By: BigBabyLou
The goal of this article is to show how to convert a base Firebird (with red brake lights and amber rear turn signals) to operate GTA tail lights (with integrated red turn signals and brake lights).
Let’s assume that you have a pair of GTA tail lights (or are modifying your stock base tail lights) and are working on a base Firebird.
(although this conversion WILL work for all F-bodies, i.e. Camaros as well)
This conversion procedure consists of two main steps. They BOTH need to be performed at the SAME TIME! The vehicle would be illegal and unsafe to operate unless both steps are finished!
STEP 1 – steering column wiring
Remove the plastic driver side under-dash cover to access the steering column wiring. It might help to also remove the vinyl wrapped knee panel to gain better access to the harness.
Find the turn signal switch harness connector
Locate the white wire that is the last wire in the connector.
Find the brake switch. It is mounted on the pedal braket, just rear of the brake pedal. The brake pedal lever is actually resting on it.
The switch has three wires.
On Firebird years 1989 and older, the wire colors are:
– orange
– light blue
– light blue with a black stipe
On Firebird years 1990 and newer, the wire colors are:
– orange
– light blue
– yellow
We need the light blue wire. Cut it as far away from the switch as possible.
Then if you can, connect it directly to the white wire which we located earlier. If you can’t, you will need a piece of extra wire to connect these two.
That’s it, that’s the whole fix under the dash.