help removing old barn light sockets

[oliver_army]

I recently came into possession of two old barn lights, one manufactured by Spero and the other by Benjamin. I'd like to replace the ceramic sockets in both and install new wiring, however I can't figure out how to remove the old sockets. They appear to both be fixed in place pretty good and I can't see any screws that are holding either side together. I tried using a pipe wrench to unscrew them from the shade but they won't budge. Any ideas on how to remove these old sockets without damaging the shade?

 

[Mustang51js]

The sockets are riveted in,that's what the 4 holes are when you look inside the socket,the cleaner light only has two rivets

 

[TheEquineFencer]

It looks like you might need to soak them with PB Blaster bug spray to try and kill the metal-mites that are eating lunch between the "nut" on top and the lower socket. I'd spray it and put some light heat on it,no pun intended, enough to warm the metal so it'll expand and if you're lucky come apart. I think those rivets are what hold the contacts in place insdie the lower 1/2 of the socket.

 

[oliver_army]

Thanks for the replies. So if I am dealing with rivets the only way to get them out is to drill them out, right?

 

[nehog]

Also, why replace them? You'll need ceramic sockets to replace them...

 

[Slick6]

Stop, before you do any damage to those. Try loosening them by turning them clockwise. Alot of those top silver spindle nuts are left hand threads. They are that way so when you spin them on to a raceway that they tighten themselves.