The Ford Barn

reverendjim · 07-27-2014, 10:42 PM

Hello,

I have just purchased a 1931 Tudor Sedan. The car had a frame-off restoration a few years ago and had been sitting some. When I picked up the car the cutout was burnt out so I replaced it. The cars runs well but I can't seem to get the tail light or brake light to work. I am getting power but the bulbs will not burn. I thought it might be a ground problem so I took the ground cable loose and sanded the frame but it has not helped. I checked the wiring and it seems to be correct according to the repair manual. What should I try next?

Thanks in advance,
James

Tom Endy · 07-27-2014, 10:49 PM

If you have power to the bulbs it is more than likely not seeing a ground at the light itself. It could be due to corrosion or the possibility you have fiberglass fenders.

Take a wire and touch it to the base of the bulb and the other end to the bumper. This should provide a ground and the light should light. From there you have to determine why the base of the bulb is not connected to ground.

Tom Endy

reverendjim · 07-28-2014, 08:24 AM

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I guessed a poor ground was probably going to be the trouble. I will get out there later today and see what I can find. The fender is steel but its all fairly freshly painted so I suppose the paint could be hindering the proper ground.

Thanks So Much,
James

07-27-2014, 10:42 PM	#1
reverendjim Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Southeast, TN in the Foothills of the Great Smokey Mtns Posts: 49	1931 Tail Light/brake Light?? Hello, I have just purchased a 1931 Tudor Sedan. The car had a frame-off restoration a few years ago and had been sitting some. When I picked up the car the cutout was burnt out so I replaced it. The cars runs well but I can't seem to get the tail light or brake light to work. I am getting power but the bulbs will not burn. I thought it might be a ground problem so I took the ground cable loose and sanded the frame but it has not helped. I checked the wiring and it seems to be correct according to the repair manual. What should I try next? Thanks in advance, James

07-27-2014, 10:49 PM	#2
Tom Endy Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Southern California Posts: 3,131	Re: 1931 Tail Light/brake Light?? If you have power to the bulbs it is more than likely not seeing a ground at the light itself. It could be due to corrosion or the possibility you have fiberglass fenders. Take a wire and touch it to the base of the bulb and the other end to the bumper. This should provide a ground and the light should light. From there you have to determine why the base of the bulb is not connected to ground. Tom Endy

07-28-2014, 08:24 AM	#3
reverendjim Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Southeast, TN in the Foothills of the Great Smokey Mtns Posts: 49	Re: 1931 Tail Light/brake Light?? Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I guessed a poor ground was probably going to be the trouble. I will get out there later today and see what I can find. The fender is steel but its all fairly freshly painted so I suppose the paint could be hindering the proper ground. Thanks So Much, James