Updating stock tail lamps. - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

MARTINSR · 02-04-2014, 11:07 AM

I can't find the thread on here that I saw the other day with someone updating their tail lamps, it was on an AD is all I remember. Anyway, here is a little "Basics of Basics" I put together on reflector retrofitting that I did on my Rambler that may give some ideas as to how to make your stock tail lamps brighter.

http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/basi...ng-212015.html

Brian

OrrieG · 02-04-2014, 09:20 PM

Interesting about the 1157 LED replacement. I ordered a pair off ebay and got 1156 instead and the guy never sent me the right ones. It was only $8 so not big deal, but it sounds like not a good investment.

Does anyone have any experience with these? They look different than the ones you were trying Martin.

I like the reflector idea, I have replaced the lamps in my wifes CRV and am amazed at the design of them to throw light and regulate cutoff points. Need to get some measurements for my next trip to the wrecking yard.

MARTINSR · 02-04-2014, 10:17 PM

I don't know but I tried two different ones and both sucked.

Brian

**mr48chev** · 02-05-2014, 02:03 AM

No experience with those
I can't think of the number right now but the bulb is a lot brighter than a 1157.

A guy might look at the newer flat base bulbs and matching sockets that fit a lot of the 90's vehicles like Dodge Caravans. The sockets are all plastic and could ofheld in the housing by a dab epoxy.

After years of dinking around I figured out that painting the inside of the housing bright white gave the best reflection for light out tail lights or park lights.

MARTINSR · 02-05-2014, 11:24 AM

I have always painted inside silver. I have to tell you these reflectors are MIRRORS and they work big time! Every new car has them it's crazy how they have gone to them with all kinds of lines and stuff to direct the light.

Brian

magicoolbus · 02-09-2014, 04:50 PM

Try the LED tail lamp bulbs that have surface mounted diodes (SMD).
http://www.ebay.com/itm/281039151499...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

MARTINSR · 02-09-2014, 08:32 PM

I forgot which ones I tried but something similar to that, off ebay. Click on the link I Posted and look at the first photo! Oh yeah, they were great, it broke in half when I installed it in the socket! And then get this, they refused to give me my money back until I left positive feedback! NO KIDDING! I told them to go to hell and left flaming feedback. I then went to much more expensive ones, they were about $40 for the pair, they were not as good as the 1157 with the reflector as you can see in the photos.

Brian

87Lowrider · 02-09-2014, 09:09 PM

At the StreetRod Nationals in Louisville last summer I picked up LEDs for my Third Brake Light, Front Turn Signals, LEDs for the Bed Rails and new LED tail lights to replace the original ones;

I used the 1157 LED inserts in the 87Lowrider and my '86 Jimmy. They did a fine job... /Ken

ChuckDriver · 02-09-2014, 09:46 PM

Thanks for the link, nice work!

S10Fan · 02-10-2014, 07:47 PM

I'm using trailer lights from WalMart, painted the inside white, folks have asked if they're LED, very bright.

MartinSR, I'm digging the Rambler, Kool ride!

MARTINSR · 02-10-2014, 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by S10Fan

I'm using trailer lights from WalMart, painted the inside white, folks have asked if they're LED, very bright.

MartinSR, I'm digging the Rambler, Kool ride!

I am really digging it. I have been driving it every single day to work for two and a half years and enjoy it every time like it's the first.

Here's putting the motor in with my brother.

And here is my first Goodguys with a friend of mine. I made some mods to the car to get him in and we had a BALL!

The only mod on the car is the headlamp buzzer I added so I can drive with lights on everytime and not forget when I turn the motor off.

Brian

mobileortho · 02-13-2014, 04:43 PM

I used these & they work GREAT!!!! If you plan to upgrade the front with LED as well, make sure to get the LED flasher, otherwise they wont work.

MARTINSR · 02-13-2014, 11:25 PM

Those do look like they would work well, they look like a late model cars light design.

Brian

MIKEs50Chevy · 02-25-2014, 09:55 PM

[QUOTE=87Lowrider;6517685]At the StreetRod Nationals in Louisville last summer I picked up LEDs for my Third Brake Light, Front Turn Signals, LEDs for the Bed Rails and new LED tail lights to replace the original ones;

I also am using the LED lights in the bed roll and had them hooked up as turn and brake lights only. I love them. The shop sprayed a light coat of black over the lenses and chrome trim so they really blend into the matte black of the truck.

02-04-2014, 11:07 AM	#1
MARTINSR Registered User Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Boise, Idaho Posts: 6,003	Updating stock tail lamps. I can't find the thread on here that I saw the other day with someone updating their tail lamps, it was on an AD is all I remember. Anyway, here is a little "Basics of Basics" I put together on reflector retrofitting that I did on my Rambler that may give some ideas as to how to make your stock tail lamps brighter. http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/basi...ng-212015.html Brian __________________ 1948 Chevy pickup Chopped, Sectioned, 1953 Corvette 235 powered. Once was even 401 Buick mid engined with the carburetor right between the seats! Bought with paper route money in 1973 when I was 15. "Fan of most anything that moves human beings"

02-04-2014, 09:20 PM	#2
OrrieG Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Idaho Posts: 8,800	Re: Updating stock tail lamps. Interesting about the 1157 LED replacement. I ordered a pair off ebay and got 1156 instead and the guy never sent me the right ones. It was only $8 so not big deal, but it sounds like not a good investment. Does anyone have any experience with these? They look different than the ones you were trying Martin. I like the reflector idea, I have replaced the lamps in my wifes CRV and am amazed at the design of them to throw light and regulate cutoff points. Need to get some measurements for my next trip to the wrecking yard. Attached Images __________________ 1959 Chevy Short Fleetside w/ 74 4WD drive train (current project) OrrieG Build Thread 1964 Chevelle Malibu w/ 355-350TH (daily driver) Helpful AD and TF Manual Site Old Car Manual Project

02-04-2014, 10:17 PM	#3
MARTINSR Registered User Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Boise, Idaho Posts: 6,003	Re: Updating stock tail lamps. I don't know but I tried two different ones and both sucked. Brian __________________ 1948 Chevy pickup Chopped, Sectioned, 1953 Corvette 235 powered. Once was even 401 Buick mid engined with the carburetor right between the seats! Bought with paper route money in 1973 when I was 15. "Fan of most anything that moves human beings"

02-05-2014, 02:03 AM	#4
mr48chev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toppenish, WA Posts: 15,720	Re: Updating stock tail lamps. No experience with those I can't think of the number right now but the bulb is a lot brighter than a 1157. A guy might look at the newer flat base bulbs and matching sockets that fit a lot of the 90's vehicles like Dodge Caravans. The sockets are all plastic and could ofheld in the housing by a dab epoxy. After years of dinking around I figured out that painting the inside of the housing bright white gave the best reflection for light out tail lights or park lights. __________________ Founding member of the too many projects, too little time and money club. My ongoing truck projects: 48 Chev 3100 that will run a 292 Six. 71 GMC 2500 that is getting a Cad 500 transplant. 77 C 30 dualie, 454, 4 speed with a 10 foot flatbed and hoist. It does the heavy work and hauls the projects around.

02-05-2014, 11:24 AM	#5
MARTINSR Registered User Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Boise, Idaho Posts: 6,003	Re: Updating stock tail lamps. I have always painted inside silver. I have to tell you these reflectors are MIRRORS and they work big time! Every new car has them it's crazy how they have gone to them with all kinds of lines and stuff to direct the light. Brian __________________ 1948 Chevy pickup Chopped, Sectioned, 1953 Corvette 235 powered. Once was even 401 Buick mid engined with the carburetor right between the seats! Bought with paper route money in 1973 when I was 15. "Fan of most anything that moves human beings"

02-09-2014, 04:50 PM	#6
magicoolbus Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 513	Re: Updating stock tail lamps. Try the LED tail lamp bulbs that have surface mounted diodes (SMD). http://www.ebay.com/itm/281039151499...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT __________________ JB from AZ 1969 Chevy Sub K10 1957 Chevy 3200 1962 VW Beetle 1957 Willys CJ5

02-09-2014, 08:32 PM	#7
MARTINSR Registered User Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Boise, Idaho Posts: 6,003	Re: Updating stock tail lamps. I forgot which ones I tried but something similar to that, off ebay. Click on the link I Posted and look at the first photo! Oh yeah, they were great, it broke in half when I installed it in the socket! And then get this, they refused to give me my money back until I left positive feedback! NO KIDDING! I told them to go to hell and left flaming feedback. I then went to much more expensive ones, they were about $40 for the pair, they were not as good as the 1157 with the reflector as you can see in the photos. Brian __________________ 1948 Chevy pickup Chopped, Sectioned, 1953 Corvette 235 powered. Once was even 401 Buick mid engined with the carburetor right between the seats! Bought with paper route money in 1973 when I was 15. "Fan of most anything that moves human beings"

02-09-2014, 09:09 PM	#8
87Lowrider Navy Radioman Veteran Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Western Kentucky Posts: 1,356	Re: Updating stock tail lamps. At the StreetRod Nationals in Louisville last summer I picked up LEDs for my Third Brake Light, Front Turn Signals, LEDs for the Bed Rails and new LED tail lights to replace the original ones; I used the 1157 LED inserts in the 87Lowrider and my '86 Jimmy. They did a fine job... /Ken __________________ 1987 Chevrolet R10 Silverado BBC Build thread - SOLD 1986 GMC Sierra Classic - SOLD 1957 Chevy Step Side Daily Driver; 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 4x4 Z71 Stepside - SOLD 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe Z71

02-09-2014, 09:46 PM	#9
ChuckDriver A320 Pilot/USAF Retired Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Charleston, SC Posts: 2,629	Re: Updating stock tail lamps. Thanks for the link, nice work! __________________ JJ My 1957 build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=334552 http://www.trifive.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22037 Instagram - Chuckdriver57

02-10-2014, 07:47 PM	#10
S10Fan Old Heap Driver Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Newport News, Va Posts: 2,642	Re: Updating stock tail lamps. I'm using trailer lights from WalMart, painted the inside white, folks have asked if they're LED, very bright. MartinSR, I'm digging the Rambler, Kool ride! __________________ _____________________________ Bryan '99 Silverado 1500, 4.3, 5-speed, reg cab, short bed '50 Chevy 2DR Hard Top, 350/350, M2 Front End, 3:08 gear, cruiser. '40 F**d Sedan, all Chevy power, Heidt's front end, TCI rear, nice driver.

02-13-2014, 04:43 PM	#12
mobileortho Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Hampton, VA Posts: 904	Re: Updating stock tail lamps. I used these & they work GREAT!!!! If you plan to upgrade the front with LED as well, make sure to get the LED flasher, otherwise they wont work. __________________ Robert C. 1950 3600 3600 re-do, shortening it up If it's true what they say, "You learn from your mistakes," I'm a Genius in the making.

02-13-2014, 11:25 PM	#13
MARTINSR Registered User Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Boise, Idaho Posts: 6,003	Re: Updating stock tail lamps. Those do look like they would work well, they look like a late model cars light design. Brian __________________ 1948 Chevy pickup Chopped, Sectioned, 1953 Corvette 235 powered. Once was even 401 Buick mid engined with the carburetor right between the seats! Bought with paper route money in 1973 when I was 15. "Fan of most anything that moves human beings"

02-25-2014, 09:55 PM	#14
MIKEs50Chevy Registered User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Lynnwood, WA Posts: 77	Re: Updating stock tail lamps. [QUOTE=87Lowrider;6517685]At the StreetRod Nationals in Louisville last summer I picked up LEDs for my Third Brake Light, Front Turn Signals, LEDs for the Bed Rails and new LED tail lights to replace the original ones; I also am using the LED lights in the bed roll and had them hooked up as turn and brake lights only. I love them. The shop sprayed a light coat of black over the lenses and chrome trim so they really blend into the matte black of the truck.



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