8thDegree

Daniel; I did not think to check that, but will do. There are little pins on each side of the 1157 bulb and they will fit, but can only be rotated to the lock position one way because one is higher up on the bulb than the other. Here is a picture: My first car had these bulbs and I learned about them from my dad. But please let me know if they can be forced in either way!! Warren

Denis; I have learned that the Dynasty's from the late 90s used the Chevy truck tail lights from the 70s and 80s. What Monaco changed was that the Chevy version had a reverse light that uses a 1156 bulb with a 2 wire socket. My stock tail light setup, my coach had the 3 wire, 1157 bulb and socket on both holes of the mounting plate in all 4 of the tail lights (4 1157 bulbs and sockets on EACH side of the coach). It was when installing the new updated Chevy tail light base plates that I noticed the differences in the holes. I was able to get them to fit, but now all my lower lights do not work with the brake and turn signals. Would you happen to know if there is a relay that controls those bulbs? If so, where should I look for it?? As I also noted, different filaments are being lit on different bulbs. For instance, when I turn on the running lights, most bulbs lit with the smaller filament that is not as bright. However, one bulb on each side lights with the larger brighter filament for this. Same thing on the 4 bulbs working now with turn signals and brake lights. 2 bulbs are using smaller filaments for these functions. I only noticed this with the new tail light lenses as they are much easier to see thru than the old ones. I have only replaced 1 light socket and I matched the colors of the 3 wires and it worked perfectly with brake, turn and running lights last year when I replaced it. However, it now only shows up with running lights. I am fairly sure that they are wired as original from factory. Don't see any splices or changes at least where it is visible. Thanks for your help and would love any advice on where to look for what controls the brake light and turn signal signals with the lower set of 1157 bulbs on each tail light. Warren

Les; What replacement are you referring to? The stock tail light lenses are no longer available with the red section where the reverse lights are on the Chevy trucks. Warren

Update with more questions! I finally had time for the install so I brought the coach home and went to removing all the old lights. Was glad I did as the insides were worse than the red lenses: We ordered the updated looking Chevy tail lights and got some Red 1157 bulbs. Very happy with the way they look on the coach! Now for the problems! First, here is info for anyone looking to do this change like this. First, where you see the red 1157 bulb in the original reverse light section, those bulb sockets did not want to fit. I found that they are shaped differently and have a slightly different pattern. My suspicion is that the 1156 bulb socket is slightly different. I was able to take a file to the new light socket holes and smooth the rough edges. From there the red 1157 bulb socket would squeeze in. However, it is very tight. Also, if you have the original bulb sockets, I would advise replacing all 8 of them (2 each light). They have a rubber seal and mine were in really bad shape. Also, on these particular lights, if you look at the top right corner next to the red brake light, that screw is extremely hard to tighten because the red lens protrudes in the way of any type of screwdriver. I even tried one with a flexible extension and still could not get them all the way tight because of the awkward angle. If the red part of the lens came off, it would make it easy but I pushed pulled and twisted all 4 trying to no avail. Anyone know if I am missing something here? This design can't be that far off. Once I did get everything installed, then I came up with lots more questions. First, I know that the bottom lights (where the new red 1157 bulbs are installed) used to work as I had a bulb that I could not get to light up last year. Upon inspection I noticed the 1157 bulb would not get tight into the socket. If you pushed on it, it would light up, but would stop when I let go. For this, I installed a replacement socket and it worked fine. Now after installing the new lights, none of the bottom bulbs now work for the brake light, or turn signals. Not even the one I replaced last year. They do come on with the running lights, but that is it. I checked in the fuse area under drivers seat and found a fuse, but it was good. Is there a relay for those? If so, where would it be located. Any other possibilities as to why the lower lights don't work? At least this is the red 1157 bulbs that is not working. In case you don't know, this is a 97 Dynasty. Lastly, I also noticed that on some of the bulbs, the longer brighter part of the bulb filament would light up where on others, it was the smaller filament. Noticed it on one light bulb on each side. At least I think at this point because the brake & turn signals are not working on the red 1157 bulbs. Could this be a wiring error by Monaco? Would switching the wires on the bulb socket fix this problem?? Thanks for reading and love to hear any advice or suggestions. Hate to do a simple job half way... Warren Any help would be

Rob; I see you have reverse lights in the bumper on your Dynasty as well. It looks to me like you have the white reverse light section on the top and bottom of your tail lights. You mention that you used the original back up bulb in that area. Were your original set of tail lights red in that area? Also, was the original bulb you put back in that section clear? Does that white section light up when you hit the brakes or turn signal so you have a red and white light going off at the same time? Can you provide a little more detail as I am thinking you had the same problem as I have... Thanks! Warren

Pat; Thanks for this. We might be updating to something like the ones in my first post. Found several versions that have DOT numbers but they offer them in slightly different colors like chrome, black or carbon fiber backgrounds. Something like this: https://www.amazon.com/AmeriLite-Black-Replacement-Lights-Housing/dp/B07TN2VPK4/ref=pd_lpo_sccl_1/136-5915358-4781706?pd_rd_w=kFYQX&content-id=amzn1.sym.1ad2066f-97d2-4731-9356-36b3edf1ae04&pf_rd_p=1ad2066f-97d2-4731-9356-36b3edf1ae04&pf_rd_r=HZYVRTCRZ3QN3WQEZHSQ&pd_rd_wg=Fbjtd&pd_rd_r=8aff0b78-0dcf-4a00-8a21-71a545092cde&pd_rd_i=B07TN2VPK4&th=1 Not sure exactly which way I will go but will figure it out with the wife. She is the ARTIST of the family so will give me some good advice... Warren

Everyone; Sorry to take so long to get back. Was on vacation last week, but when I got back read thru everyone's comments. Before I left for vacation, made a few phone calls and emailed a person high up in the Dept of Public Safety here in Dallas. Today he called me back today saying that he learned a lot from my email and had to find out the answer. But, in this case because of the age of my Dynasty (1997) the state only requires an annual Safety inspection. He said "The safety inspection does not inspect Reverse lights and the brake lights must show Red". I asked him if it meant that I could insert a Red 1157 bulb and he again repeated the same thing and said that he could not tell me what to do. From there I said ok, got it. I am not sure if different states have different rules, but that is what I was told here in Texas. If you don't live in Texas, I would recommend you find out before doing what I am going to do. Give me a few weeks to get everything and get it installed and I will put some pictures of the finished product. My plan is to get some DOT approved tail lights (not sure which design or color yet) and put the Red 1157 in the area where the reverse light would go. Anyhow, took the old Dynasty to get the fluid/filters changed today and after making an appt and showing up they told me that my coach was too old and they have a new company policy and won't work on anything over 25 years old anymore. I was pretty pissed because I wasted a lot of my time but at least I did take a better picture of the brake lights and thought I would put it up to give you a better look at what I have trying to get info on. If you look at the vertical ridge squares at the bottom of each light, that is where the "reverse" lights were used on the 70s - 80s Chevy trucks. Monaco must have had a large batch made up where they substituted a red section where the white usually goes but after looking for several months I don't think you can find the fully red ones anymore. Thanks again to everyone who commented on my situation and hopefully they will look better soon!! Warren

Chargerman; Thanks for the suggestion. The reason I hesitate to use Amber is because they will go off when braking only. It has been a while since I looked at them, but from my recollection they all light up under braking and they all flash when the turn signals are on. There are 2 1157 bulbs in each tail light on each side, so 4 total on each side. If I went with Amber on the one that is for the reverse light, the other one will also be lighting up when turn signal is engaged and would have amber and red flashing together. I have never seen that before (and not sure it is even legal). That is why I keep asking about a red 1157 bulb. At least it would be closer to the other colors. Anyone else have any other ideas? Warren

Everyone; I am not sure you understand what I am referring to. Here is an old picture of what my tail light setup looks like. Notice, the tail lights do not have the white (reverse light) square in them as they are completely red. The reverse lights can be seen on the bumper. \\\ JDCrow; in doing my research I read thru your post about the quality of the tail lights. My problem is that Monaco type replacements can't be sourced anymore and even the DOT approved Chevy replacements have the white "reverse" section in them. We also can't convert to LED lights as we still have the King Throttle Control system and it needs the signal from the brake lights to release the throttle control wire. Hopefully this helps explain a bit better. Does anyone have any info or where to find if a 1157 Red bulb could be used in the place of the "reverse" light section if we upgraded to a newer style tail light?? Thanks again!! Warren

I have a 1997 Dynasty and the tail lights are starting to crack pretty badly around the screw holes in the housing. I spent some time looking around and understand that these were the Chevy Pickup and Blazer lights from the 70s and 80s and can easily be found. The problem is that the original Monaco lights have a red insert where the ones online are using this area as the reverse lights. My coach has the reverse lights down lower on the coach and the bulb socket for this spot is wired for the running, brake and turn signals. Here is what the Chevy lights available for purchase look like: I am considering updating to something newer looking: I have tried researching this, but can't seem to find an answer to the question of is it legal to insert a red 1157 where the reverse bulb is suppose to be used? Would appreciate any advice. Thanks!! Warren