License Plate Light

[lastarfytr]

Before I start another junkyard search or a fabricating session, thought I'd
better check with you guys.
Any one had to replace a license plate light assembly?
Would you use the same fix again?
When trying to replace what I thought was a burned out bulb, I discovered
that the entire assembly behind the coverplate and lens has turned to dust.
There is (supposed to be) an inner reflector and socket unit which appears
(from what little is left) to have been snap-fit into the surrounding
fiberglass hood and the lens screwed to it, sandwiching a gasket. The outer
frame/trim "ring" then is attached over that with another gasket and, using
a second set of screws, serves as a retainer. Fortunately, both wires are
carrying current. With an intact lens and outer trim piece, fabrication
won't be tough, if necessary.
I'm listening.

Fritz Washburn
77 Kingsley
Twin Cities

 

[blank]

>
> Any one had to replace a license plate light assembly?
> Would you use the same fix again?

I replaced the socket in mine with one from Autozone that snapped in place,
but the reflector wasn't too far gone. The reflector assembly is common to
GMC/Chevy vans from the early 70's, but it's difficult to come across those
in salvage yards(at least in the SEUS). If the reflector is too bad to
mend, you could get one of the semi-hemispherical license plate lights(like
GMC used for the aisle lights) and mount it in a piece of aluminum cut to
replace the "trim ring" and all.

Darren, this might make another good project for you.

Patrick

 

[emerystora]

>Before I start another junkyard search or a fabricating session, thought I'd
>better check with you guys.
>Any one had to replace a license plate light assembly?
>Would you use the same fix again?
>
>
>Fritz Washburn
>77 Kingsley
>Twin Cities

Hi Fritz - Mine went bad a couple of years ago and I found that the
metal around the socket that holds the bulb had a hole rusted through
it. Mine had a single wire going to the center of the bulb and the
rest of the circuit was the ground of the socket itself. I think
much of the corrosion was due to current flowing through the socket.
I patched the assembly with a small piece of fiberglas cloth and
resin and then bought an interior for the socket that had a disc with
two terminals and a new spring. I also bought a bulb that had two
contacts on the bottom. Now I am not relying on the socket to
provide a ground and feel that this will eliminate the corrosion
problem. I used silicone to seal the exterior lens to prevent water
from getting back in. It seems to be working fine.

Emery Stora
77 Kingsley
Santa Fe, NM

 

[david l greenberg]

> Before I start another junkyard search or a fabricating session,
> thought I'd
> better check with you guys.
> Any one had to replace a license plate light assembly?there are several
shops parting out GMCs and I would guess this item is not in great
demand.

OTOH, someone (maybe Bounds?) installed something behind that plate
holder/ light assembly altho I can't recall what.

David Lee Greenberg
The GMC Motorhome Registry
Dedicated To The Preservation of the Classic GMC Motorhome
http://www.GMCss.com/Registry.htm
http://www.Buskirk-RushRV/GMC-Registry/online-registry.htm

 

[john wright]

Fritz,
I built my own licence plate light assembly out of a large chrome light
for the truck bumper that I got at Auto Zone and are available at most
parts suppliers and a piece of HD ABS Plastic. Works great!

>
> Before I start another junkyard search or a fabricating session, thought I'd
> better check with you guys.
> Any one had to replace a license plate light assembly?
> Would you use the same fix again?
> When trying to replace what I thought was a burned out bulb, I discovered
> that the entire assembly behind the coverplate and lens has turned to dust.
> There is (supposed to be) an inner reflector and socket unit which appears
> (from what little is left) to have been snap-fit into the surrounding
> fiberglass hood and the lens screwed to it, sandwiching a gasket. The outer
> frame/trim "ring" then is attached over that with another gasket and, using
> a second set of screws, serves as a retainer. Fortunately, both wires are
> carrying current. With an intact lens and outer trim piece, fabrication
> won't be tough, if necessary.
> I'm listening.
>
> Fritz Washburn
> 77 Kingsley
> Twin Cities

- --
J.R. Wright
GMC GreatLakers
77 Eleganza II
Michigan