Tom wrote: Pulled the tail light assembly apart and = discovered a real mess. Water has been getting into this area on both sides of the Van. Think it will be necessary to fabricate a socket for the tail lamp bulb. = Any experience on the list with this problem? Whats best solution? How do you keep the water out? I write: I had a similar problem last year, such that a couple of my bulbs quite working until I disassembled the taillight and thoroughly cleaned the connections with steel wool, then sprayed WD-40 over everything. To prevent continued water infiltration, I installed a section of polyethylene foam caulking material, available at most any hardware store and intended for filling gaps around door and window frames. I think it was about 3/8" in diameter and I just stuffed about an 18" section into the upper perimeter of the back side of the taillight assembly. Might also want to inspect/replace the rubber which is designed to seal between the bulb socket assembly and the lens portions of the light. If you cannot clean-up or repair the socket assembly, check eBay and buy the cheapest Vanagon taillight with a cracked lens (assuming your isn't), but a good socket assembly to swap in.
Jeffrey Earl 1983 diesel Westfalia "Vanasazi"
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