Change back-up into stop light
11-18-2010, 10:51 AM
#1
Melting Slicks
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2016 C2 of the Year Finalist
Change back-up into stop light
After nearly being rear-ended twice this summer in the '64, I'd like to change my back up lights to an additional stop light or stop light/blinker. Nothing in the Service Manual shows how the back up lights are wired in the rear and the car is presently in storage so I can't check easily.
My plan is to disconnect the back up light connector at the cowl connection and simply use a jumper wire from the present outboard stop/blinker light in the rear to the inboard back up light wires and replace the white lenses with red. I don't really care if the inboards blink but it would be nice. Most concerned with a second set of stops. What, if anything, will I end up with if I do the above change?? Just trying to plan ahead a bit. Thanks. Dave
My plan is to disconnect the back up light connector at the cowl connection and simply use a jumper wire from the present outboard stop/blinker light in the rear to the inboard back up light wires and replace the white lenses with red. I don't really care if the inboards blink but it would be nice. Most concerned with a second set of stops. What, if anything, will I end up with if I do the above change?? Just trying to plan ahead a bit. Thanks. Dave
11-18-2010, 11:48 AM
#2
Instructor
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Cut wires to backup bulbs about three or four inches from sockets. I put male/female terminals on them in case I wanted to re-connect. Tap into common brake light wire of rear harness near the brake lights with 3-M wire tap. Run wires to old backup wires at sockets.
Use an ultra-bright RED led light that fits old backup socket. No need to change lens. You will notice new leds light up faster than your incandescent brake lights.
Use an ultra-bright RED led light that fits old backup socket. No need to change lens. You will notice new leds light up faster than your incandescent brake lights.
11-18-2010, 12:10 PM
#3
Le Mans Master
I dont like the LED lamps to much but i agree with Five Window that they probably will be much more bright than the original ones.
Wonder if i should put them on my car just because of the fact that they are much more bright
Wonder if i should put them on my car just because of the fact that they are much more bright
Cut wires to backup bulbs about three or four inches from sockets. I put male/female terminals on them in case I wanted to re-connect. Tap into common brake light wire of rear harness near the brake lights with 3-M wire tap. Run wires to old backup wires at sockets.
Use an ultra-bright RED led light that fits old backup socket. No need to change lens. You will notice new leds light up faster than your incandescent brake lights.
Use an ultra-bright RED led light that fits old backup socket. No need to change lens. You will notice new leds light up faster than your incandescent brake lights.
11-18-2010, 01:32 PM
#6
Race Director
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St. Jude Donor '07
check this thread for a discussion of LED lighting
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c1-a...ght-bulbs.html
Bill
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c1-a...ght-bulbs.html
Bill
11-18-2010, 02:22 PM
#7
Melting Slicks
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St. Jude Donor '13-'14-'15-'16
Cut wires to backup bulbs about three or four inches from sockets. I put male/female terminals on them in case I wanted to re-connect. Tap into common brake light wire of rear harness near the brake lights with 3-M wire tap. Run wires to old backup wires at sockets.
Use an ultra-bright RED led light that fits old backup socket. No need to change lens. You will notice new leds light up faster than your incandescent brake lights.
Use an ultra-bright RED led light that fits old backup socket. No need to change lens. You will notice new leds light up faster than your incandescent brake lights.
The rear tail lamps have a dual filament, one (low output) for tail lights and one (Higher output) for your brakes. If both were the same output, how would someone know when you applied the brakes at night. The higher output filament is also used for your turn signals.
11-18-2010, 02:32 PM
#8
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St. Jude Donor '07
If wired as you suggest, then the extra rear tail lights will never illuminate, but the extra brake lights will.
The rear tail lamps have a dual filament, one (low output) for tail lights and one (Higher output) for your brakes. If both were the same output, how would someone know when you applied the brakes at night. The higher output filament is also used for your turn signals.
The rear tail lamps have a dual filament, one (low output) for tail lights and one (Higher output) for your brakes. If both were the same output, how would someone know when you applied the brakes at night. The higher output filament is also used for your turn signals.
Bill
11-18-2010, 05:22 PM
#12
Burning Brakes
11-19-2010, 07:21 AM
#13
Le Mans Master
11-19-2010, 07:55 AM
#14
Le Mans Master
I currently run the rear lamps wired as suggested. The outer two are lamps are tail/turn/stop lights. The inner two lamps are turn/stop lights. The effect is that you get a third brake light syndrome. SKY65 said it is a little weird to follow the car when the tail lamps are on. You go from two dim to four bright on application of brakes. You go from two to three when a turn signal is on and you go from two blinking and one on as a tail lamp until brakes are applied when you have two blinking and two as brake lights.
11-19-2010, 12:19 PM
#16
Le Mans Master
11-19-2010, 12:24 PM
#17
Team Owner
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11-19-2010, 12:34 PM
#19
Le Mans Master
I'm really considering doing this to my '64 (using my own circuit and saving BIG $$$), but the wife is against it. She may lose but it's not like I drive the car all that often or have people following me to appreciate it.
Last edited by toddalin; 11-19-2010 at 12:37 PM.
