Fleetside Tail Light Housing Question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

NoNeck · 12-25-2015, 03:48 PM

I have media blasted and cleaned the tail light housings and back up light housings for a fleetside and have a dumb question. Do you paint the recessed area around the bulb sockets a reflective silver or white? I seem to remember seeing some step side (round) tail lights that were white over the entire face of the housing.

If they weren't painted with reflective paint originally, wouldn't it make sense to add a reflective paint to make them a little brighter?

Thanks,
POP

davepl · 12-25-2015, 03:57 PM

Metallic silver I believe. In some cases I've used 3M mylar foil tape (like a mirror) to line the housings. I did that one the back of the speedo and fuel as well because the tach is so much brighter than the other gauges.

Since no one will ever see it, I'd use the most reflective coating you can. Here's what I did to mimic the originals; I then added the mylay foil tape to the deep recesses. No idea if it's fireproof though... it's just the expensive HVAC stuff.

**LockDoc** · 12-25-2015, 04:14 PM

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I've used White paint, Silver paint, Chrome paint, and Cold Galvanizing Compound, and they all seem to work OK. The Cold Galvanizing Compound works the best for keeping any rust from starting inside the housings.....

LockDoc

Andy4639 · 12-25-2015, 06:04 PM

You can are you can use the LED's that cover it totally up! Like I did.

NoNeck · 12-25-2015, 07:27 PM

Thanks guys. I think Rustoleum has a new and improved "chrome" color that is pretty reflective, too. I'm going to experiment a little to see what I like best.

POP

dfwright · 12-25-2015, 11:39 PM

I will look forward to your "after action" report, once you see what you like best

NoNeck · 12-26-2015, 12:14 PM

Quote:

I will look forward to your "after action" report, once you see what you like best

After experimenting with reflective colors for the housings, I like the "Universal Chrome" from DupliColor. The white looked really good and the 3M Mylar would be a great option, too. To me, the silver worked best for what I wanted.

Thanks for all the help.

POP

**LockDoc** · 12-26-2015, 12:47 PM

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They look really good! It should make a lot of difference in the brightness....

LockDoc

Andy4639 · 12-26-2015, 01:03 PM

Looks good!The brighter you can make them stop lights the better I say!

dfwright · 12-26-2015, 05:30 PM

They look great!

12-25-2015, 03:48 PM	#1
NoNeck Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Chattanooga, TN Posts: 1,108	Fleetside Tail Light Housing Question I have media blasted and cleaned the tail light housings and back up light housings for a fleetside and have a dumb question. Do you paint the recessed area around the bulb sockets a reflective silver or white? I seem to remember seeing some step side (round) tail lights that were white over the entire face of the housing. If they weren't painted with reflective paint originally, wouldn't it make sense to add a reflective paint to make them a little brighter? Thanks, POP __________________ 2016 RAM Laramie HEMI 1966 Fairlane GT/A, 390/335 HP If it costs you a dollar to make a friend, KEEP THE DOLLAR. If it costs you a friend to make a dollar, KEEP THE FRIEND.

12-25-2015, 03:57 PM	#2
davepl Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Redmond, WA Posts: 6,332	Re: Fleetside Tail Light Housing Question Metallic silver I believe. In some cases I've used 3M mylar foil tape (like a mirror) to line the housings. I did that one the back of the speedo and fuel as well because the tach is so much brighter than the other gauges. Since no one will ever see it, I'd use the most reflective coating you can. Here's what I did to mimic the originals; I then added the mylay foil tape to the deep recesses. No idea if it's fireproof though... it's just the expensive HVAC stuff. Attached Images __________________ 1970 GMC Sierra Grande Custom Camper - Built, not Bought 1969 Pontiac 2+2 427/390 4-speed Coupe 1969 Pontiac 2+2 427/390 4-speed Convertible Last edited by davepl; 12-25-2015 at 04:03 PM.

12-25-2015, 04:14 PM	#3
LockDoc The Older Generation Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Montezuma, Iowa Posts: 25,818	Re: Fleetside Tail Light Housing Question - I've used White paint, Silver paint, Chrome paint, and Cold Galvanizing Compound, and they all seem to work OK. The Cold Galvanizing Compound works the best for keeping any rust from starting inside the housings..... LockDoc __________________ Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 -

12-25-2015, 06:04 PM	#4
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,945	Re: Fleetside Tail Light Housing Question You can are you can use the LED's that cover it totally up! Like I did. __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

12-25-2015, 07:27 PM	#5
NoNeck Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Chattanooga, TN Posts: 1,108	Re: Fleetside Tail Light Housing Question Thanks guys. I think Rustoleum has a new and improved "chrome" color that is pretty reflective, too. I'm going to experiment a little to see what I like best. POP __________________ 2016 RAM Laramie HEMI 1966 Fairlane GT/A, 390/335 HP If it costs you a dollar to make a friend, KEEP THE DOLLAR. If it costs you a friend to make a dollar, KEEP THE FRIEND.

12-25-2015, 11:39 PM	#6
dfwright Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 1,374	Re: Fleetside Tail Light Housing Question I will look forward to your "after action" report, once you see what you like best __________________ 1972 C10 LWB, 350/350 Deconstruction began 5/2009, mostly completed restoration, 5/2017

12-26-2015, 12:47 PM	#8
LockDoc The Older Generation Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Montezuma, Iowa Posts: 25,818	Re: Fleetside Tail Light Housing Question - They look really good! It should make a lot of difference in the brightness.... LockDoc __________________ Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 -

12-26-2015, 01:03 PM	#9
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,945	Re: Fleetside Tail Light Housing Question Looks good!The brighter you can make them stop lights the better I say! __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

12-26-2015, 05:30 PM	#10
dfwright Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 1,374	Re: Fleetside Tail Light Housing Question They look great! __________________ 1972 C10 LWB, 350/350 Deconstruction began 5/2009, mostly completed restoration, 5/2017



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