1965 Pontiac GTO tail light socket
 

Hello all,

Little project I'm been completely stuck on. I bought LED 1157 bulbs for my tail light/brake light. Problem is my tail light socket is so old and weak the metal contacts don't even contact the LED bulb base. Easy fix normally, just replace the tail light sockets with new ones and good to go.

My problem is that the sockets that everyone says go to a 65 don't fit at all, they're entirely different sockets and not compatible. I tried the Wells version as well as the AC Delco version, neither of which work. I have included a photo of my sockets, vs what the internet is saying is correct. As you will see, they are entirely different parts. What makes this so frustrating is that I cannot even find proof of my socket's existence, other than my own. I cannot find a picture of the correct socket I need, nor can I find any information about GM possibly switching part numbers through production. It's as if the sockets I have never existed. But I need 2 of them. How do I purchase parts that don't exist? I do not want to buy used.

Just curious, did you check with our sponsor? I would be curious if Ames sell a socket or sockets that don’t work. Here is a link, last 3 on the list:
https://www.amesperf.com/parts/searc...sec_sub_rowid=

I have repaired several original taillight harnesses. Sometimes you can remove the socket wiring and metal contact end, clean, and bend so that when it is reinserted it makes contact. Not always easy but with the right tools can be done. I know you said you do not want used sockets. but again sometimes you have no choice, I am pretty sure I or other members here would have some that would be fine. Good luck.

I had a similar issue on my '63 Lemans with the tail-lamp/brake lamp sockets. The ground tang on the side of 2 of the 4 sockets was rusted-1/2 worn away and it did not make contact with the potmetal housing.


The way I cured my problem was: at a swap meet one Saturday afternoon and I spied a section of older GM car trunk harness (used) for sale.

Turns out it was from a 1962 or 1963 full size Chevrolet but the socket shape with the ground tang was the same. I was able to carefully remove the purple and blue wires from the base of my old socket(s) and transfer those wires into the Chevy socket with out having to cut or splice anything.


There must be something unique to the early 1960s GM car tail-lamp sockets.