Tom -
Not to fear!
I just finished a successful repair of these lights on my 79 Midget.
Here is what I learned:
There are 2 screws holding in each lens - mine were missing, but no problem
-
the rubber (if it's still soft) holds the lens in well - it's a tight fit.
You really don't need them.
But they would keep water out of the screw holes.
Wedging mine out with a flathead screwdriver was annoying - one lens tab was
broken inside and this
step completed the set - getting it out broke the other one.
The bulbs were both shot, but this is the red circuit, which I just got
working, so I knew if I could replace them I'd be okay.
I ordered replacement lenses from Morris (wisely ordering three!), and also
several bulbs.
They are a strange-looking type, referred to in the manual as a
"festoon-type bulb"! I've never heard of a festoon,
but I notice that there are many of these in the late-model Midget - 2
different lengths.
Also, the metal electrode clips that attach to the plastic lens spurs were
too long on my replacement part -
I had to swap out with the shorter original clips, which then allowed the
bulb to fit in the metal cup assembly -
but just barely!
Now after boring everybody, I'll reveal the GRAND SECRET to this task - if
you use a wrench to "slacken"
the 2 screws holding on the metal cup, you can back it away from the main
plate holder and have plenty
of room to work it in. Tighten the screws and voila - a nice tight fit.
BTW - I just got the plate lights and the boot light and the interior
courtesy all light working! Now the 2 biggest bears -
brake lights and reverse lights - they both have a switch and may be harder
to fix, but I can't take too many
more chances without working brake lights! Victory will be mine!!
JL
>One of my license plate lights on my '78 Midget went out-so I went to the
>local Pep Boys and got myself the proper bulb-now I can't get the stupid
bulb
>to go in! Is there a trick here I am missing? I am able to get one end into
>one of the terminals, but not the one on top-my fingers lose the bulb as it
>is such a tight area to work in!
>Please help!
>Tom
>78 Midget
> ********************************
> John Lundy
> Senior Astrodynamics Engineer
> Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC)
> PHONE: (719) 637-8740 x248 FAX: (719) 573-7936
> EMAIL: john.d.lundy@cpmx.saic.com
>
> ********************************
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