (http://www.ecklers.com.)

Thanks, I have a list that is getting longer faster than the cash is growing. I really want to have my fiber functional by summer. We'll just have to see how it goes..

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...Dennis
The Cars:
'69 RS Convertible w/SS trim (http://www.camaroslimited.com/memberscars/den.htm)
'96 Z28SS #1679 of 2410 (http://www.camaroslimited.com/graphics/memcars/96ss.jpg)
The Club:
Camaros Limited Nor-Cal (http://camaroslimited.com)

Chris396:
The 8-track is wired thru the console with a series of harnesses. 2 in the console and one to the radio, if im not mistaken. There is a hole in the side of the center console compartment. This hole has a metal cover plate and the wires go thru it, to an opening in the console cover and into the player. There is also a heat sink mounted behind the dash that is needed in order for the player to work properly.
Hope this helps.

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'69 conv.
www.geocities.com/TelevisionCity/Screen/1243/Camaro3-1.html (http://www.geocities.com/TelevisionCity/Screen/1243/Camaro3-1.html)

CHRIS396 - "Technically" you can't have an AM/FM radio AND 8-track player. It was never offered. The reason is the 8-track is a complete standalone unit with its own speakers. The AM radio used the traditional speaker mount (dash), and the 8-Track used the Kickpanel/rear deck mounted speakers. Sine the FM radio used these same speakers the two were never offered together.
As far as mouting, there is about a 3/4" hole in the console with a rubber grommett all the wires run through. wires are for power and remote "amp" and speakers.

An update to my own topic. I found out Slot machines use tons of fiber - and its very close in size to original Camaro fiber, much better than "Data Grade". Also, to repair a "fiber break", the best way is to NOT superglue. Instead, make sure both ends are very clean, and using some "heat shrink tube", space the two ends with 1/8" gap and shrink the tube. Stop before it shrinks shut, and concetrate on either end, not the middle. By doing this, you create a light sealed area and by leaving a gap the fibers don't have to line up perfectly since light is displayed in the "gap" the new fibers will actually transmit the light better than if glued!! It works. Go figure.

I have a 68 with AM-FM an a 8-TRK.The radio is not a multiplex,but does have a rear speaker fader. This system uses 5 speakers (center dash,kick panels,rear deck)an is a very complex system.Both the radio an the tape system are seperete pieces but the power for the radio runs through the tape player.When the tape is inserted power is AUTOMATICALLY cut from the radio preventing both units to operate together.The radio uses the center dash speaker and the left rear speaker,when the tape is inserted the center speaker cuts out an the rest (kick panel an rear) turn on.This system, both mono an multiplex,is clearly described in the 1968 Delco radio service manual.Also as a side note the unit under the dash is called a convector (heat sink) not a amp.

I also have the AM/FM with an 8-track. I second what 68L30 had to say. The radio and 8-track are powered separately and the radio turns off when the 8-track tape is inserted.



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'69 conv.
www.geocities.com/TelevisionCity/Screen/1243/Camaro3-1.html (http://www.geocities.com/TelevisionCity/Screen/1243/Camaro3-1.html)

Sorry, everyone. I stand corrected. I went back to the sources I had and it does say AM/FM was not availabe w/8-track from the factory. However, in "The Illustrated Camaro Recognition Guide" it does list this combo as a 'dealer' installed option (besides the fact of the two people who already repsonded). My humble apologies.

Roberw can I ask what are your sources?Chevrolet Finger Tip Facts(not the thin reprint) and other salesmens lit. list option U57 as available with all combinations of radios(see page 57 in the Feature Details section). The only model it was not offered on was the Corvette and models with a rear seat speaker (aka fader). I added the rear fader to my system,Yes I know that is not technically correct,but it is nice to have since the speaker is there already and not noticable to judging.Please don't take this the wrong way,but there is so much misinformation/errors in these books that has to be documented through a original records and or publications, Hooper is not General Moters.I don't want to start slamming authors,but this info needs to be discussed if the truth is to be known.It's only fair.