Stop light bulb replacement

[popzbird]

I am new to Thunderbird Chat and my reason for posting is to maybe find out how to get to the right rear tail light bulb on my 2002 Bird. I may can figure it out, but don't want to do it the hard way first.
Thanks

[DavidA]

Re: Stop light bulb replacement

There is no easy way. You need a deep socket and there are 2 posts behind the trunk liner. I forget what socket to use, but I think it is 1/2". Unscrew the posts then push them out so the taillight releases from the seal. Once it is out, change the bulb and reverse the proceedure.

You must remove the appropriate side trunk liner before you can access the posts.

[AZTB]

Re: Stop light bulb replacement

Before you finish the replacement, change out the hex nuts to wing nuts...save you a boatload of heartache the next time.

[popzbird]

Re: Stop light bulb replacement

Thanks for the info David. That doesn't sound to tough.

[popzbird]

Re: Stop light bulb replacement

Your quote is right on Jim.

[js tbird]

Re: Stop light bulb replacement

I had to do mine a couple of months ago. It is a pain, didn't have the deep socket so I had to use vice grips to hold my socket. Wish I had thought about the wing nuts at the time. Next I have to change, will do the wing nuts.

[billm]

Re: Stop light bulb replacement

Factory must have installed Chinese bulbs in the TBs. I sold two Ford products., Lincoln TC and Merc. Marquis, owned for 10 yrs ea., and never had any bulbs to go out!

[Gobird]

Re: Stop light bulb replacement

I have replaced 2 or 3 tail light bulbs in 9 years but the third brake light is still going strong.

[steelblue5505]

Re: Stop light bulb replacement

Here's some more info on the tail light hardware. The nut & threaded stem bolts are metric. The nut is 11mm which is very close to 7/16.

The bolt thread is 6mm-1.0 . That is the size wing nut to purchase.

Wing nuts have a tendency to loosen, you may want to add on a split washer to keep it tight.

[AZTB]

Re: Stop light bulb replacement

Wing nuts I bought have serrated (or saw-toothed) backing...they've been on for better than 3 years and tail lamps are as tight as ever. If you can't find wing nuts like these, go for the split washer. Shortly after one was replaced and I had installed the wing nuts, bulb broke...BELIEVE me when I say replacing it the 2nd time with wing nut already there took place in less than 5 minutes.

[007Cruiser]

Re: Stop light bulb replacement

Heaven forbid that they could have made this easy.

[popzbird]

Re: Stop light bulb replacement

Thanks for all the info, everyone. I got the job done and all went well. I was able to get a 7/16 open end wrench on the nuts and break them loose then spin them off with my fingers.

[Ediron]

Re: Stop light bulb replacement

I've changed both side's, the hardest part finding an 11mm wrench.I now leave the nuts just hand tight but the wing nuts are a good idea.

[FEsTbird]

Re: Stop light bulb replacement

I have a small crescent adjustable wrench. I use it to get the nuts started, and then they can be hand turned with a socket that slips over the long section. The crescent is used to tighten them at then end of the assembly.

[BJHEN]

Re: Stop light bulb replacement

After I retired I didn't put much value on my time. After today I've changed my thinking.

Yesterday I took the bird to my LM dealer for an oil change, replace rear blinker light, and state inspection - needed the light replaced before it could pass inspection.

I asked dealer how much to replace rear bulb; his price $83. I said no way, I'd do it my self.

Counting all my time to locate an open ended wrench, go purchase the bulb, disassemble and reassemble the light cover, I figure my time is worth about $330/hour, less the cost of the bulb of course.

Maybe it's time to find another dealer to do business with!

Cliff