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Old 02-26-2011, 04:54 PM   #1
TGK
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1971 23' Safari
Portland , Oregon
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'71 safari tail light/brake light issue

The left turn signal, brake light & turn signal on my '71 Safari stopped working. I pulled the lens off and inspected the bulb and it was good. I also checked the connections to my tow vehicle and sprayed some cleaner on the prongs to insure good contact. All my other lights are working fine, including the running lights around the top of the trailer and the curb side rear lights.

I played around with the left rear tail light bulb, it was difficult to remove. I sprayed a small quantity of the electrical connection gunk in the socket. I reinserted the bulb and found that it was not a snug fit. I then found that, depending on which way I pushed the bulb, I could either get the tail light to come on or, if pushed the other way, the turn signal and brakes would light. However, I could not position the bulb where the tail light, brake and turn signal would work. The issue appears to be that the bulb is not making good contact.

Given that the trailer is 40 years old and that the gasket on the lens was pretty deteriorated, I suspect there may be corrosion in the bulb socket. So, my questions are;

- Any creative ideas on how to repair this short of replacing the tail light assembly?
- Are there replacement gaskets available for this vintage lens cover?
- If not, and the tail light assembly has to be replaced, can it be done on it's own or does the entire rectangular assembly holding the backup lights and reflector have to be removed?
- It's my understanding that exact replacements for this vintage light assembly are not available and that an LED design will work. If so, what is involved in making the switch? Can one just replace the tail light / brake light assembly with an LED or is it the entire rear light package? My trailer is parked outside at my home in Portland with no cover, so it's not a good place to do involved projects at this time of year.

Thanks,
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Old 02-26-2011, 05:07 PM   #2
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Given that the trailer is 40 years old and that the gasket on the lens was pretty deteriorated, I suspect there may be corrosion in the bulb socket.

- Any creative ideas on how to repair this short of replacing the tail light assembly?
Thanks,
Yes. I'd stick with the bulb socket theory. If it were me I'd probably just decide that it was no good and go ahead and remove it (the bulb socket), and look to replace it.
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Old 02-26-2011, 08:09 PM   #3
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1969-74 Airstream Taillight Canister

Lens and gasket available also.....
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Old 02-26-2011, 08:31 PM   #4
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TGK

Bulbs have a lead connection on the bottom. Old bulbs, can quit working correctly, simply because, in time, the leaded terminals compress, and then don't make a good connection.

You can add a little solder to those terminals on the bottom of the bulb, or try new bulbs.

That sounds like the problem in your case.

Andy
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Old 02-26-2011, 11:12 PM   #5
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These light buckets are pretty shallow. Is there a direct LED replacement?
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Old 02-27-2011, 03:29 AM   #6
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These light buckets are pretty shallow. Is there a direct LED replacement?
Yes, there is a 4 1/8 round tail light and backup LED available.

Andy
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Old 02-27-2011, 12:48 PM   #7
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Yes, there is a 4 1/8 round tail light and backup LED available.

Andy
What is involved with installing the LED replacement tail light option on a 1971 era trailer?
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Old 02-27-2011, 02:27 PM   #8
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What is involved with installing the LED replacement tail light option on a 1971 era trailer?
Hooking up the wires, is the toughest part.

The lights are marked, which wire is which. However, one must go to ground.

Andy
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Old 08-20-2011, 05:45 PM   #9
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Yes, there is a 4 1/8 round tail light and backup LED available.

Andy
Can you supply the make/model # - for both the red signal/brake light & white back up lights? What price are they, where do I find them... do you know if ship to Canada? Thanks
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