New lights not enough wires!!

[tsunamivw]

I've bought replacement rear lights for my 69 American import bay, but the new lights only have 3 wires whereas the originals have about 6 wires how does that work? Seriously I'm not unto speed with electrics, have I bought the wrong fitments (they say 68 -72)
Help!

 

[dna]

The near side light should have 3 wires one for side, tail and indicator, plus an earth, the off side should have 5 wires one for side, tail and indicator, then link wires to the off side for tail and brake light) plus earth. the number plate light usually comes from the near side tail light, but have seen them come from the off side as well.

HTH

 

[tsunamivw]

Hi Dna
Both lights have three whirs two to the lower light and one to the upper, I'm assuming that they earth with the screws ton the body but I'm still lost with the wiring, quite keen to sort it because I've not got a left rear light
Cheers

 

[dna]

You don't always get a good earth through the screws. There is an earth terminal on the light back, I've got a wire from this to a screw just inside the engine lid on both sides, so there is a good earth to the body

 

[tsunamivw]

So is the lack of wires just going to be because there are no 'real' earths?

 

[dubdubz]

colours is what we need

see this

http://www.vintagebus.com/wiring/bus-70-71.jpg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

the originals should have earthed through the housing - theres a spike [but you've not said that they are originals so just guessing here!]

It also depends on if the bus has already been converted for UK - I have just done mine and therefore added some 2 wires each side!