Iv'e spent the last couple of weeks putting my wonderful 74 240D back on the road after being sidelined for a couple of years. I drained the fuel tank even though I had stablizer and algecide in it,changed all the fuses,change oil and filter, changed fuel filters took out all the seats and door panels cleaned them,cleaned and lubed the door and window mechinism,rubbed out the paint, waxed it etc.
Pretty much ready but had a tail light and a brake light that would not stay on unless I wedged a tooth pick in the socket. The rear light had always been a problem on this car. I cleaned the sockets with 280 grit emery cloth using a split at the top section if brazing rod with the emery wraped around it and my varible speed dremmel tool set on it's slowest speed. then cleaned the bulbs all had a loose fit in the socket.I then applied ele. solder to the sides of the metal part of the bulb in a thin layer with a wide tip on my soldering gun, sort of like pre Bondo tinning before leading.I then filed each bulb till they fit tight in the socket,I applied a touch of dielectric to each bulb and presto bright lights all the way around.........
William Rogers......
74 240D
81 SD
86 Euro 500 SE
81 2wd K5 454 Blazer hot rod

Neat trick, using solder to build up the side of the bulb. Will stow that one in my bag of tricks.

__________________
Mike Tangas
'73 280SEL 4.5 (9/72)- RIP
Only 8,173 units built from 5/71 thru 11/72

'02 CLK320 Cabriolet - wifey's mid-life crisis

2012 VW Jetta Sportwagon TDI...at least its a diesel

Non illegitemae carborundum.