Brake Light Light Bulbs in 1979 Scamp/Reflect-o-lite (And, how to clean up old fixtur

[Zennifer]

Hi! I need to know what the BIG light bulb is (i think it's the brake light/blinker light) in this light fixture! Silly me - I broke it trying to get it out, and the housing is completely rusted and unable to be read. And the silliest part - it wasn't burned out. Just very dim (understandably so due to the rust on the connection!)


Also, how should/can I clean up the rust on the old fixture, so it will function as well as it can? I'm assuming the other side will be the same. Also, when I reinstall the lens, should I use butyl tape around it? There is nothing to keep water out of the light- the screws are all rusted, and that big, top facing bulb socket was, too.


Thanks!

[Iowa Dave]

Those old two filament buns were sometimes 1034’s and a lot Of times 1157’s. The difference is where the lock posts are. Either offset on the bulb 1157 or directly across from each other (1034)
Once you get the bulb out ( I’d spray the base with a lubricant like wrench eze) you may be able to see the number on the side of the base.

When I need to clean one up I use my dremel tool, on very low speed with a wire wheel brush “bit”. Clean the socket and the contacts at the bottom. You can use Emery paper or crocus cloth to shine them up too if you don’t have a Dremel.

A non hardening sealant like butyl tape works pretty well. We used to use 3m black windshield sealant on boat trailer lights that got submerged and sealed the lens and the wire base where it went into the fixture. I always got new sheet metal screws. Looks better and easier to remove,

Hope this helps.
Old timers (75 plus are welcome to pile on)
Iowa Dave

[mary and bob]

I'm 75 plus, actually only 76. I have a brush that is made especially to clean bulb sockets. It is similar to the hand wire brushes that plumbers use to clean copper pipe fittings before soldering. The bulb socket brush may be made by KD Tools and a auto parts store may have them. If a new bulb is loose in the socket you can slightly bend in the socket at the slots for the bulb pins. Note that the pins are offset if it is a two filament bulb.

[Iowa Dave]

Those little hand brushes are pretty handy. My brother and brother in law both had one. I had forgot till you mentioned it. I have a couple of the battery post and cable cleaner tools but that brush is too big for the sockets and I’ve had the Dremel for many years so I naturally turn to it. Those KD specialty tools are usually pretty darn good and affordable.
Iowa Dave

[Travel Hawk]

Have you considered replacing the rear light assemblies with LED ones?

[mary and bob]

Originally Posted by Iowa Dave

Those little hand brushes are pretty handy. My brother and brother in law both had one. I had forgot till you mentioned it. I have a couple of the battery post and cable cleaner tools but that brush is too big for the sockets and I’ve had the Dremel for many years so I naturally turn to it. Those KD specialty tools are usually pretty darn good and affordable.
Iowa Dave

It looks like KD Tools was bought by Gearwrench. I can't find the bulb socket brush on their website. KD number was 189 but apparently no longer available. OEM Tools has a similar brush, #25237. So here we go again, this old guy had something he liked, wanted another, and it's no longer available. That's what ticks me off, (to quote Vic DiBitetto)

[Zennifer]

Thanks- offset and it was definitely 2 filiment before I broke it!



We are debating replacing with LED, but are running out of time for replacing before our first trip to do it, so I'm wanting to clean them up, maybe replace with LED light bulbs, and see what it's like then. I do like the vintage look

[AC0GV]

Originally Posted by Zennifer

Thanks- offset and it was definitely 2 filiment before I broke it!

Years ago, when there was a difference in wattage, the bases were the same but the 1034 (23 watts) was common in GM and 1157 ( 26.88 watts) were common in others. The 1157 was much brighter and hotter. Today the lamp you buy may be marked 1034/1157. If you do go LED ( I would) I'd order red, as the LED will be brighter and look pink in an old lens.

https://www.amazon.com/EverBright-BA...%2C220&sr=8-11

[drdoyle]

Reinstall new bulbs with a heavy smear of Dow 111 silicone grease on the metal base and contacts. This has proven effective on my marine lights in Salt water.

[bradleybhiking]

Go to an a company that sells ammo, like Academy Sports or a local gun shop and get a gun cleaning brush. It is a brass brush that is available from 1/4" to a little over 1/2 " diameter. Be sure to measure the size of the socket before you go.

[Zennifer]

Thank you! Installing the new bulbs today and leaving tomorrow!