Re-plating C1 taillights

[John M.]

I am getting ready to send my tail light and parking light housings out to be re-plated and was thinking that ot get a proper job that the tail light lense clips and lamp socket should be removed. The clips are no big problem as they can be riveted back on when complete but the lamp sockets look to be a real problem as they were swaged in place. Can the sockets be removed and reinstalled or if not are there new sockets available?If I am being too retentive about this process?It just seems that the solution would get between the socket and the housing and cause corriosion and a poor ground.I would appreciate comments for those of you who have been through this process. Thanks, John

[dale pearman]

Re: Re-plating C1 taillights

I didn't think it was possible to replate these items! If you have a source, let us know. I've got a BUNCH of pitted, corroded, yucky taillamp housings that need to be done.

Thanks,

Dale.

[Patrick T.]

Re: Re-plating C1 taillights

As you probably know, Noland Adams Restoration Guide indicates that rechroming C-1 and C-2 tailights can be risky if given to the wrong plater. The tailights are cast out of zinc and aluminum (pot metal), are very brittle, and can be easily cracked. My '57 tailights were replated and the sockets were left in place. Although this area was not particularly show quality, the light lenses covered it up, but the visible portion of the tailights look spectacular, and I never had any problems with the grounds. Hope this helps.

[Bill Clupper]

Re: Re-plating C1 taillights

The trick (other than a plater with experience in pot metal is to drill out the small potmetal "rivits" that are actually cast from the potmetal and then peen to hold the socket in place (I'm talking '61-2, but I think ok for all) the plater can then run his anode through the hole which provides a better "throw" of plating into the corners To reassemble, there is enough meat in the potmetal housing to use a SMALL drill and tap & a small screw to replace the peened potmetal retainers. The SMALL screw buries itself in the gasket and the job is undetctable without pulling the lamp out.

[Mark L.]

Re: Re-plating C1 taillights

John,

I had my tail lamp assy's replated and was concerned about a proper ground as well. I left the sockets in and they were plated along with the rest. I filed off some of the chrome on the socket and soldered a ground wire directly to them, then connected them to the ground wire at each lamp using a crimp on spade and connector. I know that this may be frowned on by purists, but the judges never found them, and my gas gauge remains steady even with the signal lights on. Hope this helps........Best regards from Connecticut, Mark