The Ford Barn

naijkee · 10-04-2018, 11:21 AM

Hi!

Trying to sort out a bunch of stuff on my Ford 1939. The electric wiring was all changed out in 70’s , with only black wires everywhere. I have sorted it all out and now Im at the tail lights. What is the original wiring in the taillights on a Ford 1939? I have two wires connecting to the light, running and brake light, but nothing happends. The ground is the metal ”plate” yes? I just cant seem to make it work. Starting to think that I have the wrong socket connectors! (See picture) It was and still is a mess. The left light had a bulb with two connectors in the bottom, the right light had a bulb with a single connector in the bottom. But BOTH lights had two connector in the socket, and they both worked when I dissambled them. The connectors and sockets where in a bad state, so bought new, but now, no light in either one of them. Fuses is good!

Sorry for my english, not my first language!

/ Niklas

rotorwrench · 10-04-2018, 12:37 PM

Ground or earth is the fender + attachment to body and frame. One wire for brake light and one for running light. Make sure attachment to fender is clean. Here is a link to a diagram. http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/F...1938-39car.jpg
Diagram for circuit: http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/F...ing1939dlx.jpg

Wiring harness reproductions are available here in US but it may be expensive to ship overseas.

JSeery · 10-04-2018, 03:18 PM

I would suggest a test light so you can see where along the wire current is present. You could start at the connection to the tail light fixture and work your way forward.

marko39 · 10-04-2018, 03:47 PM

it may be easier to buy new wire harness. i did that for my 39 and it was worth it. Mark

naijkee · 10-05-2018, 06:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSeery

I would suggest a test light so you can see where along the wire current is present. You could start at the connection to the tail light fixture and work your way forward.

I have a multimeter and I have current in the cables. Im leaning to that the ground is to weak!

What bulb is the best for original wiring/housing?

TJ · 10-05-2018, 08:59 AM

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The phenolic washer that holds the wires usually has a tab on it so the wires are held in place in the socket when you twist in the bulb and the contacts line up. if the washer cannot be held in place it may be twisting when the bulb is put in and the contacts are not lining up. Therefore no lights.

JSeery · 10-05-2018, 11:56 AM

Have you checked from the contacts inside the socket to ground with your multimeter?

10-04-2018, 12:37 PM	#2
rotorwrench Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 16,440	Re: 1939 Tail light groundwiring/socket Ground or earth is the fender + attachment to body and frame. One wire for brake light and one for running light. Make sure attachment to fender is clean. Here is a link to a diagram. http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/F...1938-39car.jpg Diagram for circuit: http://www.vanpeltsales.com/FH_web/F...ing1939dlx.jpg Wiring harness reproductions are available here in US but it may be expensive to ship overseas.

10-04-2018, 03:18 PM	#3
JSeery Member Emeritus Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Wichita KS Posts: 16,132	Re: 1939 Tail light groundwiring/socket I would suggest a test light so you can see where along the wire current is present. You could start at the connection to the tail light fixture and work your way forward.

10-04-2018, 03:47 PM	#4
marko39 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: harpursville ny Posts: 1,040	Re: 1939 Tail light groundwiring/socket it may be easier to buy new wire harness. i did that for my 39 and it was worth it. Mark

10-05-2018, 08:59 AM	#6
TJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Napa,California Posts: 6,037	Re: 1939 Tail light groundwiring/socket Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) The phenolic washer that holds the wires usually has a tab on it so the wires are held in place in the socket when you twist in the bulb and the contacts line up. if the washer cannot be held in place it may be twisting when the bulb is put in and the contacts are not lining up. Therefore no lights.

10-05-2018, 11:56 AM	#7
JSeery Member Emeritus Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Wichita KS Posts: 16,132	Re: 1939 Tail light groundwiring/socket Have you checked from the contacts inside the socket to ground with your multimeter?