Tail light change

[Pete Masterson]

The P.O. swapped out one or two lights on my coach (and another one probably should be changed). The unit is pretty much 1 piece, with a sub assembly that holds the bulbs (this is the 'bulb holder and circuit board') that unscrews from the back (inside) of the light fixture.

As installed in the coach, the units have a protective (dust) cover held in place by 3 or 4 screws. Once that's removed, you can then remove 2 (as I recall) large plastic 'nuts' to release the bulb assembly.

If you're only looking for improving the appearance, I don't know how cost effective it will be. Most of online parts places seem to want about $120+ for the tail light assembly (each) times 4 for the WL. Of course, the most cost effective solution is to buy from a wrecking yard -- but that might not leave you with much improvement in the scratch and wear department. (I did find a cheaper place, see link below.)

The lens assembly is "one piece" -- that is, the different colored lenses are permanently glued together and are permanently attached to a body piece. The bulb holder is the second piece (and most critical from the wiring aspect). The 'circuit board' appears to be part of the bulb holder -- but (apparently) must be able to be removed from the bulb holder since it is offered for sale separately.

On my coach, one of the 3 mounting pins is broken on one of the lens assemblies, so it's a bit loose (but it doesn't move out of its normal position while driving).

The bigger problem is that the connection between the wiring harness and the bulb assembly is the weak spot. I noticed that previous owners had taken measures to reduce/limit corrosion to the blade connectors (in one attempt, a large blob of silicon caulk was blobbed over the connectors) -- but ultimately, moisture penetrates causing the need to clean the contacts to get a good connection.

I looked at a '91WL for sale at Bird Connection, and it appears that it has the same tail lights as my '95.

I found a tail light that looks right on eBay that's for a 1990 Volvo 740:

<http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1990-VOLV...otohosting>

Here is an online vendor selling (presumably new) lenses:

<http://www.fcpgroton.com/product-exec/product_id/10985/nm/1990+Volvo+740+16+Valve+Tail+Light+Lens-Right>

They're only $88.78 each (new).... since it doesn't include the "gasket, circuit board, and sockets" you can presumably get by with the existing circuit board and sockets -- but you'd probably want a new gasket -- if it was used on the BB. (That, I'd have to go look...)

It looks like there is a small bit of trimming to be done at the inboard end, as there appears to be a tab (to make a smooth transition with the Volvo body) that isn't present on the tail light assemblies on my coach. A band saw (with a plastic cutting blade) would probably do the best job for that.

Pete Masterson

'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42 (For Sale)

<http://www.aeonix.biz/BBforsale.html>

El Sobrante CA

"aeonix1@mac.com"

On Mar 7, 2009, at 10:49 AM, mbulriss wrote:

I am going to replace the tail lights on the Texas Minivan. Mine work fine, but are scratched and not as shiny as new. As I understand it, the 91 WB40 Wanderlodge uses a Volvo 740 (89-92? tail light).

The Bird is in a shop about 5 miles away, so I have not inspected them to see how they are installed yet. Are they a sealed one-piece unit? Or is the lens separate from the bulb holder?

Anything special to be aware of when swapping these out? Any trimming or connection issues? If it is a sealed unit, I assume it is just pop the bulbs and connectors out and swap the tail light body?

Just checking before looking for and buying replacements.

Thanks for any inputs.