[prairieschooner]

Had a similar problem on our '82. If I remember correctly it was a Red/White wire that comes up and goes into the Steering Column. On mine I found that wire had power yet there was nothing at the rear panel, and nothing coming out of the Column, the problem was in the Emergency Flasher and Turn Signal Switch. (when troubleshooting I try to start at the end, then the beginning, then cut the circuit in half and half again until the problem is found).

Here is a what I wrote on another thread; http://newellgurus.com/showthread.php?ti...ake+lights

Do you have Front Signals? if the problem is isolated to the rear then yes check the Relays.

When we got our '82 I had no Rear Lights at all, Brake, Turn or Emergency. My problem was with the Combination Turn Signal/Emergency Flasher Switch. The Tail Light Wiring goes through the Switch for the Emergency Flashers and that is where my problem was, when I talked with Newell it was stated that they had problems with this Switch and there was a Replacement available (not sure if they still have it, it is a TRW part)
*****if you need to use this part contact me so that I can send information about the install!! there needs to be a minor adjustment to the Steering Wheel Adapter for clearance!*****

It has been a while since I did this repair but here is something that I found, not sure how accurate this is but it should give you an idea how the circuit works.
   
 

I was able to make a temporary repair while waiting for parts. I bypassed the emergency flasher circuit by soldering a jumper wire. If I remember correctly the downside was that the brake lights came on in the front when the emergency flashers were energized.