• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

SX-780 light bulb socket

H

haze5736

New Member
I went to change the bulb near the meters on my SX-780 and when I squeezed the socket clips, one side crumbled. What to do now? Can I get a new socket and is it an easy replacement? I'm not seeing how to get the 4 wound wires off the socket posts.
 
Register to hide this ad
As with anything, it's easy if you have the parts and tools and know how to do it. The wires are what's called "wire wrapped". There's a tool for that. A manual tool is about $40.00 and they go up from there. Wiki will tell you about it. Most advise leaving them alone because of the expense and skill to redo them. I have the tool and wire so I redid mine. I got used sockets off ebay. If you don't know anything about it then i would advise to just unwrap them with your needle nose. Replace the wires with fresh wire and use solder.

Regards,

Ron.
 
Get a license plate or side marker lamp holder from any GM in the junk yard, solder in the pigtail, and forget it. They have the bayonet tabs for retaining the socket into the acrylic light bar.

1158284.jpg
 
Last edited:
Thank you both for the good tips. I guess it will come down to what I can find quicker and/or cheaper. I'm guessing the gm light socket.
 
Watthour said:
Get a license plate or side marker lamp holder from any GM in the junk yard, solder in the pigtail, and forget it. They have the bayonet tabs for retaining the socket into the acrylic light bar.

1158284.jpg
Click to expand...

You can also get these in the help section of any auto parts store.
 
For future reference..... don't touch the sockets. :)

If you need to remove/change a bulb, use a small allen key from the underside - there is a small hole there, and you can just pop the bulb out without having to remove or otherwise disturbing the socket.

That GM socket tip is a neat trick..... thanks for that Watthour!
 
Ok I went to O'Reillys and they had the Dorman 85814 GM side marker sockets. 3.99 each. Wasn't in the help section like other stores are. Found these in the bulb section.

100_0824.jpg
 
For future reference, ALL of these old lamp holders are brittle as hell after all these years, and trying to squeeze the plastic will nearly always mean breaking it. Avoid this by taking the bulb out from the top...I have a piece of 1/2" OD (3/8" ID) tubing to grab the bulb from above and pluck it out, leaving the holder intact.
 
Caminokid said:
Ok I went to O'Reillys and they had the Dorman 85814 GM side marker sockets. 3.99 each. Wasn't in the help section like other stores are. Found these in the bulb section.
Click to expand...

That one may require a little trimming on a couple of the latches, but an X-Acto should work nicely. Those that I recall had a fairly soft (vinyl?) body and could be cut and formed pretty easily.
 
Watthour said:
That one may require a little trimming on a couple of the latches, but an X-Acto should work nicely. Those that I recall had a fairly soft (vinyl?) body and could be cut and formed pretty easily.
Click to expand...

They are pliable. Soft vinyl. I was looking at the trimming. I dont need them yet...but I have a burned up diffuser out of a 780 I am going to cut the socket and test fit soon. I will post pics then.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom