98 Malibu Brakelights

98 Malibu with 156k has a right brakelight out. Tail light works fine, but no brakelight on the right side. During re-lamping, I tested the bulb before re-installing the light housing and it worked fine. Once I re-installed the light assembly, the brakelight would no longer work. It looks like the receptacle for the bulb is a little out of shape.
Has anyone seen this before? Is there anything I can do about it, short of replacing the assembly? If not, where can I get a new assembly without paying dealer prices?
Thanks for any help anyone can give me...

try here for parts
i just bought a door handle for my impala, at the dealers $42
from gm direct $27 + ship

i would try further tests to make sure that juice is present at the socket with the brakes on

Thanks for the help, Tractor. I'm pretty sure there is power at the light, 'coz it works before re-installing the light into the lens/fixture assembly. I guess I'll need to troubleshoot it more... Thanks again