Bubble / Backup Light Solution -- What'dya think?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,310
Likes: 1
Bubble / Backup Light Solution -- What'dya think?
OK, so maybe they're a little "ricey", but hey, I never said I didn't like rice...
I've been thinking about using the license plate ligths for a while now and finally bought some. I don't expect to light up everything behind me, but maybe they'll help others know I'm backing up. And, they're not really noticeable when they're not lit up.
It was a very easy install. I used a couple of splice connectors to attach them to the backup wires and, well, on a scale from :U to :thumbs: , what do you think?
[Modified by jerryp58, 5:28 PM 12/8/2002]
I've been thinking about using the license plate ligths for a while now and finally bought some. I don't expect to light up everything behind me, but maybe they'll help others know I'm backing up. And, they're not really noticeable when they're not lit up.
It was a very easy install. I used a couple of splice connectors to attach them to the backup wires and, well, on a scale from :U to :thumbs: , what do you think?
[Modified by jerryp58, 5:28 PM 12/8/2002]
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 10,362
Likes: 5
From: San Diego - Deep Within The State of CONFUSION!
Re: Bubble / Backup Light Solution -- What'dya think? (71,454,4spd)
I almost ordered them in myself. The lenses on my '76 are faded and don't give the paint job much credit. I tried to get lenses alone but can't find them without fixtures. And all my lights work so I don't wanna go changing fixtures. But I do like the way they look and I'm sure they are brighter than the OEM ones. :cool:
Pro
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 733
Likes: 15
From: Clarksburg NJ
Re: Bubble / Backup Light Solution -- What'dya think? (SanDiegoPaul)
The bubble lenses are definitely much brighter (read safer), and I think they look great. I put cheapo clear fog lights under my rear bumper, between the exhaust tips for backup lights, and think I'd rather have the license frame bulbs, or a frame that has lamps similar to c-4.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,310
Likes: 1
Re: Bubble / Backup Light Solution -- What'dya think? (SanDiegoPaul)
"I tried to get lenses alone but can't find them without fixtures."
I thought you could get just the lenses from most of the vendors, but when I checked the ZIP catalog, they have the lenses only for '68-'73 only (I never knew the buckets were different).
I really like the look (and the lighting) of the bubbles. I have my originals in a box just in case I ever feel like going back though.
Jerry
I thought you could get just the lenses from most of the vendors, but when I checked the ZIP catalog, they have the lenses only for '68-'73 only (I never knew the buckets were different).
I really like the look (and the lighting) of the bubbles. I have my originals in a box just in case I ever feel like going back though.
Jerry
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,310
Likes: 1
Re: Bubble / Backup Light Solution -- What'dya think? (TPIShark)
"think I'd rather have the license frame bulbs, or a frame that has lamps similar to c-4"
Please let me know if you ever figure out how to do the C-4 style, that'd be nice. I couldn't figure it out. I had toyed with the idea of buying a billet aluminum license plate frame with the light and trying to modify it as a backup (maybe cut some slots or drill some holes out of the light cover or something), but given my metal working talent (or lack thereof), I didin't want to take the drill or saw to a ~$50 frame :rolleyes:
Jerry
Please let me know if you ever figure out how to do the C-4 style, that'd be nice. I couldn't figure it out. I had toyed with the idea of buying a billet aluminum license plate frame with the light and trying to modify it as a backup (maybe cut some slots or drill some holes out of the light cover or something), but given my metal working talent (or lack thereof), I didin't want to take the drill or saw to a ~$50 frame :rolleyes:
Jerry
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 19,659
Likes: 34
From: Lenoir City Tennessee
Ci 6, 8 & 10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Re: Bubble / Backup Light Solution -- What'dya think? (L48Shark)
Pretty darn cool. I may have to work this one in on my truck somehow. :thumbs:
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 4,080
Likes: 565
From: Allen TX
Re: Bubble / Backup Light Solution -- What'dya think? (jerryp58)
I think the bubble lenses look sharp. I didn't realize they were brighter, or I'd have gotten some for my '69. I just ordered some replacement OEM lenses as mine are faded and cracked in a couple of places.
The liscense plate bulbs are not "ricey". Rice is adding something to the car that is gaudy and completely NOT functional. Yours are there for a reason...to pass an inspection test if nothing else, and let others know you're backing up. They work and its tasteful and unobtrusive during normal driving.
Good job. :thumbs:
The liscense plate bulbs are not "ricey". Rice is adding something to the car that is gaudy and completely NOT functional. Yours are there for a reason...to pass an inspection test if nothing else, and let others know you're backing up. They work and its tasteful and unobtrusive during normal driving.
Good job. :thumbs:
Pro
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 548
Likes: 0
From: Richmond Hill Ontario
Re: Bubble / Backup Light Solution -- What'dya think? (jerryp58)
The answer: (As installed in my ZZ4 C3, see sign.) Install ZR-1 rear, re-use and add another set of C3 lamps. Drop the back up (or install in licence plate). Install 3rd brake light relay with wire and you'll have double lights the look and act like C4s. You're done.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,310
Likes: 1
Re: Bubble / Backup Light Solution -- What'dya think? (Ghostrider)
Ghostrider, do you have more pics or a Web site?
I think I really like that look and when I finally get my car painted, I may do a bumper swap first. :yesnod:
You have your choice of C3 or C4 tail lights on that bumper, don't you?
Jerry
I think I really like that look and when I finally get my car painted, I may do a bumper swap first. :yesnod:
You have your choice of C3 or C4 tail lights on that bumper, don't you?
Jerry
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,310
Likes: 1
Re: Bubble / Backup Light Solution -- What'dya think? (tersian)
I don't recall how well the instructions were written, but the install is pretty simple.
I bought the kit from ZIP, but if I remember correctly the box was stamped "Mid-America Designs".
Anyway, it included new sockets, lenses, and wire connectors.
You simply remove the old lenses and sockets (they both unscrew) and install the new ones in their place.
Then you use the connectors (they're the kind that you put both wires in and press a metal piece that's mounted in the plastic down into both wires) to splice the second lights (which replace the backups) into each tail light.
That way, both lights on a side blink when the turn signal is on for that side and all four lights light for braking.
I just tucked the old back-up sockets up near the wiring harness and secured them with plastic ties.
I also saved my old lenses just in case I ever want to go back, but I can't imagine wanting to do that anytime soon.
Hope this helps,
Jerry
I bought the kit from ZIP, but if I remember correctly the box was stamped "Mid-America Designs".
Anyway, it included new sockets, lenses, and wire connectors.
You simply remove the old lenses and sockets (they both unscrew) and install the new ones in their place.
Then you use the connectors (they're the kind that you put both wires in and press a metal piece that's mounted in the plastic down into both wires) to splice the second lights (which replace the backups) into each tail light.
That way, both lights on a side blink when the turn signal is on for that side and all four lights light for braking.
I just tucked the old back-up sockets up near the wiring harness and secured them with plastic ties.
I also saved my old lenses just in case I ever want to go back, but I can't imagine wanting to do that anytime soon.
Hope this helps,
Jerry
Pro
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 560
Likes: 0
From: The Valley of The Sun AZ
Re: Bubble / Backup Light Solution -- What'dya think? (jerryp58)
Pro
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 548
Likes: 0
From: Richmond Hill Ontario
Re: Bubble / Backup Light Solution -- What'dya think? (jerryp58)
You have mail, I sent you some pics. As you can see, just use another set of rouns C-3 lights. The "square oval" of the C4 with "round" C3 lights gives the impression of the rectangular C4 lights. There are no Square lights involved. Next paint job I may fiberglass the ZR-1 rear onto the body to get rid of the crease. Cheers.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,310
Likes: 1
Re: Bubble / Backup Light Solution -- What'dya think? (tersian)
tersian,
Sorry, my heads not on right today :crazy:
No, I didn't follow your instructions; I had done mine before you.
But I reread your instructions and they're very good.
The only difference is that my original lenses used Phillips head screws.
Jerry
[Modified by jerryp58, 8:42 PM 12/10/2002]
Sorry, my heads not on right today :crazy:
No, I didn't follow your instructions; I had done mine before you.
But I reread your instructions and they're very good.
The only difference is that my original lenses used Phillips head screws.
Jerry
[Modified by jerryp58, 8:42 PM 12/10/2002]
