front marker light socket assemblies

Geologo · #1 (**permalink**) 04-09-2008, 08:14 PM

It's been a cool, wet spring in northern Virginia so I've limited driving my "86 graduate to short trips to evaluate progress on fixing exhaust fume issues, etc. Today, I decided to drive it to work - it's a driver from early-mid April to end of October - and before I reached the end of the driveway I noticed that my state inspection is 2 months overdue! A quick check revealed a non-working front marker light - minor but an inspection failure.

Tonight I got the light working sufficiently to pass inspection - thanks to steel wool, a rubber band, and some "dum-dum" (a term I learned 40 years ago for permanently pliable insulation putty). But, I want to fix the socket properly and it's in pretty bad shape. Checked IAP and there does not appear to be a replacement socket assembly available from there.

Does anyone know a supplier of this simple socket assembly?

usatrade · #2 (**permalink**) 04-09-2008, 11:42 PM

Sorry Geologo I can't help you here but now that you mentioned good old "dumdum" I am asking the question to anyone reading this thread :
where can we find some "dumdum" on the net or in shops. I am in Soutern California.
Thanks
And obviously hope someone can help Geologo.

Claude

**aldo** · #3 (**permalink**) 04-10-2008, 04:43 AM

Try here, Dum Dum Pops

If that dosen't work try some two part epoxy.

EpoxyGator.com - Epoxy Putty Repair Sticks

**ossodiseppia** · #4 (**permalink**) 04-10-2008, 05:53 AM

I've seen replacement sockets at auto parts stores like Auto Zone, NAPA, Chief Auto Parts, etc. They are generic sockets and may not work.

Alfa Dave · #5 (**permalink**) 04-10-2008, 06:49 AM

I recently got a turn signal assembly from DiFatta Bros. They sell a lot of OEM parts.

usatrade · #6 (**permalink**) 04-10-2008, 08:23 AM

To Aldo,

(My brother's name - Aldo)

I love those dum dums specially Strawberry !

The two part epoxy dries super hard and cannot be removed. the dum dum is a soft boddy putty/mastic that remains soft and removable and that's what I am looking for but cannot find so far.

Claude

Geologo · #7 (**permalink**) 04-10-2008, 08:23 AM

usatrade - I'm using a brand called Mortite, available at HomeDepot in the window/pipe insulation area.

others - thanks for suggestions. I'm not sure a generic socket will work as the OEM is designed to "lock" into the lens.

**aldo** · #8 (**permalink**) 04-10-2008, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by usatrade

To Aldo,

(My brother's name - Aldo)

I love those dum dums specially Strawberry !

The two part epoxy dries super hard and cannot be removed. the dum dum is a soft boddy putty/mastic that remains soft and removable and that's what I am looking for but cannot find so far.

Claude

**backfeeder** · #9 (**permalink**) 04-10-2008, 09:13 PM

USATRADE,
If you've got NAPA in your neck of the woods this is what to ask for ... 3M Strip Calk, Part # 051135-08578. It comes in 12 inch long blue box with 20 yards of product. Don't mention dumdum, unless the part jockey looks to be older than 50.

**backfeeder** · #10 (**permalink**) 04-10-2008, 09:18 PM

Geologo,
Have you tried APE, eBay, DeNoya trading etc?

usatrade · #11 (**permalink**) 04-10-2008, 09:24 PM

Thanks Backfeeder I will go to NAPA
That is super good info.
Thanks
Claude
P.S. It is to put behind the chrome rim below the windshield on the Spider

**backfeeder** · #12 (**permalink**) 04-11-2008, 02:38 AM

Claude, thats exactly why I got it originally. It does come in handy for a bunch of other stuff also. I used it last to plug the gaps around the lines going from the trunk to the cabin.

**vf31rhill** · #13 (**permalink**) 04-11-2008, 02:53 AM

All supply stores for auto body shops also sell the strips you are referring to. Almost every town has a store which sells auto body paint and supplies. These are the supply stores I am talking about. NAPA (also called Standard Parts and Genuine Parts in some places) also sells auto body paint and supplies and thus are suppliers of these stips.
Robert Hill

**backfeeder** · #14 (**permalink**) 04-11-2008, 04:43 AM

Robert, I actually had a hard time finding these strips when I first looked for them. Went to a few different places including NAPA. Finally I spoke with an old timer at Discount Auto who had worked 25 years at a GM dealership as a "trim/fit and finish" guy. He pointed me back to NAPA. When I returned to NAPA, I was lucky to find another old timer who knew what I was asking for and knew where it was. The first time I was there, a young man searched the suppliers catalog for 15 minutes before telling me that they didn't carry anything like that. Sometimes it's all about persistence and lots of luck.

usatrade · #15 (**permalink**) 04-11-2008, 10:53 AM

Went to PepBoys and they do not have the stuff. Will go to NAPA and hope
Thanks
Claude