Brighter reverse lights?

[axgutt]

I just did a bling-bling window tint job on my wagon - 5% on the back windows, and now I can't see anything though the back window at night unless it has a freakin' spotlight on it. (I must say, however, that this is particularly useful for tailgaiting SUVs.) Is there a way to radically brighten up the reverse lights, or will I just end up blowing a fuse?

 

For those of you thinking about tinting your windows yourself, my advice is this - don't offer yourself a warranty. Otherwise you'll just end up doing it all over again. If I didn't already have some peeling paint (and almost 250,000 miles) I'd be pretty self conscious about the little bubbles, jagged edges, seams across the back . . . The thing is, all considered I think I did a pretty decent job.

 

 

Adam

[zyewdall]

I don't know how much power the reverse circuit can take. I think I've seen 50 watt backup bulbs though. Check JcWhitney.

 

If it can't handle it, you could always put in a relay driven by the current backup circuit, and wire it directly to the battery with a new 20 amp fuse.

 

Z

 

I just did a bling-bling window tint job on my wagon - 5% on the back windows, and now I can't see anything though the back window at night unless it has a freakin' spotlight on it. (I must say, however, that this is particularly useful for tailgaiting SUVs.) Is there a way to radically brighten up the reverse lights, or will I just end up blowing a fuse?

 

For those of you thinking about tinting your windows yourself, my advice is this - don't offer yourself a warranty. Otherwise you'll just end up doing it all over again. If I didn't already have some peeling paint (and almost 250,000 miles) I'd be pretty self conscious about the little bubbles, jagged edges, seams across the back . . . The thing is, all considered I think I did a pretty decent job.

 

 

Adam

[e4620]

Haha, well you could get an emergency light permit and add strobes:drunk:wish I could get a good picture of that on mine but they go off too fast, the only way really is to make a movie. It does look cool though to have the only sub on the block that can pull people over...

[All_talk]

In my old '65 Pontiac, I modified the housings to take the clip in 55W halogen fog light bulbs, worked great and never blew a fuse. If I was redoing it today I'd add a power relay to take the high load off the stock circuit.

 

BTW, the '65 Pontiac housings are cast metal not plastic.

 

Gary

[Tiny Clark]

Have you tried any halogen replacement bulbs?

[Strakes]

50 watt:

 

http://www.ipdusa.com/ProductsCat.aspx?CategoryID=1333&NodeID=5202&RootID=1414

 

30 watt:

 

http://www.jcwhitney.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product?storeId=10101&Pr=p_Product.CATENTRY_ID%3A2003601&TID=100&TID=100&productId=2003601&catalogId=10101

 

I think the bulb is an #1156...but not sure. Maybe it's an 1157? Please double check.

[Tiny Clark]

I would steer clear of higher wattage bulbs.

[JEGIII]

I use the 1156 halogen bulbs in my reverse lights. Noticably brighter and not any hotter. :cool:

[1 Lucky Texan]

You could also use one of those bulbs that 'beeps'. It won't help YOU see but pedestrians/other cars might at least notice you more.