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C2 Tail Lights ---> advice

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Old May 21, 2026 | 03:04 PM
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Default C2 Tail Lights ---> advice

Struggling with new rear lighting installation on 65. Purchased new bezzles + LED lamps.

1. Lamps do not fit in bezzles! (LED or incondecent) .... fixture OD to small and not round.
2. Forced lamps into sockets but continuity (likely screwed up) - faults in lighting ( A. driving lights OK - Turn&Brake NOK .... manipulation --- B. Turn&Brake OK - but not when driving lights are on !)
3. Tried to install multiple times - bounce from A to B. ---- Knocked off nubs (on bulb) installing and won't be serviceable later on !
4. Tried reaming with grinder but worry about taking to much metal off ----

I assume all vendors are using same Manufactures --- thinking I may have to cut up fixture and Frakenstiene the New Chrome exterior and Old Fixture to make work ..... appreciate any of your thoughts!!
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Old May 21, 2026 | 03:22 PM
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Are you dealing with original body panels? Whose tail light assemblies did you buy? Trim Parts makes the housings that are exactly the same as originals.
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Old May 21, 2026 | 03:27 PM
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I have yet to find any LED bulbs that fit well and even newer incandescent bulbs often don't fit the sockets well. One trick I have found is to apply a dab of solder to the contacts that you can then file down if needed for a good fit.
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Old May 21, 2026 | 03:53 PM
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You'll have a lot of problem with the LED bulbs, depending on which ones you buy with such things as polarity and enough current to activate your flashers and lots of things LEDs are not an upgrade for me
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Old May 21, 2026 | 04:52 PM
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you do know there is a left inner and left outer and right inner and right outer right?
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Old May 21, 2026 | 05:02 PM
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Originally Posted by Nowhere Man
you do know there is a left inner and left outer and right inner and right outer right?
I have wondered how to tell the difference?
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Old May 21, 2026 | 05:06 PM
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Originally Posted by Limp
I have wondered how to tell the difference?
originals and trim parts has them embossed on the back
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Old May 21, 2026 | 05:10 PM
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If all else fails you, buy NOS USA made bulbs by GE/Westinghouse/Wagner/TungSol. Ebay should have them. They are the only ones I ever used.

Larry
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Old May 21, 2026 | 06:20 PM
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So, is the OP having trouble fitting the bezels to the body OR the bulbs to the sockets?? Wasn't crystal clear the first time I read his post.
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Old May 21, 2026 | 06:43 PM
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Some pictures of what you have going on will help. There are LEDs that work if that is the issue, but this seems like it is the bezels.
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Old May 21, 2026 | 09:10 PM
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I run LEDs in all the lights on my ‘64 coupe with no problems, but I used the oem bezels and just replaced the lenses and lights. I love them.

Can you post some pictures.






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Old May 21, 2026 | 09:17 PM
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I also have LEDs in every old car I have, front and rear. You will need a modern grounded signal light flasher and hazard light flasher for them to work, but fitment was no issue anywhere. I buy the bulbs that are color matched (1157 in red, 1157 in amber, for example) because that keeps the color true in the lenses which can can get washed out by bright white LED bulbs. Fitment has been no problem for me in any of my cars and they all have original lenses and sockets.
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Old May 22, 2026 | 08:38 AM
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I will add that a brush made for cleaning 1/2” copper pipe is the perfect size for cleaning and removing corrosion and oxidation from these light sockets. That might be part of your issue.

$5.00 on Amazon
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Last edited by Factoid; May 22, 2026 at 08:38 AM.
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