Morris Minor Owners Club

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Wedge it in position with a bit of fag paper

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

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