Headlight Socket Repair Article for Originals and Reproduction~ Repo Socket short info

[Mark Maron]

Here is a hands on article that I did for the Model A News, It is how to repair those old and worn headlight sockets and how to "correct" the repo's that constantly short out. Hope you all like, it.

Thanks
Mark

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[Mitch]

Mark, what a great article you put together, documenting how to repair a headlight socket. Thank you for sharing it exclusively on the VFF
Great job!!

[Mark Maron]

Headlight socket short information!

Original Thread


Major shout out goes to Mike K. Mike is an electrical guru and took the time to come over and work with me on a short issue I have been having the last few months, Seems i am blowing 30 amp fuses with is the fuse that goes to my headlights directly. First thing we noticed is there was a "wobble" in the headlight switch at the base of the column. The issue REPOP Junk and I of all people should know better, You can see in the pics, the original spider vs. the repo and you can see that the keeper does NOT fit at all and had to be worked to sit down in the original. Also you can see the repop spring is different, the spring moved side to side freely because it does not fit correctly and was able to touch the base of the switch. Now that was not the issue but it was one that was a problem and would be more of one in the future. Once that was all corrected and refitted it was tight as a drum...Please use original stuff when you can!!!

NEXT: Test drive and blew the 30 amp fuse again. Came back and put on a meter and it sparked and was evident there was a short. Put a amp meter on it and was getting approx 28-31 AMPS through the fuse to the headlights. (He blew 2 alligator setups that literally burned up) WITH the engine off. We knew the problem was forward of the fuse and in the headlight wires. We began to eliminate each side of the headlight and found our short to be in the left light and in the SOCKET... after removal and examination it was found that upon the repair the TANGS that hold the paper w/ filaments were touching.. You can see in the pics where the issue is... We trimmed the edges and re-bent. assembled, checked amp meter, NO SHORT!!! focused lights and checked and went for the test drive. I went on an especially bumpy road and ran the lights, brights, cowls, stopping and going and all is PERFECT... You will see this correction for everyone in a follow up in my article in the Model A news.. A big big thank you to Mike K. for isolating this issue and correcting it. The model a hobby is incredible and friends like Mike make it that way., THANK YOU! I hope this helps many of you out there!...