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02-26-2011, 04:54 PM
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#1
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2 Rivet Member
1971 23' Safari
Portland
, Oregon
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 77
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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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02-26-2011, 05:07 PM
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#2
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Rivet Master
1974 31' Excella 500
Charleston
, South Carolina
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,073
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TGK
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,
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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.
__________________
As I grow older, I pay less attention to what men say. I just watch what they do.
- Andrew Carnegie
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02-26-2011, 08:31 PM
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#4
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Rivet Master
Airstream Dealer
Corona
, California
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 16,497
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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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02-26-2011, 11:12 PM
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#5
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4 Rivet Member
2007 25' International CCD FB
1961 16' Bambi
1956 16' Bubble
Potrero
, California
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 254
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These light buckets are pretty shallow. Is there a direct LED replacement?
__________________
Stream Safe,
Bob U-
San Diego, CA.
The " TinDen "
2007 25' International FB
1961 Bambi, 16' California
1956 Bubble 16' California Whale Tail
Charter Member 4 Corners Unit
( View all of elfirebob's images)
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02-27-2011, 03:29 AM
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#6
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Rivet Master
Airstream Dealer
Corona
, California
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 16,497
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Quote:
Originally Posted by elfirebob
These light buckets are pretty shallow. Is there a direct LED replacement?
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Yes, there is a 4 1/8 round tail light and backup LED available.
Andy
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02-27-2011, 12:48 PM
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#7
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2 Rivet Member
1971 23' Safari
Portland
, Oregon
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 77
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Inland RV Center, In
Yes, there is a 4 1/8 round tail light and backup LED available.
Andy
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What is involved with installing the LED replacement tail light option on a 1971 era trailer?
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02-27-2011, 02:27 PM
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#8
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Rivet Master
Airstream Dealer
Corona
, California
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 16,497
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TGK
What is involved with installing the LED replacement tail light option on a 1971 era trailer?
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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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08-20-2011, 05:45 PM
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#9
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1 Rivet Member
1971 23' Safari
Waterloo
, Ontario
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Inland RV Center, In
Yes, there is a 4 1/8 round tail light and backup LED available.
Andy
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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
__________________
Finally found a great deal on an Airstream. Trailer is in good shape, just a few things we need to fix up & want to modify. We plan to make our 'vintage' look like the newer Airstreams.
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