How to Change Bulb on Fender Top Marker Lights

[Ghostultramarine]

The small fender top marker lights, how does one go about changing the bulbs? I would rather ask for expertise than just trying things and possibly making a mess of it.

I felt under the fender and I can feel what appears to be a nut - I am not sure if I have to remove the chrome piece or if the bulb comes out from below?

One would think ease of maintenance would have been thought of during this time period. I do not have an owners manual for it (1968 Newport) so I am not sure if that would be in there.

(I did get the reverse lights working - both bulbs were burned out - no dash lights, yet, but one (or three) things at a time, I guess.)

 

[MrMoparCHP]

This is a 69, maybe the same?

Alan

 

[Ghostultramarine]

It's probably similar. I haven't removed it or anything, just felt around underneath.

Does the socket that holds the bulb just pull out from underneath or do you have to remove the whole chrome unit to change the bulb?

 

[MrMoparCHP]

Here is a 68 Chrysler.
NOS Mopar Fender Turn Signal Indicator Lamp 1968 Chrysler Newport & New Yorker Models - Hiltop Auto Parts

Alan

 

[Ghostultramarine]

That’s it. Now, do I have to remove the bulb?

Do I take the chrome piece off or just pull it out from underneath or?

 

[Gerald Morris]

That’s it. Now, do I have to remove the bulb?

Do I take the chrome piece off or just pull it out from underneath or?

pull it out from underneath first, then, press down on the bulb a bit, then twist. I recommend LED replacements, but shop carefully for them! You can even patch a little LED tape just below the chrome on the side, using superglue and Clearcoat to hold it in place, making a nice little sidemarker working off the turn signal indicator. These can be had for about $4....

 

[Zymurgy]

I remembered it was a pain on my 66 300. Here is an old post. It might be easier on your Newport, but it will give you an idea.

Add trim removal guy to the list

 

[Ross Wooldridge]

WARNING - the amber plastic part that the bulb socket slides over (you can see it poking out of the chrome piece) is extremely brittle and will snap as soon as you look at it, especially if attempting to pull the bulb holder out of the bulb socket from underneath. Yes it's designed to be changed that way, but I suggest the following instructions to allow you to access the bulb and socket with less chance of damage.

If you're able, spray some penetrant over ther lower assembly to help free up the nut.

Step 1 - disconnect the wiring connector.

Step 2 - undo and remove the nut from the lower assembly. Try to support the assembly underneath as you remove the nut so it doesn't move sideways or twist. Very gently pull the entire lower assembly straight down off the amber plastic. Any sideways movement and the amber lens will snap.

Step 3 - the chrome housing and lens will now also be able to easily come off the car.

Carefully clean the threads of the retaining bolt and put a dab of grease on it for reassembly.

The bulb socket is now more easily gotten hold of, and can be twisted out of the bulb tube on the bench.

The bulbs are available, so that's the easy part, but I recommend you test the bulb, as often the bulb socket is so corroded as to require a good cleaning abd the bulb is still OK.

A little bit of grease will help things go back together easily.

If the amber is broken, you can try to glue it with Super Glue - just remember that any glue will reduce the amount of light that can pass through the lense, so use it sparingly.

Good luck!