Topic: More 1939 tail light help


JKrieger1976    -- 07-22-2019 @ 2:22 PM
  Hi all, I just bought new wiring for the taillights in the 39 Mercury as the original wiring is very worn out. The question I have is this, does anyone have an example of what this should look like? I am not sure I understand what is holding the wiring into the socket, and holding the socket to the inside of the bezel. I also would also like to understand if there is an aftermarket socket available. Is there an old catalog or a diagram that any one has that would show me what it looked like in 1939? What have you all done?


TomO    -- 07-23-2019 @ 7:32 AM
  Your socket looks OK. The socket can be re-wired using a kit available from most Early Ford V-8 vendors. Here is a link to the kit from Dennis Carpenter.

https://www.dennis-carpenter.com/en/trucks/lighting/taillight/40-13410-taillight-wiring-wout-socket

To install it, you remove the phenolic circle from the light and install the new one with wires.

If you have the socket with springs on the terminals, I think Rhode Island wiring may have those. Call them and explain what you need.

To replace that type, push the old wires up through the socket and cut off the terminal and save the springs. Thread the new wires into the socket and out the part where the bulb is, put the springs on and solder the new terminals on the wires.

If this isn't clear to you please post your concerns and maybe I can give you a better explanation.

Tom


JKrieger1976    -- 07-31-2019 @ 5:26 PM
  Tom,

I bought the new harness from c and g, and am wondering if anyone makes a repro version of the piece below. I am having a heck of a time removing the old socket from the housing. I am thinking it was either soldered in or painted over. I appreciate any help.


TomO    -- 07-31-2019 @ 7:32 PM
  When I rebuilt my taillights, I was able to use the original metal sockets and just had to replace the guts. I believe that the metal socket is brazed to the bracket.

Ron Francis has a universal replacement socket that may work for you. You may be able to modify the supplied flange to work with your taillight, otherwise you will have to remove the old socket, by heating everything until it loosens. or use a large drill the drill out the old socket.

http://www.ronfrancis.com/prodinfo.asp?number=PL%2D19

Tom


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