Tail Light Socket Replacements 71-72 R/T / 500 / Rallye Models

[ScatPacker]

I'm getting ready to recondition a set of 71 R/T Tail Light assemblies. The only place i could find for socket replacements were here. http://www.oemsurplus911.com/automotive/ligtsockets.htm

Does anyone have any sources or alternative model car socket replacements that would work.
Getting the original apart without damage is going to be a bear.

Open to any suggestions they are pretty rusted as you can see

Also does anyone know what color came from the factory with a triple black charger build.
i can't seem to find a pic on the net to see if they were argent or dark charcoal or maybe black
i saw an NOS complete assy rt side only on eBay that were black he wanted almost $1,000

Thanks

Bill

[71 SE3834V]

I used a Dorman part #85803 socket to replace a turn signal socket on my '71 SE. It has 2 terminals/wires in the socket that match up to the standard 1157 bulb. Figured out which one needed to be used for the turn sig & run light. I soldered a wire to the side of the socket to be used for the ground. Sealed everything up w/liquid elect. tape then taped it. Pried out the old socket with a small screwdriver or whatever you can and I used JB Weld to hold the new one in in addition to the tangs.

http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/search.oap?keyword=85803  

I don't have an answer on the color but when I asked about what the color of my SE tailights should be, I was shown pics of both Argent w/a little black stripe around each lense and Argent w/black shadowing in the recessed area. For some reason mine were black when I got it. I thought it looked good w/the black vinyl top & black headlight covers so I repainted them black.
Go w/whatever you like best unless you're trying to keep it original.  

[ACUDANUT]

Yes, you can use a standard 71 Charger taillamp housing and switch the wires around. Add your 71/72 louvered lenses and metal cover and your done.

[ScatPacker]

Thanks for the replies. I printed the thread and will definitly utilize this creative workaround. I came across some threads on other boards and using PPG's argent grille paint or even Totally Auto Grilles products and Krylon Graphite textured shimmer #2521 this was a very nice and fairly close combo of argent colors with black shadow came out nice. (pic). I happen to also find in my Hemi: The Ultimate American V-8 book a pic of a 71 Charger R/T Hemi Black with black louvers. (pic) and here is a pic of the black louver nos rt. side complete assembly.

Will followup with some pics when i'm done

Bill

[MrSnicks]

Yes, you can use a standard 71 Charger taillamp housing and switch the wires around. Add your 71/72 louvered lenses and metal cover and your done.

Do you have any pictures? I have 71 R/T bezels and lenses but no housings. If what you're saying is correct I can pickup standard housings, change the sockets and put my R/T lenses and bezels on those?

Patrick

[ACUDANUT]

 I am only going on heresay. I would ask Nacho. He knows everything about this

[Nacho-RT74]

standard housings won't work... need the full assembly

ON R/T-Rallyes tail lights the bezel makes the filler between bumper and housing. On standards, the housing fills everything into the bumper

then, note the back up light location... louvered into the inner sides, standards into the middle of tail lights. Then also note the back up light on louvereds is just right at the BLANK space of the standards.

A tail lights can be interchanged between bumpers no matter the years JUST as full assembly... nothing else can be done 

[71 SE3834V]

Here is a pic of my '71 tail light w/lens removed. It is just one giant plastic piece. Looks completely different than the R/T ones the OP posted.
I have seen different ones on a '72 that have "narrow" lenses. I'll post the best pic I have. Maybe that style can be "converted".

[MrSnicks]

Sooooooooooo........ anyone have a set of R/T housings they want to sell?



Patrick

[Nacho-RT74]

if the problem are just the sockets why not make what71 SE3834V did ?

you have it way easier in fact, because don't need to sold a wire for ground, will take through chassis!!!

EDITING... sorry didn't noticed you are not the OP LOL, who posted the housing pics... my bad

[71 SE3834V]

Looking through the website the OP posted it appears there might be a 3 wire socket available so no need to solder a ground on. I just got the closest socket from the local Oreillys and made due. Was only $3.  Since the old ones aren't meant to be removed you have to cut the old out the best you can and match up a new one.
Another thing.... 1 or more of my other sockets were loose making removing the bulbs difficult. A little JB Weld worked in around the socket secured them up.

[ScatPacker]

Sooooooooooo........ anyone have a set of R/T housings they want to sell?



Patrick

It took me close to a year to find housings at a reasonable price, searching daily different forums finally a complete set on eBay auction i got real lucky at $375. now i have an extra set of real nice r/t bezels i bought on a forum for $215 two weeks before the auction was listed, but they need little detail.

They will be for sale soon just want to see how they compare to the full set of complete assemblies. i need to buy just 1 lens a new re pop pair are as much as i paid for the complete assy.     I don't care if it is the wrong side I'll just reverse it upside down if i can get a single lens at the right price.

I still have a lot of work to do to get them ready to put in this year

Good luck m8 on your housings only seach

ps: i have never seen just housing for sale yet but there is always a 1st time  

[Nacho-RT74]

ps: i have never seen just housing for sale yet but there is always a 1st time 

I did, maybe couple of times, maybe more... One of them owner decided to sell separatelly all its parts ( on diff auctions ) instead fully assemblied

[ACUDANUT]

I know a guy whos has 3-4 complete sets but won't sell them.