Loose tail light bulb

[scuzzmonkey]

My nearside tail light on my '71 two door isn't working, so I thought I'd try a new bulb. However, I found that the bulb holder must be worn as I can only get the light to work if I wiggle the bulb. Does anyone know how to sort this out?

Many thanks in advance.

[Neil MG]

Take the bulb out (ideally take the lamp off the car) and clean out the holder with a mild abrasive. It is most likely dirt or oxidisation inside, rather than wear, that is giving a bad connection.

[bmcecosse]

The spring plunger inside the lamp holder will be 'stuck' - it may be corroded away. Apply lots of WD40! May be possible to fix it with maybe a new spring etc - but easiest solution would be a new lamp unit.

[DaisyMayFozz]

a really really last resort- but i don't recommend you do this, is to hold the bulb in the position that it will work, and put some araldite (or similar) around the edge to hold it in . but if it is worn, then the only way is a new unit.

[MarkyB]

Before you get to desperate measures like that it is fairly easy to put an extra blob of solder on the bulb contacts.
There can be quite a difference in how far they protrude between different makes.

[mike.perry]

Wedge it in position with a bit of fag paper

[kennatt]

Wedge it in position with a bit of fag paper ] just like thousands of others out there

[scuzzmonkey]

Thanks for all your suggestions as I don't particularly want to fork out for a new unit unless I have to!