Lamp Sockets

[idiocrates]

I'm trying to do some repair work on the electrical system in my a1. Has anyone ever found a source for replacement light bulb sockets like the ones in the front grill of the a1? I'm not to concerned about the flat mounting plate in the rear of the fixture but the socket that mounts on that plate.....[img]
front_lamp_socket by idiocrates, on Flickr[/img]
I've tried most of the normal automotive places like NAPA and O-Reilly's, and Grainger and several local body shops.....with no real luck so any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks.
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Jim

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'?? - M38A-1

[acengraver]

These are on ebay right now and look like they could be adapted.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Two-Single-Contact-Light-Bulb-Sockets-/350652529596?_trksid=p2047675.m1850&_trkparms=aid%3D222001%26algo%3DSIC.CURRENT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D11%26meid%3D3805011562855123150%26pid%3D100011%26prg%3D1005%26rk%3D1%26sd%3D350626735014%26

[RICKG]

Jim, I converted mine to a double filament set-up so i could
run turn signals so i have the 2 original set-ups, clean and ready
to bolt in. PM me if interested.
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keep 'em rollin'
RICKG MC 51986 DOD 01-52, '50 CJ3a

[Fes001]

http://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/empty-bases-sockets/ba15-base-wired-sockets/171/

Try these...

[wesk]

You'll want the BAY15D socket with two contacts and offset pin slots.
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Wes K
45 MB, 51 M38, 54 M37, 66 M101A1, 60 CJ5, 76 DJ5D, 47Bantam T3-C & 5? M100

Mjeeps photo album: http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules.php?set_albumName=Wes-Knettle&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php

[idiocrates]

thanks, gentlemen......these are the exact sockets I've been looking at. All I need to do is confirm the distance between the screw holes. even if they don't fit exactly I figure I can always make a small plate that spans the holes in the fixture and screw these sockets to the plate.

I wasn't planning on adding turn indicators to the jeep since it'll never be put on a public road so I'll just stick with the single element socket. I've been toying with the idea of leaving the existing BO covers and lenses on the fixtures and simply removing the shutters.....then put a high intensity orange led bulb in the base and see what it looks like.

Thanks, everyone, for the helpful suggestions.
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Jim

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'?? - M38A-1

[timjuhl]

When I restored my Jeep I modified the front and rear lights to allow for the use of turn signals without changing the outward appearance of the vehicle. I removed the masks from the front lights and replaced the badly corroded sockets with ones I made by modifying a lamp socket designed to snap in over a license plate. I simply bent the "ears" over, snipped off the excess and drilled holes the proper distance apart. I then removed the single contact electrical connector and replaced it with a dual contact unit. While I'm sure there are other lamp sockets that would work, these were readily available and easy to modify. One plus, the length of the tabs made it easy to adjust the socket position so it would clear the back of the lamp unit when installed. I modified the wiring so the turn signals are functional anytime the master electrical switch is "on" and have it set so the dimmer of the two front filaments goes on with the headlights.

I am pleased with the result - while the lamps are not as bright as modern units they do show up, especially in dim light. I still use hand signals but all the time I wonder who nowadays would even know what the signals mean...

Tim


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Tim Juhl
1952 M38A1
1946 Aeronca L16A Army Liaison Aircraft

[Fes001]

Tim, can you post a pic from the rea of the light? Thanks

Jeff

[timjuhl]

Jeff,
I'm not sure if I got what you asked for but here is a Pix.

There is a rubber plug that is placed in the hole from inside the lamp assembly. Part of the problem in making a new socket is adjusting the depth the socket goes into the lamp assembly as it must clear the rubber plug when installed.

If you don't have the rubber plug, you could probably make one from a rubber stopper (cork) obtainable from a better hardware store.

If you wanted to see something else, let me know what it is and I'll see if I have anything. The lamp is installed and I've published pretty much all the pix I took of the conversion process.

Tim
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Tim Juhl
1952 M38A1
1946 Aeronca L16A Army Liaison Aircraft

[Xamon]

The original socket has that second piece of metal that actualy presses the seal in place, did you put that in behind yours?
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Carievale Saskatchewan Canada
http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules.php?set_albumName=album210&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php

[timjuhl]

Xamon,
I'm not sure if your question was for me but I'll answer anyway. It was originally my intention to use the piece you mentioned by nesting the new unit in it but in the end I simply installed the new socket. There is no danger of the rubber plug coming out, in fact, the base of the new socket serves pretty much the same purpose that the original piece did. Since the wires move slightly when the bulb is removed, you have to allow a slight amount of slack for that purpose. Where the wires protrude from the rubber plug I sealed the hole with a small amount of black silicone.

Tim
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Tim Juhl
1952 M38A1
1946 Aeronca L16A Army Liaison Aircraft

[Xamon]

Yup thats exactly what I was asking Tim. Thanks.
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Carievale Saskatchewan Canada
http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules.php?set_albumName=album210&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php