Replace Turn Signal Bulb On 68 Cj5

Hello,

I am trying to figure out how to open the front turn signal lens housing on my 1968 Jeep CJ5 and cannot figure it out. I purchased a replacement ( OMIX-ADA Parking Lamp Assemblies 12405.01 ) and want to change the bulb to a LED bulb. The lens assembly does not have screws in the front. I tried pulling on the back portion but it will not come out. On the front I do see a wire that goes around the lens (between the lens and the metal frame) that looks like it may come out and then allow the lens itself to come out (giving access to the bulb). Is that what you are supposed to do or is there another way? If so what is the trick to get the wire out?

Thanks!
-Andrew

 

That wire you see is the retaining spring wire. It holds the lens in place. I use a small slot screw driver and gentle pry the wire at the open end ( you'll see that the retainer wire is open ended) and carefully work along, and it will suddenly completely spring out. The lens with be able to be remove now.

 

Thanks! I used a small hook to pop it out and then it came flying at my face.

 

You can use a pick too, the point will go under the spring with ease, it will poke a hole in your finger with ease too be careful.

 

I would be interested in seeing how your LED mod for the turn signal works out.

Unless you have one of those 'bulbs' with a million tiny surface mount LEDs positioned around the perimeter of the bulb, it may turn out rather dim since LEDs are directional (they shine in one direction only).

 

It worked great, maybe a little too great considering how bright it is. I could drive with only the parking lights turned on . For me they blink at the normal speed since the PO "installed" new flasher relays (by installed I mean used electrical tape to "attach" them to the steering column) and they seem to work with these LED's. They also seem to use less power which is nice since the jeep has some voltage drop issues when the turn signal is turned on.

Amazon: "JDM ASTAR Extremely Bright PX Chipsets 1157 2057 2357 7528 LED Bulbs ,Amber Yellow(Brightest Turn Signal Bulb on the Market)"

New bulb + lens (left) vs. old (right)

 

What's that black rectangle for?

Well don't just stop there, man, you have the taillights to do too. Hop to it!

 

Black box was the license plate (wasn't sure if people normally don't show it or not).

I ordered the led tail light bulb earlier today. Have to check to see if the rear housings need to be replaced but for now I'll just try changing the bulbs.

 

Hey, is that a photo of it flashing (right on the flash) or is that just a steady parking light? If the former, that's pretty bright--if the latter, the flash must be doubly-bright and really impressive then.

I'm not a big fan of lights that are themselves composed of multiple LEDs or anything that doesn't look vintage but I figure these will help an older Jeep be seen better.

I see you're paranoid too.
I didn't think your license plate numbers would show in the dark and being lit from behind, no less.

Can't say I blame you. I want to devise an all-season ski mask to wear in public, for the privacy-minded.
With all these facial recognition cameras and plain ol' CCTV cameras blanketing the landscape it's getting dicey out there...but I digress.