Improving Backup lights
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,789
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From: Myrtle Beach SC
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
Improving Backup lights
I am sure that others will agree the back up lights on the C4 are less than bright.I know that over time the interior of the lenses have gotten dirty, the bulbs weaker.Has anyone done anything to brighten up the rear end when backing up?I can barely get out of the driveway unless I just orient the front of the car without looking backwards. 
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
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Originally Posted by Redeasysport
I am sure that others will agree the back up lights on the C4 are less than bright.I know that over time the interior of the lenses have gotten dirty, the bulbs weaker.Has anyone done anything to brighten up the rear end when backing up?I can barely get out of the driveway unless I just orient the front of the car without looking backwards.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
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Originally Posted by okies93
I agree they look faded. Not sure if buffing would do any good. Halogens might be a thought, do they heat up anymore then the stock ones?
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,730
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From: Atoka Oklahoma
St. Jude Donor 06
Originally Posted by Pete K
They have been in my car for 4 years with no problems.
Did you polish the lens out too? I have to try this out. Simple improvements are great
Race Director
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I did polish the lens. It did not help though. It was dirtier on the inside. I did make a simple green solution and let it soak insidefor a day or so. Had to remove it from the car, but it was coming apart to go to the paint shop anyway.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,789
Likes: 8
From: Myrtle Beach SC
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
Originally Posted by Pete K
I did polish the lens. It did not help though. It was dirtier on the inside. I did make a simple green solution and let it soak insidefor a day or so. Had to remove it from the car, but it was coming apart to go to the paint shop anyway.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
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Originally Posted by Redeasysport
So did it make a big difference in washing it out?I am guessing you used Silverstar bulbs if they make as much difference in the rear as they did in the front it has to be much better.
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Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2004
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Likes: 8
From: Myrtle Beach SC
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
How hard was it to remove them Pete this is something I have been thinking of doing myself just did not want to waste my time.I have tried cleaning plastic lenses with mixed results.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
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Originally Posted by Redeasysport
How hard was it to remove them Pete this is something I have been thinking of doing myself just did not want to waste my time.I have tried cleaning plastic lenses with mixed results.
The rear lights are removed by first removing the plate. Then pull the 2 screws, and again twist the lights out by flexing them. A little tricky the first time, but no big deal.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 447
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From: Titletown WI
Huh? mine has FOUR back up lights, how much brighter does it need to be? It draws so much current that it almost stalls the motor!......Ok, ok, I'm exaggerating just a little. 
Maybe the early models only have two, so I understand the complaint if thats the case.
However, ditto on the halogen backup lights, got 'em on the CJ, a nice improvement. Also, most backup lights have little or no reflective mirror which hurts them alot. I do try not to leave it in reverse for long periods, though. JIC. Halogens do get warm. »keith
Race Director
Joined: May 2001
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I agree, gotta go with the halogens. Upgrading them and the fog lights was one of the first things I did when I bought my car. As such I'm going on 5 years with no problems. Even with the halogens though it was hardly sufficient, then I got my windows tinted and it all went to ****. All I can do at night is just pray. Fortunately the only place I might ever have to back out of at night is my own driveway and there isn't anything to hit if I miss it just a hair.
The halogens are certainly worth the upgrade, but don't be suprised if they still kinda suck, it won't be like your headlights.
The heat might would eventually be a problem, but I think it has to do with how long you're in reverse. Personally I don't drive around like that all day.
The halogens are certainly worth the upgrade, but don't be suprised if they still kinda suck, it won't be like your headlights.
The heat might would eventually be a problem, but I think it has to do with how long you're in reverse. Personally I don't drive around like that all day.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: Titletown WI
Originally Posted by Nathan Plemons
The heat might would eventually be a problem, but I think it has to do with how long you're in reverse. Personally I don't drive around like that all day.
Ya, I just think its worth mentioning cause -somebody- will sit and talk with someone else for 30 minutes while sitting in reverse, or accidentally have the key on/engine off in reverse for some reason and the housing will melt and the next post on the board will be some huge warning about how dangerous halogens are..yada...yada...yada. Maybe I'm a pessimist, but I could just see that happening. »keith