Light socket removal/replacement

[DD931]

I'm in the process of installing turn signals on my '48 F-1. want to use the actual parking lights rather than add some independently. I want to use two wires so that I can get the higher candlepower for the turn signals so they can be seen better during the daytime. So, I need to replace the sockets. I don't want to use the originals unless I have to because they are not configured for the offset pins on the new bulb bases (1154 bulbs). So, the question is: How are the sockets removed/replaced? I have new sockets (actually for tail lights, but should work). It looks like they just drive in/out, but before I attack them with a hammer I want some insight from one (or more) of you sage folks who may have done a socket replacement before!! Thanks for your insights!! And yes, a fallback is to use the original sockets with two wires and grind one pin off the bulbs. Effective, but I'd like to do better!!

 

[Graeme / New Zealand]

I think Bob Drake has a kit for this conversion.

GB

 

[Drbrown]

Converted my 12v '47 by replacing just the socket base. Here's a few quick shoots on Google "light socket for 1154 bulb":

1. Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/s/?tag=atomicindus08-20

2. Ebay: http://www.ebay.com/bhp/1157-socket

3. or might try: http://www.taillightking.com/light_bulbs.htm

I use the "super bright" incandescent. Clear bulb in back and yellow (could use clear) in front.

 

[DD931]

Drbrown - that's what I'm trying to do. How do you get the socket out and in?

 

[325w]

Do the pins on the new bulbs align the same as your old bulbs. If so you can just change and add the two button base in the socket. Otherwise I'm thinking a step drill and cut the flange out.?

 

[DD931]

The problem is that the new bulbs don't fit in the old sockets because of the offset pins. It may turn out that the best answer is to file off the pin on one side of the new bulbs and use the old socket with new two-wire bases. My parts book does not show that the sockets can be replaced.

 

[FireEngineMike]

It does not seem difficult to answer your question, but everyone went off on a tangent. Sorry I cannot provide the info, but here is a link to the kit Mac's sells:
http://www.macsautoparts.com/assets/pdf/macs/O1A-13200-T.pdf
It doesn't give you the info you really need since the replacement socket fastens onto the headlight shell with a screw and does not go through the shell. Most light sockets I've seen are swedged in place since the shell must ground so you would likely have to carefully use a 3/4" hole saw or a Dremel with a grinding bit. Good luck.

 

[Bob C]

Not really an answer to your question but Mac's has the replacement socket
for the parking light so I would assume you can punch out the old one and
replace it. http://www.macsautoparts.com/ford_t...ght-wire-1-wire-black-with-yellow-8-long.html

Bob

 

[DD931]

Bob - you've confirmed my suspicions! I didn't look at Mac's, but I did look at C&G and Carpenter and didn't find this part. Thanks to all!!!

 

[forty-niner]

Silly me, I took my Dremel and made a new slot in sockets and got new fiber disk and double contact/wire sets at NAPA. Worked OK now for 5 years.

 

[DD931]

Turns out to be a tempest in a teapot. The old sockets came out easily with the help of a socket extension as a drive with a small ball-peen hammer. I cleaned up the area where the socket touches ground and the new sockets went in pretty as you please. Tested out electrically and all is good. Got it all done in much less than an hour. Happy camper!! Thanks for all the help!!