64 Tail light socket connection

[Ed S.]

'64 with B/U lights - installing new Trim Parts tail light & B/U light assembly. Question re the outer / tail & stop light connection.

The light takes a 2 filament 1157 bulb, looking at the back of the light assembly into the short tube where the plastic wiring harness connector goes into there are 2 brass contacts.

Looking at the plastic connector that goes into the light assembly, there are also 2 brass contacts (with springs). The 2 little tits on the sides of the plastic connector are directly opposite each other - one is not off-set higher than the other like you often find on a 2 filament bulb. The slots in the brass sleeve on the light assembly are also cut directly opposite each other - no stagger.

My question is ----- does it make a difference which way the plastic connector goes in? It seems to me that there are two distinct circuits - one filament is energized or both are energized depending on what functions are activated (tail lights, stop lights, turn signal) - so therefore it should only go in a certain way - but it can be assembled either way. Does it make a difference? Am I overthinking this?

B/U light connector is not an issue - one brass contact, one circuit, goes in either way.

[Don H.]

Re: 64 Tail light socket connection

I don't think it matters (if I understand your question), the bulb illuminates the entire lens.

[Ed S.]

Re: 64 Tail light socket connection

I don't think it matters (if I understand your question), the bulb illuminates the entire lens.

The bulb has 2 filaments, one glows if you turn on your tail lights (pull the knob on the inst. cluster) the other illuminates when you apply the brakes - that is the bright one. Not sure which goes on when you engage the turn signal. My point is - there are two circuits, the bulb has 2 circuits - there are 2 pins on the bottom of the bulb, the plastic connector at the end of the wiring harness has 2 brass spring loaded pins - and there are two wires + a ground that are part of the circuit - so you would think that is is important that the plastic connector is oriented correctly when mated to the light assembly. But the way the pins are designed it can go in two different ways - each way is 180 degrees out from the other option. Since it can be done and there are no markings on anything I tend to agree with you, it doesn't make a difference but...... I obviously don't understand how these circuits work.

[Mark M.]

Re: 64 Tail light socket connection

Have you tried the pigtail in the socket yet for the two filament bulb? It should only go in one way as one of the small plastic tits is in a slightly off center clock position. The brake light filament is brighter than the parking light one.

[Don H.]

Re: 64 Tail light socket connection

I think I understand now. You test to be sure the brake / turn signal is brighter than the taillight. The bulb will only go in one way but the bottom either way (your question).

[Ed S.]

Re: 64 Tail light socket connection

AH! Thank you - figured it out - I just did a test fit as you suggested. The pins on the plastic connector that is part of the wiring harness are not off set or staggered like the pins on some bulbs are. But - they are not exactly 180 degrees out from each other - more like 165 degrees at best (eye ball guess) - and so are the corresponding slots in the light assembly.

So..... it is impossible to get the plastic connector into and seated in the socket if it is not oriented correctly - it can only go in one way. The position of the pins and slots is subtle, on a casual look they look to be 180 out from each other - they are not.

Thank you - problem solved.

BTW - I got a set of Trim Parts replacement lights from ZIP - they were the least expensive (from ZIP) --- I am blown away by the quality of the product - excellent fit and finish - my lights are original - the repros even came with the same bulb warning label on the back - same font and everything - the lenses are identical in every way. Not cheap but..... it feels good to get a repro part that is flawless. Thanks again.