Bubble / Backup Light Solution -- What'dya think?
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Melting Slicks
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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]
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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:
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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.
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Melting Slicks
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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
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Melting Slicks
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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
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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:
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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:
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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.
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Melting Slicks
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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
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Melting Slicks
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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
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From: The Valley of The Sun AZ
Re: Bubble / Backup Light Solution -- What'dya think? (jerryp58)
Pro
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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.
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Melting Slicks
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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]
