Turn Signal / Flasher Issue

[kentf14]

I've been searching and can't find a solution for my issue described below. I'll try to break it down as simply as I can.
Car is a US spec '73

My passenger side signal lamp is having issues. When I pull the light switch to the parking position, both bulbs in the housing come on with the bright signal bulb filament lit in the larger bulb.
If I turn OFF the parking light and activate the emergency flasher, all 4 corners flash but the passenger front is dim compared to the others. Seems to be using the smaller filament.
If I turn ON the parking lights and activate the emergency flasher 3 corners flash but the passenger side front stays constant (no flashing)
When using the turn signal stalk, signaling starts off (dim) then relay gets quiet and both indicators on tach start dimly flashing together.

I've cleaned all of the signal sockets
I'm using known good, new incandescent (Audette) bulbs
I've cleaned and checked all ground connections for the front signal buckets.

So... what could it be? Is it possible that a bad relay would affect only one signal bulb?

Any and all ideas appreciated. I've been chasing this for a while and it's pretty frustrating.
THANKS!

[ejboyd5]

Review both ends of the ground connections for all the passenger's side front lamps. Even connect an additional temporary "jumper" ground wire to help pinpoint the fault.

[kentf14]

Thanks. Yes, I did exactly that and the ground was good.

I can add that the light will work correctly if I hold it lightly in the socket, but stops flashing and gets very bright as soon as I push it in and rotate to lock.

[dirk07]

Kent I had also this contact problem last Saturday and I bend the two connectors of the spades In the housing for the mentioned bulb more into driving direction and it worked. The connection of the bulb to the housing and the spades/socket might be not good.

[ejboyd5]

I can add that the light will work correctly if I hold it lightly in the socket, but stops flashing and gets very bright as soon as I push it in and rotate to lock.

Important information omitted from the initial post as it does seem to localize the problem.

[kentf14]

Important information omitted from the initial post as it does seem to localize the problem.

But any idea as to what that means?

[Haasman]

Hi Kent- I used a hemostat (narrow nose with ridge grip) to gently pull the bulb contact(s) to increase tension. Seemed to work well in holding the bulb(s) more securely. Obviously one doesn't want to have power going the lamp(s) to avoid shorts.

[kentf14]

Thanks Jeff! The passenger side socket is significantly tighter than the drivers side. My plan for today is to pull the drivers side housing and try to re-tension the contacts. Maybe a weak connection on this side is causing the issue?
Getting enough slack in the wiring is the big pain right now. Not a lot of room to get one's hands in behind w a screwdriver.
Hard to believe this is turning into a multiple day project

Hi Kent- I used a hemostat (narrow nose with ridge grip) to gently pull the bulb contact(s) to increase tension. Seemed to work well in holding the bulb(s) more securely. Obviously one doesn't want to have power going the lamp(s) to avoid shorts.

[steve shea]

Just use a 90 degree dental pick; pull through the opening for easy tensioning of the contacts. Do this with the battery disconnected. Insert vertically then rotate 90 and pull on the contact.

[Haasman]

and I should add that over the years with messing with these car's bulbs, I found not all of outside barrel dimensions are equal.

I have also very, very gently tried to close the ground outside to ensure good fit.