'65 DS Tail Light Removal

Today I tried to remove my driver side tail light on my '65 panel. After studing the passenger side it appears to be held in place with three spring clips with a alignment pin up top. Unfortunity this means I need to go from the back side, but the metal cover for the filler neck is there. I have a set of tail light from a '67, but it uses longer screws to hold the lens and housing to the body. I can only assume that I will need to remove the metal cover, which appears to be welded in place. If I do than then I will make it to be secured back in place with a couple of tabs and screws. How have you all removed the driver side tail light that uses this type of spring clip attachment?

Your '65s don't have screws through the lens?? Can you put some pics up?

My 66 was the same way. I tried various methods and even had the filler neck out and could reach in there, but it had some rust and had not moved since it was installed. Ended up tearing it up a bit getting it out. I'll be installing the replacement with screws so it can be removed without dealing with the spring clips.

I guess the 64-66 lens are the same then. The lip around the 65 housing is very thin due to rust so I'll probably install the 67 ones. The lens is held on to the housing with machine screws on my 65. I'll try to take pics next weekend, as I plan to cut out the box covering the filler neck.

why cut it out? Do you need to make rust repairs?
The lower part of the boxed section where the filler neck comes down and turns toward the tank is just pushed into place. You have to pull the hoses then loosen the neck at the top and fight it a bit, but it will come out.

I must be missing something myself.. I was trying to remove that cover on my 66 partsvan and only got so far before I gave up, ( didnt want to hurt and sheetmetal), Looked like they hung it in the air and assembled the rest of the van around it ??

RodStRace wrote:why cut it out? Do you need to make rust repairs?

Yeah rust repairs. Two small holes formed on the outside and I can see daylight if I look up from underneath the van. I don't want to leave it alone and have rust come through the paint, when ever that gets done.