How do you change the rear lights ?

Post by **iandromiskin** » Wed Oct 21, 2009 5:29 pm

I want to change the rear lights on my new (1958) car, but there are three wires in the original set and only two in the replacement. So the first question is how do I go about changing them over ? Which wire goes where ?

Also its the same with the indicator. I got these new ones from a supplier and need to change these over too. The new ones have two connections but the original has only one !!! So what do I do here ???

Both light clusters.

The original rear brake light with three wires.

The replacements with the wrong number of connections. The new indicator lamp has two connections while the original has one one wire. So how do we go about swapping them over ????

Post by **PSL184** » Wed Oct 21, 2009 5:41 pm

I guess the original rear lights flashed as the indicators as well as being brake lights and side lights? That would explain the 3 wires but you will only need 2 wires for normal stop and tail operation. The indicator unit will only need 1 power wire connection. This assumes in both cases that the lamp bodies are providing the earth.

Post by **iandromiskin** » Wed Oct 21, 2009 5:47 pm

Not sure. The car is fitted with traficators so presumably they were the indicators alone ? Would it have used both ??

Post by **PSL184** » Wed Oct 21, 2009 6:02 pm

I've just seen your other thread - Who knows how they were wired up when changed over !!! I'd start with the manual and identify the wires from the colour codes and go from there. Certainly though, as I said above, you only need the 2 wires for stop and tail lights and one for the indicator if the lamp bases are earthed so use a meter of test light to see which wires are live with the relevant circuits switched on.

Post by **bigjohn** » Wed Oct 21, 2009 6:16 pm

red wire sidelights,geen and purple i think it is are brake lights
green and red n/side indicator,green and white o/side indicator and black earth
iv got the same indicators on the front of mine the green and white or red goes into the centre of the holder and the one on the side is earth
your new rear lamps wire up just the same but you have to put an earth to it i would get an "o" electrical connector and fasten it on with the lamp then just reconect your wires and every thing will be ok

Post by **bmcecosse** » Wed Oct 21, 2009 7:50 pm

Print out Barry's wiring diagram (sticky at top) - and have it with you when working at the car. the RED lights need a RED wire for sidelights + GREEN/PURPLE for the brake light and a black earth wire. Don't rely on the body earthing anything - run a proper earth connection. The indicator light needs GREEN/BROWN one side and GREEN/WHITE on other (can't remember which!) - and again - each lamp unit should have it's own black earth connection - run to a good solid earth.