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I NEED BETTER TAIL LIGHTS

Discussion in 'Off Topic Hot Rods & Customs' started by Bandit Billy, May 12, 2025 at 5:04 PM.

  1. Bandit Billy
    Joined: Sep 16, 2014
    Posts: 14,547

    Bandit Billy
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Over the weekend I had a buddy behind the roadster and he said he could not see my taillights or brake lights in the day time. That is no bueno. I had LED super brites in there but they are "only" 275 lumens. The new ones are 600 lumens. I sourced them on Amazon and got them in 24 hours (I don't know how they do that with free shipping).
    upload_2025-5-12_15-3-3.png
    They look stupid but fit my 37 ford housings. It's the funky one on the right, normal 1157 mounting post in back. The one on the left is the super brite LED I removed.
    upload_2025-5-12_14-50-6.jpeg
    They make a difference. This is running light comparison, new bulb on the left in the picture. They are sold as motor cycle lights and came with HD replacement lenses. They are wicked bright.
    upload_2025-5-12_14-52-40.jpeg
    And brake lights/signals. That hurts even in the picture, you should see them in person. You can get a tan.
    upload_2025-5-12_14-53-1.jpeg
    If you can't see those you likely honk at what you think is women with nice arses on bicycles only to find out they are dudes when you get closer. The problem with the new bulb thingies is they do not illuminate my blue dots. Just a dark spot on the sun.

    Sooo, I need new lenses and I have a pair of nice glass lenses with dots to part with.

    This is what I want, they are Zephyr style lenses for 37 ford housings. Limeworks is out of stock. I need a pair. Glass, red, no blue dots. Anyone holding?
    upload_2025-5-12_14-55-22.png
    I found some for sale in the UK but their website said they do not ship to the US. Perhaps a UK member will help a guy out? Other suggestions? You know, power of the HAMB kinda thing.
     

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    porkshop, loudbang, Deuces and 6 others like this.
  2. 2devilles
    Joined: Jul 16, 2021
    Posts: 557

    2devilles
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Had to do the same thing to one of my off topic muscle cars. Don't like the led look but it's better than getting rear ended by someone half-assedly paying attention to operating a car.
     
    porkshop, Deuces, Okie Pete and 3 others like this.
  3. Bandit Billy
    Joined: Sep 16, 2014
    Posts: 14,547

    Bandit Billy
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    I'm hoping the domed lens will help "defuse" the LED light pattern.
     
  4. gene-koning
    Joined: Oct 28, 2016
    Posts: 5,115

    gene-koning
    Member

    Those LED lights are ugly, but they sure are bright. Bright is more important then pretty, these days.
    With my 48 Plymouth I was able to get complete, plastic, replacement LED replacement lights. They look great and are bright (can't tell they are LED), but that was before Covid, who knows if a guy could buy such a thing these days.
    The LED tail lights on my 49 Dodge pickup are butt ugly too. They were purchased in 2022, but there are a lot less options then they were a few years ago. With the trade deal between the US and China, the choices may be even more limited now. A large portion of LED lights originated in China.
     
  5. Okie Pete
    Joined: Oct 29, 2008
    Posts: 5,730

    Okie Pete
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Look for a Chrome Shop for over the road trucks . In your area I’m sure there’s several. Check out Iowa 80 online lights selection.
     
    jet996 and porkshop like this.
  6. Onemansjunk
    Joined: Nov 30, 2008
    Posts: 428

    Onemansjunk
    Member
    from Modesto,CA

  7. 19Eddy30
    Joined: Mar 27, 2011
    Posts: 3,124

    19Eddy30
    Member
    from VA

    I have U-P LEDs myself ,
    Many LEDs if you can get around the algorithm search that repeats the same items,
    How about crushed glass or small mirrors in all the empty spaces around LEDs
    Or maybe crush glass inside lens itself ?
     
    Okie Pete and porkshop like this.
  8. Put led panels behind the stock style lenses on my 55, and led bulbs in the tails on my Camaro. I've almost gotten rear ended too many times.
     
    Okie Pete and porkshop like this.
  9. mustangsix
    Joined: Mar 7, 2005
    Posts: 1,471

    mustangsix
    Member

    I use 1157 LEDs that have projector lenses on the end in addition to the LEDs around the body. Very bright and don't look like a bunch of LED emitters.

    Still, it's tough to get the attention of that person texting in the SUV behind you. I think maybe I should add a horn to my brake lights. Or flares.
     
  10. gene-koning
    Joined: Oct 28, 2016
    Posts: 5,115

    gene-koning
    Member

    The fool in the SUV behind you that is texting won't see, your LED lights, your 3rd brake light, nor hear a train horn over the volume of the music (or what ever they call that noise) in his or her ride.
    But, at least those that are paying attention will be able to see your brake lights on a sunny day. Most of the old lights are OK in the dark, but can't be seen in the sun light.

    Here is the test!
    You park your car with the back end in the sun, facing the sun, and turn on a turn signal. Then walk around the back of you ride, to about 20' away. If you can barely see that turn signal flashing, you need brighter lights. Your brake lights are as bright as your turn signals, they use the same element in the bulb. The guy following you will see only the same poor lighting you see.
    That's it. Pass or fail. Protect your car!
     
    TrailerTrashToo likes this.

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