OldIHC

This has probably been covered, but, where can I purchase the above in order to "rebuild" all my old taillamps?
I have done several internet searches.
To be clear...NOT a threaded socket
Instead, an automotive socket that accepts 1157 style two-pin bulbs AND has a threaded base so I can have fresh electrical contact surfaces between the bulbs and sockets.
These taillamps obviously have a nut that threads onto the end in order to secure the taillamp to it's mounting surface...bed pockets whatever.

I'm answering my own question. Maybe someone else knows something I don't.
After searching the internet, ebay and calling Charlesworth Auto Electric in Visalia, CA, i've come to the conclusion that you bead-blast the housings or sockets to get a good electrical connection again but you only repace the spring-loaded socket connector insert (comes with wires).
OR you replace the light housings with new or NOS.
The actual threaded-base 1157 sockets are either no longer available or very scarce.
If anyone knows a source for them please let me know.
I REALLY like the look of the old, original stuff.

Got a pic of it? Pigtails are easy to find and most come with a new spring. If you run across any that use a rubber grommet thingy instead of a spring,avoid them. The contacts tend to sink into the rubber in time and then you get either no or intermittent contact, every Peterbilt I've driven had that problem.Put regular pigtails in some with a dab of sillycone to seal the wire holes and problem solved.

You might find something here;
http://www.colehersee.com/home/catalogs/

Or go to NAPA and look thru the Belden printed catalog. (I think that's the right one?) Lots of good stuff in it.

Smog Guy

Is this what you are looking for.

Thanks Trevor and Scottso.
The sockets would be extended with threads. Must've been very common at one time. I can't say for sure but I don't see threads on the bottom of these pictures?
On my current project both 3/8" and 7/16" fine thread.
The length of the thread...one inch plus?
I'll take pictures tonight.

This is what I'm looking for.
The slots are the result of me cutting off the rusted-on nut. I won't abuse any more of these. They're too scarce.
This particular one is 3/8 fine thread.
Some are for two pin 1157 style bulbs and some are for single pin style.
Anyone know of a source for new ones?

Well,between this thread and OD Steves headlight thread I've learned way more than I'll ever need to know about automotive bulbs!

Don,I forgot to ask if this was for 6 or 12 volt bulbs. Not that it matters that much except 1157 are 12V and have only been around since the late 50's.

Anyway, I found a little info along with some viable solutions...

If it were me I'd make my own,all the parts are easy to get (see links below) so they'd be exactly what I want. I'd use the brass threaded tube/nuts for a few reasons,one being it's easy to solder. I'd solder a nut same as you sweat solder copper pipe to the very end of the tube which would then rest at the bottom of the socket and run a nut against the the outside,snug it up and wallah! Maybe a drop of thread locker wouldn't hurt either. I'd also seal it with coat or two of Plasti Dip around the outer nut. But that's just me...


I didn't look at every link in the Google searches,there's way too many.

Here's everything I looked for;

What to look for in bulb base/socket type...
BA15s = Bayonet single contact / Straight lug bulbs ie;1156
BA15d = Bayonet double contact / Straight lug bulbs ie;1176 (1176 same function as 1157)
BAY15d = Bayonet double contact/ Indexed (offset) lug bulbs ie;1157


Search results;
BA15s
https://www.google.com/#q=BA15S+socket+

BA15d
https://www.google.com/#q=BA15D%20socket

BAY15d
https://www.google.com/#q=BAY15D+socket

To make your own;
Part #: 47-21184-1 "blank" BA15 socket
http://www.macsautoparts.com/early_v8_f ... &x=13&y=11


Lamp tubes (1/8 IP)
http://www.bplampsupply.com/category/17 ... pples--rod
Nuts for above
http://www.bplampsupply.com/category/21 ... -vase-caps
Above site links are for reference only. (They have brass and the best pics lol)

Lamp making parts Search;
https://www.google.com/#q=lamp+making+parts

I found these by using the "Images" link in the Google search. (I find alot of things this way)
Pre made;
BA15d base w/ 1/8 IP stub (seem too short? to me)
http://www.bulbspro.com/oem-double-cont ... leads.html

http://www.atlantalightbulbs.com/ecart/ ... escription

http://www.grandbrass.com/ShowItem.cfm? ... %20Sockets


Bulb catalogs
Wagner Lighting
http://www.fme-cat.com/digipubZ/Wagner- ... gipubZ.pdf
More info than you could ever need about bulbs!

SYLVANIA
http://sylvaniaautomotivecatalog.wbdev. ... px?mbid=1#


Plasti Dip (Carried at Home Depot)
http://www.plastidip.com/home_solutions/Plasti_Dip

I've used Plasti Dip for years and it works great.

Did I miss anything?

Thanks, Scotso. Lots to look at.

Yes, you are right, scottso, no reason I can't make my own bulb sockets. Thank you!