39 Rear Lights and Stop lights.

[Phil Gillespie]

Jus put my 39 coupe through for its 6 monthly WOF check here in NZ.
It was noted that one rear light was dimmer than the other one.
Seems the contact spring loaded contacts in the lamp holder are not making a good contact due to weakness in spring in contact.
Just want to replace the lamp holders only not the complete rear light.
Can these be had? Still running 6v.
Being RHD vehicle wiring is run along RHS to rear light RHS and then across rear member to LHS rear light. Three wires cross the rear section.
These will be? 1: supply to lights and number plate. 2: supply to stop light.
3: ????
Thanks Phil NZ

[flatheadmurre]

My guess if you have turn signals in the rear lights you need a dedicated cable to each stoplight.
The springloaded contactpart in the lampholders can be replaced and the surronding metal cleaned up for better contact.

[deuce lover]

Phil, I would first check your ground connection.Every car I have built I run a separate ground wire from the light housing to the frame.BD sells the tail light socket wiring parts so you do not need to replace the tail light.They are $6 each.Part number 40-13410-A for dual contact bulbs.If its only the spring you need you might find it in the hardware store.I will look and see if I have a spare.Sheldon

[JSeery]

Do you use any grease on the lights contacts? If not, you might give that a try.

[ford38v8]

Do not use aftermarket sockets. Replace the springs on the originals for best results. The aftermarket sockets use a single spring with a rocker, as opposed to individual springs for each contact.

[blucar]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

If you paint the inside of the light body with while paint, the light (s) will be brighter. Of course you should also check the wiring.
Many people think that silver paint works well, not so, white is the most reflective.

[Phil Gillespie]

Thanks for all advice much appreciated. Will strip out the fittings, clean up, replace contact spring, as said originals still use a spring for each contact. Paint internal white and run an earth from lamp housing to frame.


Does the wire for fuel tank gauge run together with these rear wires as drwgs suggest it does. This is my thinking as when checking getting 6v at the light wire and stop light wire. but none at the wire i suspect is for fuel tank gauge which would seem correct.
I do not have any turn signals fitted. Still happy with the hand signals.
Phil NZ

[mike in tucson]

I also found on my 39 that the glass lenses were of two different transmission...one was noticeably darker than the other (and a different manufacturer). I finally found two lenses of the same manufacturer that equalized my tail lamp brightness.

[JSeery]

Originally Posted by Phil Gillespie

Does the wire for fuel tank gauge run together with these rear wires as drwgs suggest it does. This is my thinking as when checking getting 6v at the light wire and stop light wire. but none at the wire i suspect is for fuel tank gauge which would seem correct. Phil NZ

The fuel wire acts as a ground to the fuel gauge. The grounding is through the tank unit of course. Power into the gauge and then grounded through the tank unit. The wires run together along the frame rail on the LHD cars.

[Phil Gillespie]

I've got the rear light socket sorted. Stripped it out mamaged to free up spring and clean up contact surfaces. Painted internal white. lamp is now a good firm fit in holder. Looks like previous owner had solved the issue by just building up lamp base contact with solder!
Just to refit when dry and all should be good.
Thank you J.Serry the wire is indeed the fuel gauge wire it helps to have ignition turned on for the power suppy.
Phil NZ

[JSeery]

Originally Posted by Phil Gillespie

...the wire is indeed the fuel gauge wire it helps to have ignition turned on for the power supply. Phil NZ

Yep, that helps!

[Phil Gillespie]

So its all back together. Looks good now with inside surface painted white good even brightness from both sides at drive lights and brake lights.
And evn fuel gauge is working as before.
Again many thanks for all recieved advice for improvements.
Phil NZ

[blucar]

Many people are not aware of the fact that several of the electric systems in cars, old and new are controlled by switching the ground, in lieu of the hot wire. Fuel gauge senders are one of those. Interior lights generally is another.