Parking Light Socket Problems!?
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Elder User
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From: S.C.
Parking Light Socket Problems!?
I have the stock 54 vallance and park light assemblies, will be running 12 volt system with aftermarket wire harness and purchased parking light sockets and pigtails from Mid-Fifty's.
Here's the problem...the sockets dont fit the housing (socket is too small).
Are the 1956 (12 volt) and 1954 (6 volt) sockets the same diameter and\or Wired the same?
My understanding is that the socket should press into the hole of the housing and ground thru the housing.
Has someone purchased a socket from another vender which fit the 54 correctly? The 1954 hole is apx. 3\4 " inch in diameter.
any help is appreciated.
thanks, Ed
Here's the problem...the sockets dont fit the housing (socket is too small).
Are the 1956 (12 volt) and 1954 (6 volt) sockets the same diameter and\or Wired the same?
My understanding is that the socket should press into the hole of the housing and ground thru the housing.
Has someone purchased a socket from another vender which fit the 54 correctly? The 1954 hole is apx. 3\4 " inch in diameter.
any help is appreciated.
thanks, Ed
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,561
Likes: 1
From: Earth
I had no sockets, I used the male/female crimp fittings that you can get almost anywhere. I believe they are called a "Bullet Disconnect" and are in the link I am posting below. The only sockets I had were for my headlights and they came with my wiring harness, Painless Wiring kit.
http://www.boatus.com/boattech/casey/05.htm
http://www.boatus.com/boattech/casey/05.htm
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Durham NC
The bulb bases are the same size, so the sockets should be as well unless you bought sockets that are for dual filiment bulbs to get parkand turn lights, the OEM wre single filiment bulbs, no turn lights. Does the new socket have one or two leads? Shouldn't be too hard to make an adapter, get a 3/4" chrome sink block off plug in the plumbing dept at your local DIY store and bore a hole in it to fit the new socket. Bend out the gripper tabs for a permanent/tighter install.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: NM
Even some single/dual filament bulbs are the same diameter. I replaced my single-filament parking light sockets with new dual filament type. Beware tho, the dual filament socket needs to sit deeper in the mount or the 1157 bulb won't clear the lens. (this is on '51-'52)
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Elder User
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From: S.C.
Thanks all, I was referring to the bulb bases with my fit issue, and yes they are the duel fill. 1157- 2 wire base, and yes they are hitting the lens as well.
I guess with everything else custom I should have expected to need to work on this as well.
I think another trip to the local hardware store is coming.
Ed
I guess with everything else custom I should have expected to need to work on this as well.
I think another trip to the local hardware store is coming.
Ed
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 8,813
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From: Littleton, New Hampshire
Originally Posted by ALBUQ F-1
the dual filament socket needs to sit deeper in the mount or the 1157 bulb won't clear the lens. (this is on '51-'52)
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: oh
Yes I have the same trouble with the mid-50 wire front end parts I bought at supernats. They have not called back yet!!!! I am stuck with no answers till then. I think they want to sell me headlights and ??? too!!! Disgusted!!! Why sell repop wire harnesses that do NOT fit stock trucks!!!!????? bILL
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Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Durham NC
Originally Posted by WALFORD'S 56
Yes I have the same trouble with the mid-50 wire front end parts I bought at supernats. They have not called back yet!!!! I am stuck with no answers till then. I think they want to sell me headlights and ??? too!!! Disgusted!!! Why sell repop wire harnesses that do NOT fit stock trucks!!!!????? bILL
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Roast em' if you got 'em
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From: Rio Rancho, NM
Originally Posted by GreatNorthWoods
Also true for 48-50 parking light assemblies...
Bobby
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From: S.C.
I should'nt have a problem customizing the base\socket issue...it's just more time spent in the gargage with a "cold drink".
But I dont want anyone to mis-understand the frustration and think I'm bustin of Mid-Fifty. On the contrary, they are helping us with parts for very old trucks (mine is 53 yrs. young this year)! I always hope there is a simple answer that I just dont know yet, but usually there has to be some imagination involved and that's why I appreciate those of you that lend a thought on these things. When I get it solved I'll try to post a pic or two to show and possible help someone else. As it stands I am awaiting a call back when the guru at Mid-Fiftys get back this week, so we'll see from there.
p.s., got my aftermarket door latch problem fixed with a drill out and re-tap to correct thread size.
But I dont want anyone to mis-understand the frustration and think I'm bustin of Mid-Fifty. On the contrary, they are helping us with parts for very old trucks (mine is 53 yrs. young this year)! I always hope there is a simple answer that I just dont know yet, but usually there has to be some imagination involved and that's why I appreciate those of you that lend a thought on these things. When I get it solved I'll try to post a pic or two to show and possible help someone else. As it stands I am awaiting a call back when the guru at Mid-Fiftys get back this week, so we'll see from there.
p.s., got my aftermarket door latch problem fixed with a drill out and re-tap to correct thread size.
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Anopther way to illuminate
I had rusted out sockets on my 52. I simply removed the socket remains and fastened a rectangular marker light, minus the lens, on what tin was left. Remounted the original lens, and I was good to go. It was brighter than I expected, as well. This is a driver, so it may not be the thing to do to a show truck.
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: oh
Axracer--is my 56 style bulbs that bad? I would change if they are. So far have not driven at night,but you bring up a good idea. I am sure if new bulbs are that much better--I should switch. Wouldn't it put more pressure on the headlight switch? I am not that wiring saavy. Not at much else either-haha!!! I will call mid-50 tomorrow and ask if their headlights are brighter. Big trucks need more light on the road--and to blind little foreign cars in front of me-LOL!!! Bill
Junior User
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It turns out that the sockets for the parking light bases are soldered in (at least on mine). I sweated out the old corroded socket and soldered in a new one I found at the local Kragen for 3.99. Worked great and fit perfect. In order to get the old one out I used a propane tourch to get it good and hot.
Postmaster
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Originally Posted by WALFORD'S 56
Axracer--is my 56 style bulbs that bad? I would change if they are. So far have not driven at night,but you bring up a good idea. I am sure if new bulbs are that much better--I should switch. Wouldn't it put more pressure on the headlight switch? I am not that wiring saavy. Not at much else either-haha!!! I will call mid-50 tomorrow and ask if their headlights are brighter. Big trucks need more light on the road--and to blind little foreign cars in front of me-LOL!!! Bill
My wiring is new and it does not appear to be an issue with mine. However, I could put a relay in line if it needed it.