[FC] Light test and repair

[N2VZD at aol.com]

In my sordid past , I have repaired several FC taillight ground issues...2  
places that WILL get you , The socket crimp to the aluminum housing (will 
look  like a tight crimp , but will have high resistance joint) which I can 
fix by  spraying blaster on it , then a SLIGHT twist of the socket in the 
aluminum body,  then one or 2 punches on the crimp. Also , ground gets lost at 
the point where  it screws to the body. Too many dissimilar metals here that 
oxidize just enough  to not make good contact under load of stop lights 
etc. Start with a test light  grounded on the bumper or such , and the point 
right at the bulb. turn the  signal on for that side. The test light should 
NOT light. next touch the point  to just the brown steel socket. The test 
light should stay out. next do the same  at the aluminum housing , with same 
results...IF the light lights at any point ,  fix crimp , clean the hardware 
attaching it to the body on a wire wheel , add  no-ox or anti seize to the 
bolt...and do the socket to housing slight turn and  punch job. I put a coat of 
good clear on that joint , and so far no more  troubles.  This same 
procedure works well on early cars . Late sockets just  plain fall apart from heat 
etc, they repair good with patience and good epoxy ,  but new sockets 
carefully spliced in is a better way if you do not mind cutting  harness. I keep 
the splice close to the new socket , and use black heat  shrink.
Yes there are other areas of possibilities , but the grounds are most  
common.
This basic method also applies to the front turn signal on FC's crimped  
into the bucket assembly.
Hope this helps...
Regards, Tim Colson