72 front turn signal bulb replacement

[Erich M.]

I need to replace my front 1157 turn signal bulb. The shop manual on pages 12-3 & 12-5 is very confusing as to how to access this bulb. I am not sure if the shop manual recommends bulb replacement by removing the parking lamp lens or by removing the bulb socket from behind the grille.

My experience with other vehicles suggests that I twist the socket out of the front grille housing but I would appreciate any comments. I am the original owner of this car and this is the first time that I have had any bulb failures. Also, is there a specific direction I need to turn the socket for removal from the grille (CW or CCW looking from the rear of the car towards the front).

Erich Meyer, 72 LT1 - 5 Star Bowtie & Top Flight

[Mike E.]

[Erich M.]

Re: 72 front turn signal bulb replacement

Mike,

Thanks for your reply! That makes sense to me also. I don't understand why the shop manual talked about removing the lens. But over the years I have learned that the GM shop manual is not always accurate.

I know I can use trial & error to rotate the socket in either direction & see which turning direction removes the socket, but do you know what direction to turn it in for removal? I've owned the car since new & I figure that it may be slightly frozen in the socket since it had never been removed in 50 years.

Erich Meyer

[Peter H.]

Re: 72 front turn signal bulb replacement

Hello Eric. My First Thought ! It Should Be Under That GM Extended Warranty !! Nice To Hear You Work On That Beautiful Car. I,m Holly,s Dad .. I,ll Be Sure And Let Her Know Your Doing Well .Be Safe. Peter Hannigan ( Canadian Guy ). Best Regards

[Mike E.]

Re: 72 front turn signal bulb replacement

Mike,

Thanks for your reply! That makes sense to me also. I don't understand why the shop manual talked about removing the lens. But over the years I have learned that the GM shop manual is not always accurate.

I know I can use trial & error to rotate the socket in either direction & see which turning direction removes the socket, but do you know what direction to turn it in for removal? I've owned the car since new & I figure that it may be slightly frozen in the socket since it had never been removed in 50 years.

Erich Meyer

It is essentially plastic against plated pot metal, so there should be no issue turning the socket. My recollection is left to release. Pay some attention to how it comes out, because the slots on the housing and tabs on the socket are irregularly spaced. It is also possible that the bulb is okay but there is corrosion on the metal contacts to the bulb in the bottom of the socket.

[Erich M.]

Re: 72 front turn signal bulb replacement

Mike,

Thanks again for you input. I'll try left direction first and see what happens. As I've said, I've done this before on other GM vehicles and am familiar with the asymmetrical tabs on the socket.

Cordially,
Erich Meyer