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Technical Hot rod airplane tail lights

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by thomas pugliese, Sep 25, 2020.

  1. I’m in need of some help here guys. I saw a post where someone used old p-40 ww2 plane lights as tail lights. I love the look.
    Did anyone on here use those lights and if so what bulb socket and how did you switch the lights over with out botching them up?
    I really could use some help...
     
  2. pprather
    Joined: Jan 10, 2007
    Posts: 9,015

    pprather
    Member

    You might search airplane lights on HAMB.
    Also suggest you modify ***le to this thread.
    Hot Rod airplane tail lights.
    Hope this helps attract responses.
    Phil
     
    lothiandon1940 likes this.
  3. oldsman41
    Joined: Jun 25, 2010
    Posts: 1,556

    oldsman41
    Member

    I have seen all kind of stuff used for taillights on rat rods but not to often on traditional stuff
     
    5window likes this.
  4. 5window
    Joined: Jan 29, 2005
    Posts: 10,025

    5window
    Member

    I found this image of a light on a P-40 which might work. Don't know where'd you find them and '50 Pontiacs would be similar and likely a LOT cheaper. i expect you could just work in a NAPA 12V socket. The airplane proably ran much higher voltage, though I am not a plane guy.

    [​IMG]
     
    Deuces and lothiandon1940 like this.
  5. HOTRODPRIMER
    Joined: Jan 3, 2003
    Posts: 64,922

    HOTRODPRIMER
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Why post another thread asking the same thing?, it makes it easier for you to keep up with the replies if you stick to one thread. HRP
     
    Elcohaulic likes this.
  6. thankyou
     
  7. squirrel
    Joined: Sep 23, 2004
    Posts: 60,039

    squirrel
    Member

    Think about what the light you want to use, was designed to do. If it wasn't designed to fit on the back of a car, then it probably doesn't work quite the way you'd want it to work.
     
    da34guy and Just Gary like this.
  8. I did buy lights, I just don’t know what socket to use without cutting them up to much. So I wanted to see if anyone did it on here and they could help.


    Sent from my iPhone using H.A.M.B.
     
  9. ekimneirbo
    Joined: Apr 29, 2017
    Posts: 5,430

    ekimneirbo
    Member
    from Brooks Ky

    Might want to post a picture of the backside of the light you have. 1 with the existing plug in place and one showing the plug removed.
     
  10. Coggles
    Joined: Mar 3, 2019
    Posts: 67

    Coggles

    I cannot speak to American planes though I know a lot did run higher voltage. I CAN say, I used a wing light from a Spitfire (and they are 12v) I used one on a Triumph Motorcycle I have.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
  11. rusty valley
    Joined: Oct 25, 2014
    Posts: 4,351

    rusty valley
    Member

    if you google up light sockets it will bring you enough variations to make your head spin. just need to pick what you want, and wait for the mail man to bring it
     
    X38 likes this.
  12. 5window
    Joined: Jan 29, 2005
    Posts: 10,025

    5window
    Member

    That's a small box you're working in. Outside of your box, I've got H-D lights a s front turn signals and TR-3 parking lights as back-up lights. Seem fine and neither was made with the thought of my applications. I am sure there are many more examples.
     
  13. RMONTY
    Joined: Jan 7, 2016
    Posts: 2,664

    RMONTY
    Member

    You can pick up a replacement socket for an 1157 bulb at any decent Auto Parts store. The 1157 bulb gives you 2 filaments, one for running lights, and a brighter one for brakes. I would think a 5/8"-3/4" hole (or something close to that, I haven't measured it) in the back of whatever lens, fixture or cover you wanted to use would work. Most of those sockets have several "ears" around them that hold them in place. YMMV.
     
    Just Gary likes this.
  14. CrazyVern
    Joined: Nov 6, 2006
    Posts: 61

    CrazyVern
    Member

    I know Brian B*** used airplane lights on his Race of Gentlemen Roadster. They look great on his car but he also has the eye and skill to make them fit. It may has been his post here you saw. I believe airplane lights are usually 24 volts.
     
  15. Thankyou


    Sent from my iPhone using H.A.M.B.
     
  16. Thankyou


    Sent from my iPhone using H.A.M.B.
     
  17. Is Brian a member of the H.A.M.B


    Sent from my iPhone using H.A.M.B.
     
  18. HOTRODPRIMER
    Joined: Jan 3, 2003
    Posts: 64,922

    HOTRODPRIMER
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Brian B*** is a long time member - HERE
    HRP
     
    5window likes this.

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