Hello, just bought a 57 F100. Tail lights did not work when I got it, however, the previous owner did run new wiring to the back. I bought new bulbs and put them in and lights did not work. I have a test light and tested the wiring all the way from the switch on the dash to the tail light socket and have power all the way(test light comes on when touching connection inside the socket) A weird side note though- I also get the test light coming on when I touch the housing itself. Bulbs will not light. I'm assuming it is some kind of ground problem, but now sure what. Any help would be appreciated.

Try running a temporary ground from each light housing to the frame or other good ground. Then try everything. Weird electrical problems are usually the result of a poor ground

54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

You mention that you also get a test light when touching the base of the socket. Where are you hooking your test light for ground? Does anything else close also give a light? These can be a lot of fun locating, I know- been there. Grounds are very important. Clean and no rust. Also check wires inside sockets. One could be frayed and touching ground. GOOD LUCK!

Ol'ford nutCentral Iowa

56 Vic w/292 & 4 spd.

As stated already this is an earth problem with your lights. The reason you get a light when touching the frame of the light supports this.

Run a good earth to the light unit and mount it to one of the taillight housing bolts.

Regards

Rick - West Australia
Do Y Blocks Downunder run upside down? Gravity Sucks!!

I will do that. thanks