Nova tail lights are one of the most distinctive features on a Nova. They’re large, round, and sit high on the rear fenders. Many people think they make the car look like it’s smiling.
The 1973 Nova was the last year for this style of tail light, so they’re especially sought-after by collectors.
If you’re looking for a unique way to customize your 73 Nova, consider swapping out the tail lights. There are a few different ways to go about this, and each has its own set of benefits.
One option is to swap out the entire taillight assembly for something more modern.
This can give your car a more updated look, and it can also improve visibility at night. You’ll want to make sure that the new assembly is compatible with your car’s wiring, though, so it’s best to consult with a professional before making any decisions.
Another option is to simply replace the bulbs in your existing tail lights with LED bulbs.
This is a relatively easy task that anyone can do, and it can make a big difference in how visible your car is at night. Plus, LEDs last much longer than traditional incandescent bulbs, so you won’t have to worry about replacing them as often.
Whatever route you decide to go, be sure to do some research beforehand so you know what will work best for your car.
Customizing your ride should be fun, so don’t hesitate to experiment until you find the perfect solution for you!
1974 Nova Led Tail Lights
In 1974, the Nova received a facelift that included new front and rear bumpers, grille, and taillights. The most notable change was the switch to quad rectangular headlights (previously round) and LED taillights. These were the first mass-produced cars with LED lights and were very ahead of their time.
Unfortunately, they were also quite delicate and prone to failure. Many owners have since replaced them with more modern LEDs that are much more reliable.
What are the Dimensions of the 73 Nova Tail Lights
The dimensions of the 73 Nova tail lights are 6″ x 9″ x 3″. The width is measured from the outside of the lens to the inside of the lens, and the height is measured from the top of the lens to the bottom of the lens. The depth is measured from the back of the housing to the front of the housing.
How Many Bulbs are in Each Tail Light
There are typically two bulbs in each tail light. One is the brake light, which illuminates when the brakes are applied, and the other is the turn signal. The turn signal will usually flash to indicate when a turn is being made.
Are the Taillights Easy to Install
No, the taillights are not easy to install. The average person will need about two hours to complete the installation.
Restoring a 1974 Chevy Nova Pt.4 – Tail Light Panel Removal & 2022 Update!
Conclusion
How to Install Nova Tail Lights
Assuming you have all the necessary tools and parts, installation of your new Nova tail lights is a relatively easy process. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
1. Open up the trunk of your car and remove the old tail lights. You will need a screwdriver to unscrew the bolts that are holding them in place. Save these bolts, as you will need to use them again later.
2. Once the old tail lights are removed, take a look at the wiring harnesses that are still attached to them. There may be two or three wires connected to each light – a positive ( typically red), negative (typically black), and sometimes a third wire for brake light or turn signal functionality (this will usually be green or yellow). Carefully disconnect each of these wires from their respective terminals on the back of the old taillight housing.
If you’re unsure which wire goes where, consult your vehicle’s repair manual for guidance.
3a. With the old taillights now completely disconnected, hold up one of your new taillights in place so that you can see how it will fit.
Take note of where the wiring harnesses need to go – there should be specific slots or grooves for them on either side of the housing unit itself . It’s important that these harnesses are properly seated in order not to cause any issues later on down the road . If everything looks good , go ahead and bolt in your new taillight using the hardware you saved earlier .
Repeat this same process for your other new taillight .
3b.(If applicable)
Some vehicles may require additional work in order to install LED bulbs into existing factory housings . This is typically only necessary if your vehicle came equipped with incandescent bulbs from the factory – most modern cars come prewired for LEDs anyway . However , if you find yourself having to do this extra step , fear not ! It’s actually quite simple : first , locate an empty slot on your vehicle’s fuse box panel and insert an Add-A-Circuit tap adapter .