Tail Lamps 1939 Deluxe

[Woodie1]

We have a 1939 Deluxe sedan that I'm struggling with. I can only get 4.8 volts at the tail lamp pins. I check for ground on the pins in the tail lamp sockets & they are grounded on both pins with 1 bulb still in the socket. If both bulbs are out, then only the bottom pins are grounded in both tail lamps. If I unplug the black tail lamp wire that runs from the front of the car, then the pins in the tail lamps are no longer grounded. It looks like I may have to look inside the light switch bulb for the problem. I feel that the tail lamp pins should never be grounded. I've run out of steam for the moment. I'll have to wait until tommorow to check further. I'm sure those grounds ar why the lights aren't as bright as they should be.

[Kube]

When I restore one of these cars, I always hide a dedicated ground wire. It is amazing the difference that makes. I solder the wire DIRECTLY to the outer shell of the socket. Run that wore though the conduit and find a very well-hidden place on the frame to attach it.
I have found that the ground designed between the socket and housing can be poor at best. Especially with the reproduction assemblies.

[Woodie1]

The pins in the tail light bulb socket shouldn't read ground though should they?

[Kube]

Originally Posted by Woodie1

The pins in the tail light bulb socket shouldn't read ground though should they?

The pins carry current. The body of the socket carries the ground.

[Woodie1]

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I agree Kube. I need to figure out where the ground is coming from.