Nissan Repair: Brake lights and right blinker, turn signal switch, side blinkers

Question
I was changing all my lights all the way around on my datsun 620. After i replaced them all I lost just my right side blinkers front and back, and my brake lights. I still have running lights, reverse and left blinkers. I had a few bulbs that were a little stronger than what is called for it, so I put the old ones back in it (they still worked) and still nothing. At first they were working for a second  then blowing a fuse now they dont work at all with a brand new fuse. What is causing this? Blinker switch in the steering column? Bad wiring? Thanks very much

Answer
Jake,

The assumption here is one or more of the light sockets is defective.  The turn signal switch is problematic on older cars.  But, since you say everything worked before you switched out bulbs I would try to examine all of the sockets and make sure the correct bulb is installed and oriented correctly.  An 1157 bulb is the one that has two filaments in it and one is for marker lights and the other is for the turn and brake.  If they are reversed on installation they will short out.  If you look at the bulb from the side you will see that one of the alignment pins is higher than the other.  Try clocking the bulb the other way.  Correctly installed they are much easier to turn.  Give it a try and email me back if you need more.