Teardrop Light Conversion

[Curtis]

A couple of you have asked how I did the teardrop conversion from a single element to a dual element. Here it is.
Here’s the original light. The ground was repaired on this one.

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To start with I removed the original socket from the housing by supporting the sides of the housing in my vise and using an inch or metric deep socket from the tool box that was slightly larger than the bulb socket and tapping it out. I tapped it out from the inside of the socket and once I got to the bottom I used a second socket small enough to tap it out the rest of the way. I have since bought some new empty bases so I only had to put it back in.

The original socket is long and of course does not have the offset slots for a dual element. I bought some replacement sockets off the internet that are the normal length. This is good since it lets the taller bulb sit down inside a bit more. I tapped it in to match how much sticks out the back.

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I removed the base from the new socket and unsoldered the wires from the base and then put on new ones in the correct Datsun colors. I used the correct colors for left and right turn signals. I added some heat shrink as well for a little extra insurance.

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Here you can see the ground post on the stock housing. Most are broken and have been repaired. It is attached to the housing and is a crimp terminal. All the new sockets I bought all come with the ground wire just twisted around the spring. I just soldered it and used it that way.

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The locating tabs on the socket base stick out past the socket and interfere with the base moving down when you insert the bulb. I filed them down so they would fit. Make sure you insert the base back in with wires in the correct position for the wires or you’ll end up having to hook your connectors up backwards.

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Add some nice new sleeving and bullets. I put some heat shrink on and deformed the sleeving a bit. Next time I will use the higher heat tubing.

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Here’s the bulb I used. Sylvania 1157 amber LED.

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[DCooke]

#Brilliant

[S Allen]

Can I add to the wiki?

S

[tjp]

I bought some replacement sockets off the internet that are the normal length.

What is the part number and source for the replacement socket? Thanks

[Curtis]

Can I add to the wiki?

S

Yes, thanks.

[Curtis]

I bought some replacement sockets off the internet that are the normal length.

What is the part number and source for the replacement socket? Thanks

Any plain BA15 1157 socket will work without any mounting hardware on it.

[S Allen]

Here you go. Published in the wiki.

Teardrop Light Conversion

S

[Curtis]

Here you go. Published in the wiki.

Teardrop Light Conversion

S

Thanks. I hope it helps people.

[RustyBucket]

Nice job !

[Curtis]

Thanks all. I really wanted the dual element on mine. It can't hurt in a small car.

[RustyBucket]

My first Datsun (69) had tear drop iI have has the side lights, but now "Many Moons" later the Datsun (69) has the square "70's lights. The tear drops make the car sporter!!

[todd lorber]

Curtis,
Have you ever done just the harness conversion to make the front side marker function as a running light/turn signal?
There is a simple harness for the 240Z's that does this and I'd imagine that it would be extremely simple for you to make. The only issue is that the body of the light must be insulated from the fender so that it does not ground. I'm not quite there yet, but I am contemplating this when I get to that point on my car.

[Curtis]

Curtis,
Have you ever done just the harness conversion to make the front side marker function as a running light/turn signal?
There is a simple harness for the 240Z's that does this and I'd imagine that it would be extremely simple for you to make. The only issue is that the body of the light must be insulated from the fender so that it does not ground. I'm not quite there yet, but I am contemplating this when I get to that point on my car.

Nope, this works without having to ground. The other doesn't make sense to me as this is so simple.

[70-1600]

Nice work on the teardrop conversion! I was glad I did my '70 front side markers last year in a similar fashion to your conversion. How did you wire in the leads of the converted teardrop? Did you splice it into the front turn light?

Great write up!

-jt

[Curtis]

Since I am making new harnesses I just put the dual socket on. If I was using an old harness I would just make a short adapter or cut it off and put on a dual on the engine harness.