So in a different thread I was on a search for 1157 bulb sockets for my 77 280. Didn't find originals but after purchasing a couple different  types to try and then realizing they aren't going to work, I decided to take these apart and compare them to the stock one. Neither one of these 2 pictured would work as far as fitting tight in the tail light housing. The white sockets pictured would fit but not snug like the stock ones. And the "sockets" were shorter than stock as shown here . So I decided to pull the spring, spring plate, and 2 wires out of the new socket  and splice into the original socket housing. Was also able to use the new rubber gasket that was supplied with the aftermarket ones as you can see in the first pic. So I was able to use the original housing and socket but installed the new wires, spring and plate pictured in the last pic I posted. Hope this helps anyone having the same issue. 

One would think there wouldn't be too many ways to manufacture an 1157 socket housing and they'd all be the same. But, your experience proved that wrong. Thanks for the tip many of us will eventually need.

Dennis

Glad to help. Figured its good info for those who drive their Z cars daily and can't have too much down time.

Edited September 6, 20159 yr by rcb280z

I have extras of these if anyone needs them. Just pay shipping.