Tail Lights - Replacement connector *non-stock found inside*

[ktm]

Are you in need of a replacement connector for your tail lights but don't want to use or gamble on a used connector?  Would you like to upgrade to a different bulb type (3156/3157) that does not require a spring as well as twist in turn action?  Well, I found just the one for you.

 

Introducing the Dorman 85881 connector for late model GMs.  It utilizes a 3157 bulb (two filaments) but can be used for every light in the tail light housing.  For the reverse light you just don't wire up the third wire.  Now there is just a tiny amount of modification that needs to be done to both the connector and the housing, but it is very, VERY minor.

 

First, the housing.  You need to trim a small portion of the housing between the two stock tabs that are at 10 and 12 o'clock to make it one big opening.  The second thing you need to do is take some 80 grit sand paper and lightly sand the perimeter of the opening.  The Dorman connector is almost a perfect fit and just a tiny bit of sanding will allow it to pop into the housing.

 

 

As for the Dorman connector, you need to trim the tab that sits at the 6 o'clock position in half.  You want to remove the portion of the tab that has the trapezoidal end so that the remaining portion is just a rectangle.

 

The connector below does not appear to be correct where the wires attach (though that one could be better) but the bulb socket is correct.  The Dorman 85881 connector I utilized has the body of the plug behind the black weatherstrip project 90 degrees from the socket.

 

 

That's it.  The 3157 is a two filament bulb and can be used for all of the lights.  The connector is a three wire connector as well and can be wired up in any combination.

 

What I like about the connector is that it eliminates the metal housing that is subject to rust/corrosion.  It eliminates the spring as the bulb just snaps into place.

 

I don't believe that the mods make the housing unuseable for the stock connectors either.  You may have to modify the connector to allow it to spin 360 degrees instead of "locking" so that all three tabs are covered, but that's it.

Edited April 1, 2014 by ktm

[socorob]

Any pictures of what you did?

[ktm]

I'll post some photos tonight.

[socorob]

Thanke

[ktm]

Post has been updated with photos.  Click on the photos to see the text.

[seattlejester]

Actually was looking for a replacement for my front turn signals, last time I had to drill a hole and resolder the old contact, a new holder altogether would be great.

 

Thanks!