Tail light bulb configuration

Dennis - I don't know how to link a previous lost on here so enter "European Taillights" in the 'Search' above. The post you want is the 7th post down the list 'European taillights'. There's a detailed discussion that should answer your question.

 

Interesting seeing the 'Blue Dot' lense inserted on the brake light side. That throws off a very cool light when the brake is actuated. Very old school, I like it! 

…that should be '…previous post…' not 'previous lost'. What a maroon! 

       
       

If it was from Vinnie, it would be a perviest post.

Dennis:

 

You've got the same light bases as I have, so those sockets can be easily pressed out and back in and position-swapped.  Takes about 5 minutes.  I just used suitably-sized sockets on both ends to press them out and back in using a shop vice.

 

Check out that other thread - lots of good info there, too.

 

 

I think this is the link to that thread:

 

https://www.speedsterowners.com.../european-taillights

 

 

Gordon, does this meet the acceptable operation setup (images) for light socket removal?  Socket interfaces inside the collar. Is that a press fit inside the collar?  Words of wisdom before I screw it or screw it up.  And thanks for attaching the thread address Mitch.  

Hold on there, Kemosabe!

 

Your second set of photos shows more detail and those socket assemblies are slightly different from mine.  You may not be able to press them out successfully.

 

The way those are assembled, the socket is pushed through the back of the reflector and held up against the collar on the wire side.  Then a machine flares the tube of the socket protruding through the reflector to capture the assembly in place (like a big rivet).

 

That means that in order to remove them, you'll have to press it back through from the front of the reflector, thereby distorting the crimped flare as it goes through the hole.  

 

So your set-up would work, but two things will happen......1.) the flare may tear partially or completely around the body of the socket and 2.) the hole the socket goes through may become misshapened or larger.

 

Either way, when you go to re-assemble it, it may not crimp back up tightly together.

 

What I have is a slightly different set-up that has the socket inserted through the front of the reflector and simply pressed into place.  Not as robust a connection as what you have and easier to press out as there is no crimped flare on the reflector side.

 

I would measure the OD of the socket barrel and go to NAPA or (better) a local Mom N Pop auto parts store and see if they have just sockets, one single wire and one dual wire, the same size, then use THOSE as new replacement for what you have.  Then, if they get destroyed upon removal you'll have the new ones ready to put right in.

I can't find my Echlin catalog, but I did find my Standard Replacement Parts book and it shows a universal, single wire, socket and pigtail assembly as a Standard S-62 part number, and a replacement dual-wire socket as S-518.  Both of those have wider flanges so you can screw them to the reflector.

 

Push/snap in types would be S-38N for single and S-29 for dual wire.  Again, those are all "Standard Motor Products Inc." numbers, but NAPA should be able to find them.

 

There are a BUNCH of other, similar parts, some metal and some plastic so take your assembly along with you and they should be able to find something that will replace what you have.

Kemosabe here.  Exactly what I thought.  By inspection this appeared to be a permanent installation.  I needed to hear from the SOC community and "The Great Gordon" before going any farther.  If I decide to remove the sockets, per your suggestion, I'll investigate finding replacement sockets with OD dimensions that meet the requirement.  Then set it up on the drill press and cut the socket barrel at the flange.  More to follow.  Thanks.         

Yeah, there are a LOT of slightly different socket replacements available out there from Echlin, Standard, Dorn and others.  Most of them are application specific, meaning that they are designed as a direct replacement for a certain model Ford or GM or Chrysler, and then there are a few "Universal" replacement items - THOSE are the ones you'll want to find.  

 

Even though places like NAPA have totally gone to their computer parts look-up systems (most of which were designed by a friend of mine) which are application-specific; i.e.: give me a year, make and model and I'll give you the part) if you look behind the counter you'll probably find a bunch of paper parts catalogs.  Ask to see the ones from Standard Motor Products or Echlin, for electrical, wire and cable applications.  Somewhere in one of those you'll find what you want and they should be able to cross-reference it to their computer based look-up system and get it for you.

 

These are not exotic bulb sockets, but they may not be carried everywhere.  Truck/fleet maintenance suppliers might be a good place to look as well - they often have to deal with weird stuff like this.  Take along the reflector (Hell!  You've already got it out!) Tell them what you want to do and see if they can help you - yah never know till you ask!

 

Another approach might be to just replace the wire pigtail IF the socket you have is "keyed" with a slot down one side to hold the bulb contact in the right position.  Look at the single and then the dual pigtail end (that mates with the bulb contacts) and you'll see what I mean.  You may luck out and only need to flip the pigtails around.  

 

Just a thought.

Earlier I read that the sockets can be removed so there was hope but after removing and examining the installation I needed help.  The crux of changing the sockets was to get the duel element bulb out of the small reflector side.  I’ve decided it is easier to change wire connections.  Oh Great Gordon thanks for providing your knowledge and experience.    

"O Great Gordon"???  Oh, please . . .

Just go to NAPA with what you have and find the oldest dude you can behind the counter. Forget Autozone and the like, if it isn't in the computer, the zit-faced kid behind the counter will be useless....

 

After you get what you need, bring them some donuts and coffee, and you'll have the help you need from then on.

NAPA

 

Mister Frazer,  That's "The Great Gordoone" to YOU!

But I thought it was Gor-DONNN?  LOL!

 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9UPoZDstHM

 

My Gosh - That guy truly gives me the creeps.

 

Especially since my daughter went through that "Goth" period in High School (and we tend to remind her of it as often as we can).  Thank God, she finally got over it to become this cutie: