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.

http://builders-hardware.aubuchonhardware.com/window_hardware_and_weather_stripping/weather_stripping/do_it_poly_foam_caulk_saver-288713.asp

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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