User 12720

Since I have pretty dark tint and the reverse lights aren't very bright anyway, I was wondering if there is any way to put a brighter bulb than the stock 21W bulb in the taillights. If any one has done this before could you please give details or send me a link with the information about what bulb to replace the stock one with?

TunerN00b

I have a 50W 1156 bulb on one side in the back of my Integra. Difference is noticeable. From Pep Boys, no name brand.

I only installed on the passenger side so that I wouldn't blind traffic (as much) when parallel parking, as reverse lights are not very well directed and do glare.

They are significantly hotter though. After parking, the plastic lens feels much hotter on that side, so be careful with leaving the car in reverse for too long if you do the same.

However, the tint shouldn't affect you backing up. Roll down the windows and use the side mirrors. I have to, but I have 15% tint (dark) on the door windows, and 5% (limo) on the back 3.

PatrickGSR94

iTrader: (1)

Damn, that would suck if you have to back up or parallel park on a street at night when it's pouring rain.

I would get the 50W halogen 1156 bulbs like Tuner suggested, and just make sure you don't let them stay on very long.

Bob_760

I have halogen reverse lights in one of my cars but they do get hot as mentioned. Another option now is LED reverse lights, they make some really bright ones that I was reading about on the Miata forum as working really well. Allthough the really bright LED ones get hot also. I don't acctually know how it compares but can't imagine its as hot as a halogen bulb.

DynastyRacer22

cool if anyone tried this yet let me know im also intrested thats why my rear windows arent tinted lol or maybe if they sell those jdm rear bumper fogs in clear that would be nice as well and maybe add a switch to them.

something like this but clear?

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b3...9681Medium.jpg

TunerN00b

I'll still roll down the passenger window, in the rain, to parallel park. Wet passenger seat or curbed wheel, I'll chose the wet.

I chose to tint my windows to an absurdly dark level, I get to live with the consequences...

Its also the reason that when we tinted the windows on my girl's car, we went with 35% for the front windows. Darker looks nicer, but she's been in my car at night and knows what the consequences are.


Here:
http://www.rallylights.com/SearchRes...?CategoryID=45
Lots of different reverse lights to choose from.
Some of the smaller ones could be almost hidden on the underside of the rear bumper.

Also, its been 2 years with the 50W 1156 backup bulb, no melted plastic yet. However, because I know its there, I take the car out of reverse if it will be sitting for more than 15 seconds waiting for traffic to clear. At 50W, it generates as much heat as a headlamp, but without the ventilated housing the headlamps have.

User 12720

I think I will try out the 50W 1156's and see how much diferent they are. I didn't tint the car, I bought it that way. However, I am sure that I would have tinted it regardless and would deal with the negative consequences either way because I think tint is worth it as well. I don't think I have ever left the car in reverse for more than 20-30 seconds. If it does in fact burn the tail light, I guess it will be time go with the 99-00 tail light upgrade FTW.. haha jk

RockinaRHard

I've had the 50wt reverse lights for many many years in many different cars and I have them in my turn signals too. Never had a problem with them or the heat. Do it.

PatrickGSR94

iTrader: (1)

Halogen bulbs don't do very well when flashed on and off repeatedly. I wouldn't recommend them as turn signals.

I'm sure cop cars have to replace headlight bulbs all the time due to them flashing when their light bars are on.