Courtesy-Lamp Lens Replacement

In the Fifties and Sixties, GM installed small opaque-white plastic lenses in convertible rear-armrest courtesy lights. These lenses have a tendency to yellow from heat and age, and many times crack as well. Years of internal heat trapped behind the lens causes the plastic to dry out and become brittle, and even the slightest tap from a person entering or exiting the back seat will crack a lens in this condition.


Such is the case of the lens shown here. This lens replaced the broken original in about 1985, so it has lasted approximately 17 years. That's not bad for a thin piece of plastic! What many people don't know is that correct GM replacements are still available over the parts-department counter under part #4482877. They come in sets of two for about $6.00. The install is easy, but you must take care not to crack the new lens during installation. Here's how it's done.

Neatness & Light
This is a replacement lens that was purchased from an aftermarket GM parts vendor circa 1985. Little do most people know that this, and many other original parts, are still available at dealerships, and they are cheaper than buying from a parts reseller. It's a perfect example of what years of use will do to the raised area of the plastic lens. Not only is the color changed to yellow from internal heat, but also something or someone has put a crack in the center. While this might not be a catastrophe to many convertible owners, for others it's unsightly and doesn't fit the overall condition of the car.


At the top right is the new replacement lenses from a GM dealer. The same lenses were used across all the GM brands and most models, so the demand for replacements has kept the part on the books. So if you own a Chevrolet, Buick, Oldsmobile or Pontiac convertible, these lenses will work. Unlike the example shown above, the plastic is white and damage-free. Each lens has two small tabs on the top and bottom edges. They correspond with holes in the chrome bezel that surrounds the light. These tabs are easy to break off, so use care when installing. Notice the cracks in the lower left lens.


To remove the lens, use a small flat-blade screwdriver and push down on the plastic at the point where the small tab enters the hole in the bezel. Use your new lens for reference. Once you free the two tabs on the top of the lens, simply lift up and out on the lens and it will come free. While the lens is out, it might be advisable to install a new light bulb as well. These lenses are really thin plastic and can't take a lot of punishment, so the less you have to remove and reinstall it the better.