VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND NEWER 1946-1948 Tail light bulb with T/S

For the 48 fleetline what modern rear bulb can I use,I have a turn sinal

The correct tail lamp bulb for a 1948 would be an 1154.There is no modern replacement and that bulb was used if the car had turn signals or not.Its a double filament bulb and is used as tail a lamps (3 candle powe filament) and brake light (21 CP filament)....the brake light filament is also used for the directional.
The 1154 is readily available.

Thanks Chev Nut

I still find it hard to believe, but you can find these bulbs stocked at your local auto parts store. I went into a small family owned place in metro Detroit with a list of bulb numbers for my tail lights, instrumentation, ect and they had most on hand and the couple they didn't have they ordered and had in a day. Bowtie

It is 'nice' when some 'old' things are avilable at a nearby parts store. Often it's the case.

Another tip: Don't forget to try your "local" Chevy dealer. I'm often surprised (and delighted) what they can get for me.

Bill.

Yep, it's amazing what your local Chevrolet dealer still has available for your vintage vehicle. However, this only works if you can find a parts man at the dealership that is not only extremely knowledgeable, but is willing to take the time to research the parts needed for your car instead of laughing in your face when you request a "gizmo" for a 1969 Impala.

I am not a fan of the big chain parts houses, went to one the other day looking for an 1154 bulb, none on the display rack, asked a counter man who responded, I doubt it, took my money for another item, provided change, no thank you, walked off to talk to another parts guy. Went across the street, asked the same question, answer was I frankly don't know but lets check, found that they had a good supply of various 6v bulbs, parts guy says "learn something new every day". Guess who is going to get my business from now on.

Recently I was at the NAPA warehouse buyng some stuff for my '55 and while the parts were coming, I overheard the conversation at the next counter. Two guys were looking for '34 Hudson parts and the parts guy was digging into old books, so after my parts arrived, I went over and watched to see if they were successful. Well, after about 15 minutes, the parts guy came up with the modern numbers and when the parts arrived at the counter, the two customers opened the boxes and were highly pleased. They knew the parts were the right by sight. At that store, I always ask for Darrell. He knows the parts business and more importantly cares about his job and customers. The problem with him: He's coming up on 30 years with the company this fall and is probably going to retire. But, there are others like the one with the '34 Hudson guys above...AT my age, I've seen some great parts guys but most of them are retired now...