[toofastforyou]

I have a repro license plate light assembly on my car ('71) and the problem is that the socket itself is so cheap that the light pops out and falls into the lens (obviously not working anymore). It's like if the socket's diameter is too large making the bulb too loose and the two little grooves into which the pins of the light bulb don't have enough grip to hold the bulb in place which gets pushed out by the spring inside the socket. Also the socket is so thin (and cheap) that it deforms just by pushing the bulb into it. I guess it's made in China...
--> My question is this: Is there someone selling a GOOD QUALITY reproduction or someone who would have a good clean original one for sale?…(for a '71-'72)

Claude.

 

[Jim Mac]

Just go to the junkyard. I bet most of the 60 s to early 70s lights are all the same. My 66 didn't come with a rear bumper, bought a nice shiny repo and found that the light off my spare 70 rear bumper bolted right in.Jim

 

[toofastforyou]

Just go to the junkyard. I bet most of the 60 s to early 70s lights are all the same. My 66 didn't come with a rear bumper, bought a nice shiny repo and found that the light off my spare 70 rear bumper bolted right in.Jim

Thank Jim for your reply…however, junk yards around here only keep cars about 10 -15 years old…They get rid of the older ones so '71's are long gone!

Claude.

 

[toofastforyou]

I just measured and it is about 4 1/2" between the holes to mount in the bumper… Maybe some other GM cars had the same?…

Any help is appraciated…

thanks,

Claude

P.S: I'm looking for a GM original unit, not a repro… Thanks!

 

[toofastforyou]

Anyone??…

Claude.

 

[davewho1]

ebay

 

[71350SS]

Rock Auto lists one made by Goodmark for the El Camino but not the Chevelle but maybe it will fit your car anyway.

More Information for GOODMARK GMK401188666

Does this one looklike the one you bought ? It's only $9.77 so it might be worth trying.The ad says it fits all models except the Station wagon.

 

[toofastforyou]

Rock Auto lists one made by Goodmark for the El Camino but not the Chevelle but maybe it will fit your car anyway.

More Information for GOODMARK GMK401188666

Does this one looklike the one you bought ? It's only $9.77 so it might be worth trying.The ad says it fits all models except the Station wagon.

Thanks for the link. I does look like mine but at $9.77, I'm a little worried that it might be "Made in China" like the one I already have. The problem is not the bracket but the socket itself which is so thin (cheap) that it split letting the bulb fall out!

Thank you,

Claude.

 

[70CHEVELLE396]

I've seen some bulbs fit better than others. That may help, but also you could see what other repop ones are out there. I have to think that someone makes one that has to be better than that. I seem to remember having a used original one somewhere in my parts stash, but it would be for a 70. Without looking into it, I don't know how different they are.

 

[HKalin]

I ended up buying 2 different repro ones for my car. The first one didn't fit the bumper right and had the wrong type white plastic connector end. Notice it says fits up to 72.

1966-1972 Chevelle License Plate Lamp

I had replaced my rear light harness and was hoping to find one with the right connector end on it. I found this one it fit the bumper right and had the proper rubber connector end on it. The bulb hasn't fallen out of it either.

https://www.npdlink.com/store/products/light_assy_rear_license_incl_lens-170075-8.html

 

[toofastforyou]

I ended up buying 2 different repro ones for my car. The first one didn't fit the bumper right and had the wrong type white plastic connector end. Notice it says fits up to 72.

1966-1972 Chevelle License Plate Lamp

I had replaced my rear light harness and was hoping to find one with the right connector end on it. I found this one it fit the bumper right and had the proper rubber connector end on it. The bulb hasn't fallen out of it either.

https://www.npdlink.com/store/products/light_assy_rear_license_incl_lens-170075-8.html

Thank you Hank… I looked at both links you posted and they both look like the repro I already have. I'm not too concerned about the connector because my car is more a custom car than a matching-numbers kind of car so any connector will do. What is important to me is that the socket itself is a good quality one into which the prongs on each side of the bulb will stay locked instead of splitting and letting the bulb fall out like it's happening right now with my China-made repro.

Claude.

 

[71350SS]

Thanks for the link. I does look like mine but at $9.77, I'm a little worried that it might be "Made in China" like the one I already have. The problem is not the bracket but the socket itself which is so thin (cheap) that it split letting the bulb fall out!

Thank you,

Claude.

I compared the RockAuto pic with the 2 links that Hank provided and all 3 looked like the same part.RA makes a little profit on the part and a little profit on the shipping, so that's the reason for the same part being approximately 10$ lower than the resto houses parts.

 

[toofastforyou]

I compared the RockAuto pic with the 2 links that Hank provided and all 3 looked like the same part.

Yeah I wouldn't be surprised if they all came from the same supplier… I've already checked with Ausley's, Ground Up, Ebay and both links Hank posted and they're all the same. That's why I'm looking for a true GM part. The best would be to find a clean, used original one which would not require too much work to refurbish and make look like new. That way, I'd be sure the socket (which has been the problem) would be of a better quality, even used and restored. :yes:
thank you,

Claude.

 

[davewho1]

Did I not suggest ebay?

1960S 1970S GM LICENSE PLATE LIGHT 1966 GTO GUIDE 25 L 65 CHEVY BUICK OLDS 1969

 

[toofastforyou]

Did I not suggest ebay?

1960S 1970S GM LICENSE PLATE LIGHT 1966 GTO GUIDE 25 L 65 CHEVY BUICK OLDS 1969

Yes, you did…and as a matter of fact, I got in touch with that specific seller and he said the measurement between the mounting holes was 4 3/4"…and mine is 4 1/2"… :sad:…so no fit.

Claude.

P.S: Most of the other ones on Ebay were the cheap China repro style...

 

[davewho1]

I'm pretty sure those were all the same for 6 or 7 years so I think somebody's mis-measuring.

P.S: Most of the other ones on Ebay were the cheap China repro style...

Yep - or REALLY crusty.

 

[espos1111]

What does the socket for the bulb look like (no access to mine right now)? Could you just hit up Advance or whoever and just get a new socket? I know I bought two new ones for the melted/rotten ones in my front turn lamps from Advanced auto for a few bucks a couple years back.

Looks like it could be made by BWD, part # PT71. It might be a better socket.
Or Dorman #84737, this one is universal.
I'm sure they are both made overseas though.

 

[toofastforyou]

What does the socket for the bulb look like (no access to mine right now)? Could you just hit up Advance or whoever and just get a new socket? I know I bought two new ones for the melted/rotten ones in my front turn lamps from Advanced auto for a few bucks a couple years back.

Contrary to the front turn lamps where the socket separates from the housing, the socket for the license plate light is kinda riveted (or moulded) to the housing and is not removeable. You're stuck with having to replace the whole thing…

Claude.