ok here is my problem my brake lights light up only when the headlights are off if there on it seems like the brake lights stay on could this be a bad switch or? i changed out all the bulbs checked wiring next step is re run all ne wire from pedal back but i rather find if any one else had this type problem

jd, make sure that you have the right bulbs installed ... then, take a look at the condition of the sockets ... especially with dual filament bulbs, the bulbs must sit properly in the socket and the contacts in the sockets must also be in the proper positions... this is shere I would start

Bad grounds can do weird things.Check out the ground connections in the back of the car by the lights.

gorunds, grounds, grounds, grounds!!!!!!!

The socket provides the ground ... tail and signal light have common ground in this case... bulb should illuminate even without socket plugged into light hosuing ... check which filament is illuminating by energizing crcuit with bulb socket out of housing ... if same filament is illuminating for tailight and signal, then that is where your problem is ...

theres like little dime things the light rest against in the plug if there missing they wont work correct?

These "little dime things" must contact the raised surface on the bottom of the light bulbs ... There should be on little dime thing for each raised surface on the bulb ... if one is missing, that particular circuit is not going to work ... if one is out of place, it could inadvertantly touch the wrong raised surface on the bulb ... if the socket is old or corroded, the little dime thing may have gotten pushed through the socket ...

ok so theres a plug in harness in the trunk i assume thats for all the lights in the back so the wise thing to do would be buy new ones and junk the old and not even play with it? seeing i dont have to splice in new connectors for the lights i am seeing that the simplest thing to do do you know where to get the whole set from fairly cheap or shoudl i get it from that classic cars performance book has all parts for 67-81 CAMAROS ONE OF THOSE $5.00 books ya know

jd, the 1st thing to do is to diagnose the problem ... replacement sockets can be purchased at stores like PepBoys for $5 - $10 depending on which socket you replace ... A harness will be much more expensive ... you can also get quick connectors to make attaching the wires easier and the wires are color-coded , so you shouldn't get them confused ... If you want to work on your car in the future, get a Haynes manual ( $12 ) , a multi-meter ( $15 and up ) , probably a 2nd book that explain automotive electrical systems ( another $12 - $15 ) ... If no one has done and wiring changes on your vehicle, I still think problem is wrong bulb or bad socket...sometimes water gets into light housings ... re-inspect your sockets for corrosing and wear

alright ill have to look at them tomorrow when i got to his house but what he said was the dime things are missing and not making a correct ground is what im guessing and yes we need to get a book on it and i will check those sockets tomorrow ill get back to yas