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

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

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...

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

Have you tried any halogen replacement bulbs?

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.

I would steer clear of higher wattage bulbs.

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

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.