Light Socket problem
 

76 F250 4X4

Im having troubles finding the correct light sockets for my taillights and front turn signals. The factory sockets have been failing on me, the insides are corroding and the light bulbs are not getting a good connection. I cant seem to find the right sockets. I bought a couple from Shucks, and they will fit into the light, but when I put the bulb into it and put it into the light, the bulb hits the lens. So, I just have to set them into the light assembly, and tape the heck out of them. I used one on a taillight, it fit all the way in, but the bulb is way too close to the lens. It melted the taillight, and it is now cracked. Anybody know where I can get a replacement light socket, that actually fits?

are you 100% sure you have the right bulb?

Using 1157?
 

That does sound strange, because these are pretty standard bulbs. You could try taking the socket out of the junkyard. I'm pretty sure all the full size ford cars up to the late eighties took the same bulbs. Plus, the ones out of the cars will probably have been better taken care of than the truck ones, and have less corrosion. The junkyard is where I get all my bulbs.
Make sure you are using the 1157 bulb for your taillights (double filament). It should look like this: http://www.headwinds.com/images/8-9011.jpg :-tap

Good luck!

Did you consider buying light sockets from FTE sponsors like www.blueovaltruckparts.com


In stores, The 1157 has been replaced with the 2057.

I am using the 1157 bulbs. I guess I will go to a junkyard and try to find some sockets in good condition. I have the '73 style clear turn signals and '73 taillights I just remembered, if that helps any.

Trey, be a cheap arse like me and just spray those sockets with an anti-corrosive. Most any auto parts store will carry the sprays. They'll disolve the corrosion and give you a good contact. Then spray some WD40 in there to keep it from getting gunked up again or if you can find it a good di-electric grease will do the trick.

Sure you weren't just hung over when you were fiddling with the bulbs? :-X03

I guess I would know that if I ever bought new parts. Thanks Dennis!

My taillight sockets were beyond repairable. Ive also had problems with the wires that go into the back of the socket, I'd have to wiggle them to get them to come on. When I got my highboy it was a wiring nightmare. I drove it 70 miles home in the dark with just one headlight, 5 clearance lights, and my maglight the night I bought it.

Is it possible that a local Ford dealer may carry the right sockets, if I dont want to get used ones?

yes they have them. they are the same for 73-79 ford trucks and some early 80's vans.

1973 tailight asymblies are different than 1974 to 1979.

On the '73 the tailight housing where the sockets are is metal, and the lens is a seperate piece with four screws instead of two. simular to the 1967 to 1972 tailights. Finding the gaskets were a nightmare for the lenses on mine.

You should be able to unplug the brake light harness from the chassis harness on the left side of the truck and transfer the brake wiring harness from a 1974 to 1979 in its spot with sockets attached. No splicing wires etc..

You should also be able to find the sockets and tailights for a 1974 79, out of a 1975 to 1991 econoline van, you will have to splice wires with this method though..

You will need the 74 to 79 tailights but you said one was cracked and melted anyway.

I know it was a pain to get a 73 tailight lens when I broke one, in 1990.

Hope I listed some helpful options for you.

Also off subject a bit, I see brand new motor homes with 1974 to 1979 ford F-series tailights in them. Interesting that.

Trey, I bought completely brand new housings off Ebay for my 73.... have you looked there?????

Shot in the dark but you never know....