I have just purchased a '74 El Camino. I noticed that the drivers side back-up light was out. I removed the light assembly from the bumper exposing the light bulb. Now I feel like I'm pretty mechanically inclined but I cannot figure out how to remove the light bulb from the assembly. I don't see anything to turn, twist, pinch, etc. to release the bulb. If anybody can help this bumkin I'd appreciate it. Thanks.

i dunno about how yours works, but on mine you push in and twist

Just the same as my 76. Remove the lense and push in and twist. I have seen some that were corroded bad and didn't want to come out but that is how it is done. You can, by the way, get those housings and lenses at the El Camino Store or at EC Parts. They are in the "Links Sections" on this Forum.

Those are pretty expensive the lenses are about 35.00 and the housings are about 50 or 60 bucks I think.

Thanks guys,

I guess mine is so corroded that it won't budge. The bulb came out, but the metal stayed in the housing. I'll just go to El Camino Store and purchase a new housing if I can't get the base out. Thanks for taking the time to reply.

Stewart

Well remember its old. Have you tried to spray some WD40 on the receptacle front and back? That receptacle should turn in the housing also and come out. It should take a half turn one way or another and then pull out the back. It locks in just like the new ones do.

If you can get the "plug" out of the housing then you can replace it with a new one from an Auto Parts store.

I'd hate to see you spend a lot of money, well not a gob, but still. And if you do.... Here is a good trick. Buy some "Bumper Chrome" spray paint. Spray the inside of the housing, could take many coats - MANY, until you get a reflective surface again. Originally they are white. However, when you spray them with Bumper Chrome they become very bright once you put them back together. I wished I could have done the front Park lights that way along with the back side of the side markers. But they are sealed together.

When I took mine apart the sockets were like yours and the backings had holes in them. Just really bad shape. I couldn't find a place to buy new ones. SO>>>>>> I went to the auto supply and got a plastic parts repair kit. It is an Epoxy used for fixing things like the Bumper extensions on our elkys or other plastic non-rigid parts. Mixed me some up and used duct tape on the inside to cover the holes and then "slathered" it on, smoothed it out and Viola' good as new. Painted them again and here I am.

Just a thought. Necessity is the Mother of Invention! :wink:

I did as you suggested ElkyPete and blew a bunch of WD-40 in the socket and after much pulling and twisting with a small channel lock pliers the bulb base finally came out. Thanks for your help. I just didn't know how the bulb fastened and I didn't want to break the whole attachment so I was too tentative. From now on I'll be more brutish.

When you put the bulb back in you can use some grease, the type that GM uses in their sockets, to keep the next one from corroding. Moisture gets in and the next thing you know you're in the same boat. I don't know what the stuff is called but it is non condictive and helps diaplace moisture. Auto Supply will have it and know what it is called.

the electrical grease that GM uses is called Dielectric grease. you can buy it at any auto parts store. a little on the pricy side but well worth it so you will never have to fight with corrosion on your electrical terminals again.

Thanks guys,

I'll go right down to O'Rielly's and get some to put on all the lights on the rear bumper. I'll make sure I don't have this problem again.

Stewart