How to rebuild taillight assembly

[Rich 52]

I am trying to rebuild the taillight assembly on a 1952 Chevy Truck, converted from 6 volt to 12 volt utilizing parts ordered from Classic Parts. I'm wondering if anyone has pictures with the taillamp socket bracket item 49-491 installed in the original style taillamps. There are no instructions, and it is frustrating me to no end. Also wondering why, the taillamp bezels I ordered item 49-411 will not fit on the original bucket assembly. The assemblies were cleaned up and powder coated. The old rusted one will fit but the new ones will not. Any help on either question would really help.

 

[e015475]

I don't think you're going to like this answer much.

Most all reproduction parts are made in China and only an 'approximation' of the OE. You're expecting way too much if you expect a repro bezel to fit an OE housing. Their fenders don't fit, their hoods don't fit, none of their sheet metal does - why would this be any different? I've put more labor hours trying to get Chinese stuff to fit than I care to count, and every time I swear I'll never do it again and will focus my efforts in finding good factory parts to restore.

As for the tail-light socket bracket, I'd buy the whole repro assembly with LEDs already installed. They come stainless, but you can paint it if you wish. LEDs are much brighter and, in my opinion, should be added for safety anyway

Just a reminder, you did say "......any help....."

 

[Rich 52]

I don't think you're going to like this answer much.

Most all reproduction parts are made in China and only an 'approximation' of the OE. You're expecting way too much if you expect a repro bezel to fit an OE housing. Their fenders don't fit, their hoods don't fit, none of their sheet metal does - why would this be any different? I've put more labor hours trying to get Chinese stuff to fit than I care to count, and every time I swear I'll never do it again and will focus my efforts in finding good factory parts to restore.

As for the tail-light socket bracket, I'd buy the whole repro assembly with LEDs already installed. They come stainless, but you can paint it if you wish. LEDs are much brighter and, in my opinion, should be added for safety anyway

Just a reminder, you did say "......any help....."

I don't think you're going to like this answer much.

Most all reproduction parts are made in China and only an 'approximation' of the OE. You're expecting way too much if you expect a repro bezel to fit an OE housing. Their fenders don't fit, their hoods don't fit, none of their sheet metal does - why would this be any different? I've put more labor hours trying to get Chinese stuff to fit than I care to count, and every time I swear I'll never do it again and will focus my efforts in finding good factory parts to restore.

As for the tail-light socket bracket, I'd buy the whole repro assembly with LEDs already installed. They come stainless, but you can paint it if you wish. LEDs are much brighter and, in my opinion, should be added for safety anyway

Just a reminder, you did say "......any help....."

Thanks, I did ask. Lol.
I figured the problem is Repro an OE not fitting. I should learn by now after a few times with different parts that I end up buying the assembly of the item which I should have just done in the first place
Again thanks for a reply.