Technical Mac's/United Pacific LED tail lights for '48 Ford

Anybody have experience installing Mac's/United Pacific LED tail lights on their '48 Ford? When I tried to install the ones I bought I found that the LED lens interferes with the original mounting screws. Unless I'm missing something, there is no way they will work.

I called Mac's and United Pacific and of course both told me that they'd never heard of a problem with them before. Of course, I bought them over a year ago, so I'm betting Mac's won't take them back either.

Can anyone suggest a solution or if I'm doing something wrong from the attached pictures?

 

If I remember right on my 48 I used 2 gaskets.

 

Can you use countersunk screws to give you clearance?

 

I used them on my 46 with no problem. Great lights.

 

How much clearance do you need? Can you double the gaskets as suggested and maybe grind the screws down a bit to get what you need? OTOH, it's a hot rod, so you probably should be using incandescent bulbs after all.

 

If a push comes to a shove I'd cut the head off the screw and plug weld it to tail lamp body through the hole, making it a stud or do what others have suggested. You don't want the screw heads or stud to touch any of the solder joints on the printed circuit when buttoned down.

 

I thought about that too, but the fastener head is thicker than two gaskets and I was afraid if I added three that I wouldn't be able to get the trim ring mounted.

The person I spoke to at UAPAC first suggested I chip away the epoxy to make clearance for the fasteners? Then, he suggested using truss head screws because they have a lower profile. You'd think that if the manufacturer indicates it was designed for a particular car that it would fit!

 

I can't tell from the pics, is the back sealed or is the circuit board exposed?

Thinner head screws might be enough to clear this. If the back is epoxy sealed, maybe you can gain some clearance for the screws with a die grinder and careful thinning of the epoxy.


Sent from my iPad using The H.A.M.B. mobile app

 

I can't tell from the pic but are they sealed units? Can you concave a place for the screw heads with a dremel tool without breaking through the back and grounding the circuit?

Well, I see that has been suggested already =[

 

I wish I still had my 46 so I could look at it. I did not have your problem. Wonder if some others can post some pictures.

 

I may try the two gasket idea and see if I can find a screw with a lower profile and/or countersink a wood screw. Disappointing quality and customer service in my mind from both Mac's and United Pacific.

 

I have them on my car- I don't recall having to modify the 'bulb' part to fit- my tail lights are repro's and had more trouble getting the trim ring to fit right. I used a machine screw to mount the taillight assembly to the housing- no clearance issue


Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app

 

I would think they were studs from the factory. My '40 had studs. The screw heads are the issue. Weld in studs and you should be OK. Countersink the housing, use flathead screws, weld them in, and grind smooth. Just make sure no electrical contact to the light.

 

Use these: https://www.mcmaster.com/#standard-socket-head-screws/=17cplri

Ultra-Low-Profile Socket Head Screws

 

GREAT one, Gimpy... Hadn't seen the 'ultra lows' before.

 

Trust me, I find every problem possible. THEN I have to solve them.

 

I made some of these with a grinder for special applications. I left just enough of the Phillips X to get a bit on.

 

Thanks! That may be the solution I'm after!