Tail light bulb socket misfit

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
  #1  
Old 04-13-2020, 06:56 PM
Brian Chavet's Avatar
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2020
Location: Loveland, CO
Posts: 2
Default Tail light bulb socket misfit

I was having trouble keeping my tail lights (both backup and turn signal/brake) working in my '68. They were old, cracked and in bad shape in general. I ordered replacements from Eckler's for both the single and dual conductor sockets. I did the rewiring before I checked the fit. Neither bulb socket wants to seat in the housing. They are both too large in diameter and it appears the old ones were as well. That's one of the reasons the old ones were in such bad shape. Several of the plastic tabs were broken off and the metal tabs were bent up as well. I was able to finally force all four of the new ones into the cutouts in the housing and get them to work but they certainly are not the correct size socket. I looked all over for a solution but all suppliers I found seem to offer the same part. Any one else ever run into this issue or have any idea what is going on? I know one of the housings was replaced due to an accident in 1970 but both the original housing and the replacement have the same diameter cutout for the sockets.
 
  #2  
Old 04-18-2020, 03:46 PM
Everett#2390's Avatar
4th Gear Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Va. Beach, VA
Posts: 2,595
Default

Welcome to the club. I used the full metal socket, no plastic, and they work very well for me.
 
  #3  
Old 04-18-2020, 09:53 PM
Brian Chavet's Avatar
Newbie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2020
Location: Loveland, CO
Posts: 2
Default

OK, I'm game. Where might one find a set? Thanks for the input!
 
  #4  
Old 04-19-2020, 08:24 AM
Zspoiler's Avatar
2nd Gear member
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Federal Way,WA
Posts: 705
Default

Maybe check the "help "section of some auto parts store
 
  #5  
Old 04-21-2020, 03:58 PM
Everett#2390's Avatar
4th Gear Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Va. Beach, VA
Posts: 2,595
Default

RockAuto is where I found mine.
 
  #6  
Old 04-21-2020, 10:24 PM
Al Loyrat's Avatar
1st Gear Member
Join Date: Feb 2018
Posts: 251
Default

The sockets have 3 tabs, 2 narrow and 1 wide. Are you lining up the wide tab with the wide slot on the tail light housing?
 
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
camaros4evr
70-81 General
7
08-04-2012 04:37 PM
hooknladder
93-02 General
0
08-02-2012 09:44 PM
96 3.8L Texas
93-02 General
7
03-04-2011 05:15 PM
Chevy101
93-02 V6 Tech
0
11-23-2010 02:06 PM
Joe68Camaro
67-69 General
6
05-30-2010 07:33 PM



Quick Reply: Tail light bulb socket misfit



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:13 AM.