Re: 1955 & 1956 Packard Side Marker Lights

Posted by BH On 2007/2/20 22:23:05

Unlike other lamps that you may be familiar with, the sockets were swedged into the turn signal lamp body on these cars and not intended to be removed to service the bulb. So, you have to remove the lens, but it is secured by screws from the backside of the lamp body. While that treatment makes for a much cleaner-looking exterior appearance, it creates a little extra work for us.

As such, you have to remove the entire lamp assmebly from the front fender. Yet, be careful as the die-cast body can become delicate over years of exposure to the elements. IIRC, the are two screws on the inboard leading edge of the lamp, plus a nut securing a stud at the rear, on the inside of the front fender. With the lamp removed from the fender, you can then remove the screws securing the lens, but look out for any sign of rust that might have made them brittle and prone to snapping off. A top quality screwdriver and a little penetrating oil could go a long way to avoiding costly damage.

At least this gives you the opportunity to clean up the inside of the housing and lens. While flat white reflects the most light, I'll paint the inside of the die-cast hosuing mine with an alumuinum colored paint fo an original look.

BTW, the original bulb was a 1034, but you'll find that the more commonly availale 1157 works and is slightly brighter.