cleaning sockets for tail lights

[RSOHC]

I have poor grounds at each of the 6 tail light sockets.  What is the procedure for getting to the back side of the sockets?  I believe that I need to clean the sockets with steel wool or perhaps add some grounding wires to each of the sockets.  From the inside of the trunk it looks like the panel is welded in place and I can see the pointed end of some screws.  I currently have the lenses removed and don't know the next step.   

Lauran

[Coralsnake]

The fiberglas panel needs to come off to access the housings and wiring

[JWH]

Make sure to steel wool both the socket itself AND the socket hole in the housing where the socket plugs in. If my memory is working, there are ground wires that run from the tail light housing to the body of the car. Check those and make sure they are in good condition, clean and tightly connected. Using steel wool on the sockets and housing and cleaning the ground wire to the body eliminated my tail light gremlins. Oh, and while you have it apart, it would be a good time to pop in new tail light bulbs if you would like.
Jeff

[RSOHC]

does the bumper need to come off to access the fasteners for the fiberglass panel?

[Coralsnake]

Ah yes, you stand on the top of the "slippery slope

"

[mr68shelby]

And there is a "Light Socket Brush Kit" for cleaning inside the sockets themselves. IPA Tools #8086. I think they are around $20 online. Easier than trying to get into the sockets with sandpaper or steel wool for me. Mike

[JWH]

Here is a picture I took while working on the tail lights of the wire that grounds the housing to the body. The connector probably is not original or correct, but wanted to make sure you know this ground wire needs to be on your car and what to look for.
Jeff

[TedS]

And there is a "Light Socket Brush Kit" for cleaning inside the sockets themselves. IPA Tools #8086. I think they are around $20 online. Easier than trying to get into the sockets with sandpaper or steel wool for me. Mike

Thanks Mike. I've been wondering if there was,something like this. I found them on Amazon and Ebay.

Ted

[CharlesTurner]

Has anyone tried copper solder?

[roddster]

  Rather than steel wool, I'd try a stainless steel wire brush.  Less mess and no weird loose steel wool getting in the wrong place.

[98SVT - was 06GT]

  Rather than steel wool, I'd try a stainless steel wire brush.  Less mess and no weird loose steel wool getting in the wrong place.

Or a scotchbrite pad. You can wrap it around a 1/4" dowel and use a drill to clean them fast and easy.

[RSOHC]

I have purchased a pair of reproduction tail light pig tails.  Included are 6 copper washers.  Does anyone know how the copper washers are meant to be installed.  I have tried installing them on the back side of the metal tail light buckets and three of the six sockets do not stay in place when installing the 1157 light bulbs.  Do I need to replace the metal tail light buckets?

Lauran

[Coralsnake]

I asked the manufacturer to create these several years ago.

Please know they are not oem parts. Many sockets are loose in the housings. This it makes it very difficult to change a bulb if needed and if you push the socket out, you get to disassemble the entire rear of the car...

So, the ring pushes onto the socket from the reflector side. The small teeth will hold the socket tight, thus eliminating floppy socket syndrome. A deep well socket works well, while holding the socket from the back.

[RSOHC]

What are some ways of connecting a ground wire to each of the six light sockets?  Perhaps some brass shim stock soldered to the wire and then placing the shim stock between the light bulb socket and the steel tail light housing?

Lauran

[RSOHC]

The new wiring assembly is installed with copper washers and no extra ground wires. 




(1) When I turn on the left blinker, there is weak sequential lighting of the three left tail lights and the 3 right tail lights come on weak without sequencing.

(2) When I turn on the right blinker, there is weak sequential lighting of the three right tail lights and the 3 left tail light come on weak without sequencing.

(3) When the high and low beam tail lights are on, all 6 tail lights are on and are strong.

(4) When the emergency flasher is on , all 6 tail lights are on and are weak. 

Do I need to install the old dynamite sticks or the ground wires connecting the screws in the steel tail light piece?

Lauran