1950s 1959 backup light wiring access

[Bradwine]

Hi all, I just bought a 1959 series 62 4 door sedan, 6 window. Overall it's in good shape and I'm wanting to start fixing some things on it. One thing I noticed is that the driver side reverse light does not come on. I tried replacing the bulb first, but that didn't fix it. I figured it must be a wire issue then, and found a severed wire in the trunk. It's a green wire with a connection end on it. However, I cannot see how to access the light housing in the backup light to fix it. Does anyone know how to get into this area? I can't even figure out how to remove the chrome housing around the backup light as it looks to be connected to the bumper. Full disclosure, I'm brand new to owning a classic car and starting completely fresh here with this type of work, so I'm very novice here.

[35-709]

One of the best investments you can make in that car (IMO) is to get a copy of the 1959 Cadillac Shop Manual, usually easy to find on eBay.  Get an original if you can, the reprints are OK but the pictures are clearer in the originals.

[Bradwine]

I have a digital version of the 59 shop manual that I downloaded, and I agree, it is helpful. I used it to remove the headlights this morning so I can replace one that burned out last night. However, for this task of the backup lights, I'm unclear on where the bolts are that it is telling me to remove to access the backup light housing.

[cadman59]

Brad, I am afraid you will have to remove the rear bumper to have acces to the 3 nuts that are holding the backup light housing.

[Cadillac Nut]

That connector should be connected to another green wire coming from the bumper.  If you need to get to where the socket goes in the reverse light, then yes the rear bumper has to come off.   You can't access the bolts for that chrome bezel without removing the bumper either.  6 bolts if I remember right 4 for the center two for the ends.   FYI the rear grille comes off with the bumper.

[Bradwine]

Thanks everyone! I changed tactics today, and was successful without removing anything! I was able to see the light harness from under the bumper, so I had an assistant stick a grabber device through the trunk opening into this area, and was able to direct my assistant on which direction to move the grabber to snag the severed wire. We were able to grab it and pull it through, and then I spliced in a new connector and wire extension in case this ever happens again. The backup light now works like a charm!

[Cadillac Nut]

Great that's way easier than pulling the bumper