Packard Forum Index » Pre-War (1899-1942)

What is the correct procedure to accessing and changing the rear stop/turn signal light bulb in my formal sedan (1807)?

I have removed the regular slotted screw on the top of the unit but nothing happens nor does anything move easier. I looked in the trunk and see no access. If I remove the rear wheel and stick my head in the wheel well, I see there are two nuts (besides me) in proximity to the stop/turn indicator... Is this the access to that light socket and bulb?

Thanks

I just did mine and all you do is remove the top slotted screw and carefully pull straight out the red glass lens and chrome surround......carefully! In other words don't drop the glass lens. You may have to wiggle it a little bit to slide it out.

Steve

Thanks. I tested this process on one of my lights and it worked perfectly. The other light appears to have had the rubber gasket fuse to both the housing and the glass lens.

I am debating if I should apply a flame to the glass to soften the gasket...

Nothing to debate, do NOT apply a flame to the glass lens. If you feel you must use heat, start by trying something indirect and very gentle, for example a hot air hair dryer.

Thanks.
With a little hot air and (over night) silicone spray, was able to soften up the sticky rubber to the rear lens. I used a large paper clip , bent the end of it to a 90 degree angle and was able to get behind part of the lens and pull it out.

I have had good luck using PB Blaster to soften rubber. JWL

Great Suggestion. I live for PB Blaster. It works great on my 70 year old radiators!

Any issue with replacing the rubber lens gaskets with cork?

If you have ArmorAll, spray it on heavy and gently work around the rubber with a wooden skewer or tongue depressor. Easy does it or you'll have to buy a new one from Steele Rubber. That's your backup. The one in there is pre-war real rubber most likely.

You could also go to any 'rubber house' that sells sheet rubber and buy a square foot of 1/16" neoprene and trace your old one onto it with a pen and cut it out with a good pair of scissors, or a super-sharp utility knife. Hole punches for the machine screws and you're in biz. Chris