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mello mike · 01-30-2011, 08:11 AM

Where can I buy replacement 110v light bulbs for this style of porch light? I've looked around the big box stores but no joy.

Also has anybody converted this light to 12v? Or is it easier to just install a separate 12v light?

InsideOut · 01-30-2011, 08:20 AM

We have the same light on our '56, I think it's adorable! I believe it takes a refrigerator lamp. However, We converted ours to 12v as well as all our wiring. If you have everything apart, it's not that big of a deal. But it is part of the "slippery slope" thing...while we're at it, I might as well...

If you decide to change yours out to something else, I'd love to buy this one from you ~

Shari

pbearsailor · 01-30-2011, 08:39 AM

I really like it too and have one on mine. Switched it to 12 volt as well with a small LED fixture that is paired with the same light under the steps so they both use the scare light toggle. And, they are blue!!

cheers,
steve

SilverHoot · 01-30-2011, 09:00 AM

Sure like to find one of those style of porch lamps. Like em'.

Melody Ranch · 01-30-2011, 09:46 AM

Mike...I got my 115 v bulbs at a local electrical supply/repair company. I had been told that they are appliance...sewing machine, specifically....bulbs.
For those not familiar with these....the base looks like the dual contact base on a 12 volt 1157 automotive bulb. So when I replaced the bulb in mine, which was out, I put in an 1157. Puff! it blew out. So I got out my elec. tester and poked around a bit. BANG! It was like an electrical arc light about 10 inches from my face.
Anyway....I have some of those bulbs as spares and can get you some if needed. Converting to 12 will require a lot of panel and wiring work...not hard, but time consuming.

mello mike · 01-30-2011, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Melody Ranch

Mike...I got my 115 v bulbs at a local electrical supply/repair company. I had been told that they are appliance...sewing machine, specifically....bulbs.
For those not familiar with these....the base looks like the dual contact base on a 12 volt 1157 automotive bulb. So when I replaced the bulb in mine, which was out, I put in an 1157. Puff! it blew out. So I got out my elec. tester and poked around a bit. BANG! It was like an electrical arc light about 10 inches from my face.
Anyway....I have some of those bulbs as spares and can get you some if needed. Converting to 12 will require a lot of panel and wiring work...not hard, but time consuming.

Thanks, Melody Ranch. Appliance bulbs? No wonder why I couldn't find one. I'll trying going that route.

nmbosa · 01-30-2011, 10:28 AM

Mike, here is a photo of how the original wiring was run in my trailer. Yours is probably quite similar, if not identical (by the way, I have photos of all the orginal wire runs if there are any areas you are interested in). As you can see, that light and the switch were wired into the 110v system. I converted mine to 12 volt, but that was with the entire interior taken apart for the shell off. Melody is right, it would be a very tough job (impossible?) without taking the walls down.

On edit: sorry for the off point response. For some reason I thought you were asking if this light was 110v or 12v. Apparently I have not had enough coffee this morning.

ddstech · 01-31-2011, 08:18 PM

I recieved my order from superbrightleds.com today, so I unwrapped my re-chromed light and fit the new socket and bulb in tonight. I am more then pleased with the results. It is 12V, but since I ripped out all my wiring, its no problem. I bench tested it and it looks fantastic.

Comments? Questions?

BradS · 02-01-2011, 06:19 AM

mattkroff could you please share the socket and bulb part # that you used.

I have a 57 Overlander with the same light and I would love to put an LED in it.

Thanks

Ken J · 02-01-2011, 07:25 AM

Mike

Go into your closet and get out the Christmas lights - then pick the color you would like

Those are the same bulbs used in many night lights too....

Ken J.

Melody Ranch · 02-01-2011, 07:49 AM

It sounds like there are many different variations in use.

All the original 56 lights I have seen....not that many...have been AC ....not DC 12 volt.

Here is the "1157", as I call it, double contact , 115v AC bulb. Note that the bulb holder looks just like a 12 volt 1157 automotive. A BIG surprise awaits if you misidentify.

Ken J · 02-01-2011, 10:00 AM

Hmmmm Thats not what I have on my 58..... good ol 50's trailers - nothing standard

Ken J.

Lothlorian · 02-01-2011, 10:17 AM

I need one of those original porch lights for my airstream. I will look to see it somebody is selling one.

Brian

mello mike · 02-01-2011, 10:51 AM

Ken,
Melody Ranch is correct. My socket has the two contacts just like a 12v 1157 bulb. Some kind of conversion is probably in order for my Overlander. Either a standard style 110v Christmas bulb like you mentioned or a 12v.

ddstech · 02-01-2011, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BradS

mattkroff could you please share the socket and bulb part # that you used.

I have a 57 Overlander with the same light and I would love to put an LED in it.

Thanks

Here you go.

1156-W3X1W Is the bulb
BA15 base Wired Sockets

The socket was .99
the bulb was around 15-18 dollars.

I just bent the tabs to fit and line up with the existing screw hole in the fixture, then used a hehr window screw and nut I had laying around to attach it. I will go to Home depot today and get a proper Stainless steel screw and nut that will provide longer lasting results. Because its a tight fit, consider using some locktite to secure it.

Good luck.
Matt

Lothlorian · 02-01-2011, 12:13 PM

Norm and Matt:

Where did you get your exterior metal light. I need one for my trailer. I can't seem to find one.

Brian

nmbosa · 02-01-2011, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lothlorian

Norm and Matt:

Where did you get your exterior metal light. I need one for my trailer. I can't seem to find one.

Brian

Mine was on the trailer when I bought it. I'm pretty sure it is original since it looks exactly like so many other 50's Airstream porch lights. Like Matt, I had mine re-chromed and convereted it to 12v.

Norm

BradS · 02-01-2011, 03:28 PM

Thanks Matt

Thats what I was looking for I like what you did and hope to do the same

Melody Ranch · 02-01-2011, 03:56 PM

Hate to break the news to you, Brian....those lights are "gold." if you find one buy it!
Then, again....if your not a purist....look at the various air vents on EBAY...for boats .
There are some real nice, very similar to the lights, vents out there. Make your own.