RatDog

I bought LED replacement bulbs for the backup bulbs in my '67. What I'd like to know is how the heck do I get the existing bulbs out? I'm pushing while turning counterclockwise trying to get these bayonet bulbs out but, so far, no joy. There's very little room to get my fat fingers in there to get a good grip.

Steve

Nowhere Man

can you feel the bulb moving back. or is the spring stuck?

66jack

Get a piece of 5/8" heater hose...cut/split one end in 3 symmetrical spots so the hose will splay out around the bulb...push and twist...the hose will spread around the bulb...but dont cut/split to deep or it wont GRIP...

RatDog

At first, l didn't get any front to back movement but I fiddled with it and was able to get them to move, but not enough to get them out. The problem is there's not enough room in the fixture to get a good grip.

Steve

Frankie the Fink

Cool idea and might save some bloody fingers.

RatDog

Nice! I'll give that a go in the AM.


Thanks,
Steve

wmf62

if all else fails; break the glass and use pliers to take the base out of the socket

Bill

RatDog

Bill - that was my backup plan if all else fails.

ohiovet

I agree with wmf62 , break the bulb and use needle nose pliers or a flat blade screwdriver to get them out. When installing the new bulbs lubricate with an appropriate grease.
Bruce B

tuxnharley

yup, been there done that. Needle nose pliers work well for getting in between the bulb base and the socket after you beak the glass.

However, before any of that I'd try spraying some WD-40 in there and let it sit for a couple days. I'd guess the bulbs have been inhere a longvtime and there may be some corrosion.

You'll probably want to clean up the sockets after you get the old bulbs out. Try a pencil with some fine sandpaper wrapped around the eraser end. Then use some dielectric grease on the new fittings.

rnixon

For me, external snap ring pliers work better than needle nose, use them inside the bulb base

59BlueSilver

Good idea also.

RatDog

Hey Bruce - I wish these LED replacement bulbs were as easy to work with as your LED taillight replacements.

I finally got one of the backup bulbs out but the LED replacement won't won't seat. The base of the bulb seems just a hair too long. I'm thinking I can file down the contact on the base of the bulb a little.

I also bought LEDs for the 3 courtesy bulbs and, of course, they are too short by a hair LOL. They're loose in the socket. Thinking of building up the solder connections on the base a little.

Steve

Frankie the Fink

I've also used a circular loop of that blue painter's tape on my fingertips and the bulb surface to get enough grip to remove them. Sometimes the glass breaks and even with pliers the b!tch ain't coming out without total destruction. DISCONNECT the battery before you go medieval on the thing just for safety reasons... A little vaseline or dielectric grease will keep the corrosion down if used sparingly. Yes, I know dielectric is an insulator but the bulb contacts will make a good connection nonetheless.

Frankie the Fink

Both of those methods will work fine. But first make sure the spring loaded sockets for the exterior lights have full travel...those things crud up and bind quite often.

RatDog

Everything looks clean and shiny and new back there And I can "wiggle " the bulbs in their sockets. Looks like the backup fixture may have been replaced during the car's restoration.

Entirely possible the problem lies with the repro fixture, not the bulbs.

Steve

Frankie the Fink

I can almost guarantee it.

RatDog

I'm going to try that, Frank, if I can twist my 70 year old bones into the required position to see and work on the sockets. Definitely going to have to remove the Vintage Air under dash vents (and pop an extra pain med).

I had no idea this simple task was going to turn into a project. I might as well go ahead and replace the engine and transmission while I'm at it

Steve

Frankie the Fink

Yeah - there are no simple jobs when you get older and its hard to remember how you did it last time.

Hell, at this point, I'm lucky I have my pants on when I leave the house.

Its disturbing this time of year because at Festivus I can only do the Airing of Grievances, my ability to do the Feats of Strength is pathetic now...

Roger Walling

After you get the LED in, you may have a problem with them not flashing due to the low current draw. Or they may flash too fast.


http://www.bugmanweb.com/gsxr/flasher.html