Re: IML: Side Marker Lamps/Reflectors

["Burton Bouwkamp" <northburt@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

"Chris in LA" wrote "I never figured out why 1968 models have illuminated 
side marker lamps, then 1969s have only non-powered reflectors, then 1970s 
have both".

Here's the answer. I was Chrysler's Director of Product Planning from 1968 
to 1975 so I was involved in these side marker decisions.

First, some background. Here is a summary of the Federal Motor Vehicle 
Safety Standard (FMVSS #108) that required side marker lights OR reflectors 
in 1968 and 1969. Notice that it specifies side marker lights AND reflectors 
in 1970.



FMVSS #108
Sidemarker lights and reflectors
In North America, amber front and red rear sidemarker lamps and reflectors 
are required. The law initially required lights or reflectors on vehicles 
made after 1 January 1968. This was amended to require lights and reflectors 
on vehicles made after 1 January 1970. These side-facing devices make the 
vehicle's presence, position and direction of travel clearly visible from 
oblique angles. The lights are wired so as to illuminate whenever the 
vehicles parking and taillamps are on, including when the headlamps are 
being used. Front amber sidemarkers in North America may or may not be wired 
so as to flash with the turn signals.



HISTORY

At Chrysler we decided to do side marker lights in 1968. All vehicles except 
Imperial used the same side marker light design. Except for the difference 
in lens color they were the same lamp for the front fender and rear quarter 
panel. This simplification saved us a lot of money and let us do the design 
and engineering job a lot quicker than if we had to do unique lights or 
unique reflectors for each carline.

During the 1968 model year we got a new Product Development (Product 
Planning, Styling and Engineering) Vice President by the name of Leroy 
Bornhouser. We called him "Bornie". Bornie took issue with the appearance of 
the 1968 side marker lights which he said looked like "whales eyes". He 
ordered us to put side markers on the car in 1969 that were more 
attractive - more integrated with the sheet metal. So in 1969 we went to 
flush reflectors (no bulbs) that were different for each fender and quarter 
panel. Time was short so this took a "crash program" to meet 1969 model 
production.

The 1969 reflectors didn't meet 1970 standards which required lamps AND 
reflectors so we had to design and tool the side marker lights again. We did 
them three times in three years!

Burt Bouwkamp




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