What is this Exterior Light?

[73Safari]

Hello,

We are renovating a 1973 Airstream Safari 23' and there is this light (actually seems to be two small lights) located roadside near the rear of the shell. It's wired DC inside the shell, but I have no idea what it is. I've checked the original owners manual and also original service manual - to no avail. Can anyone please help me identify & determine it's importance or not. This rubber piece in the attached photos was covered with a beat up metal cover that didn't seem to match other exterior components, but considering how it is wired I presume it to be original equipment.

Thanks!

[ROBERT CROSS]

Maybe for indicating if/when the brake & turn signals are on?
They may actually be fiber optic...I remember some AS's being so equipped.

Bob
🇺🇸

[Guyfromiowa]

It is the fiber optic light indicator. The idea was to be able to check light operation by seeing the indicator in your rear-view mirror.


https://www.airforums.com/forums/f44...ght-58401.html

[majorairhead]

Not sure, but possibly night backup assistance?

[OTRA15]

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

Maybe for indicating if/when the brake & turn signals are on?
They may actually be fiber optic...I remember some AS's being so equipped.
. . .

Bingo!

A fiber optic turn signal indicator.



https://odmrv.com/catalog/index.php?...mvfvupmon3nu13

Per the details there: "This is an easy install. See pictures below."

Only 6 in stock . . .

[73Safari]

Thank all so much for the quick responses! Mystery solved and replacement part ordered. Appreciate the link OTRA15!

Take care,

Mike

[OTRA15]

Glad this was so easy . . . thanks to Bob Cross for his deep knowledge of matters Airstream!



PS -- And welcome to the forum, Mike. BTW did you order more than one? Might be a good investment IMO . . . those 6 in stock may be the last ones on the face of the planet . . .

Good luck with the reno . . . BTW the peanut gallery appreciates photos!

[davidz71]

My '77 Excella 500 had them and they were still operational, amazing.

[OTRA15]

Yes . . . truly amazing . . . thanks Craig. BTW do you have a thread for your 1986 25' Sovereign? We had a 1985 with a rear corner bed, which included the small fold-up table you asked about here:

[click on orange arrow to go directly to this post]:

Originally Posted by davidz71

I am looking for a used computer table Airstream use to put between the front fold out couch and the entrance door.
. . .

Miss all the details of that 25' Sovereign . . . incl. tambour upper cabinet doors . . . spice rack over the stove . . . no fixed dinette etc..

Thanks.

[PurdueMom]

The experienced Airforums community never ceases to amaze me. Within 14 minutes this mystery was solved by the experienced knowledge base chiming in like a choir in unison. Not only the answer, but a useful link from which to order the needed part!

We are extremely fortunate to learn from these pros. Their responses throughout Airforums are useful and to the point. Their thoughtful discussions are always appreciated. Thank you all for your worthy contributions each and every day!

[73Safari]

Here is what we are working on - Great bones to work with and gotta love that vintage shine!

[OTRA15]

Looks great thanks . . . but isn't the tow vehicle a little small?



PS -- Thanks PerdueMom . . .

[SnowWanderer]

Originally Posted by 73Safari

Hello,

We are renovating a 1973 Airstream Safari 23' and there is this light (actually seems to be two small lights) located roadside near the rear of the shell. It's wired DC inside the shell, but I have no idea what it is. I've checked the original owners manual and also original service manual - to no avail. Can anyone please help me identify & determine it's importance or not. This rubber piece in the attached photos was covered with a beat up metal cover that didn't seem to match other exterior components, but considering how it is wired I presume it to be original equipment.

Thanks!

Those are fiber optic 'lights' that are connected to your brake lights. Connect your tow vehicle, connect your umbilical cord, turn on your running lights and see if those two 'lights' are illuminated. Step on the brakes.

It enables you to confirm your lights and signals are working, at all times... from the driver seat... even while underway!

[73Safari]

Thank you SnowWanderer! Mine was pretty beat up and don't ever remember it being functional. I do know that there is good wiring to it, so I believe it's more a function of the exterior light being in poor condition rather than the connectivity. That's my hope anyway. New exterior light is on order and we'll find out soon enough! - Take care, Mike