Re: [VAL] Back-up light fixtures

["Mark" <mark@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Dick,

A way to end your worthless, rusted or broken socket blues forever, with
minimal work, is to solder pigtails (short wires) directly to the base of the
bulb, then connect those to the wires which fed the socket, after you've
gutted the socket.

The center connection on the bulb is the hardest, because it's really soft
stuff (lead?), and you have to be quick like a bunny when you solder it, but
if you solder a dab on that center terminal (on the bulb itself), then lay the
tinned wire onto the solder, then touch the tinned end with your soldering gun
only until they marry, you'll have it.

It might be a good idea to practice on a coupla bad bulbs until you get the
hang of it, but it can be done.  I did ALL the rear lights on my '62
TradeWind, about twenty years ago, and I've yet to blow a bulb.

The dialectic (?) grease Gerald mentioned is great stuff for preserving a good
connection, but it won't cure a bad one.


Mark in Modesto