Brighter BackUp Lights ! Lots a Pics

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Mar 28, 2008 | 06:43 PM

jrprich

Thread Starter

Le Mans Master

Joined: May 2006

Posts: 5,747

Likes: 224

From: Hillsboro Oregon

Brighter BackUp Lights ! Lots a Pics

Following the lead of RadioFlyer I decided that since I had the parts I would change out my lame OEM Back Up Bulbs and install headlight bulbs in the stamped steel sockets that I had left over from my attempt at a HID Projector modification.
If you want to do this mod, it is very easy, IF you have the OEM stamped steel sockets.........

Step one, remove the license frame and the plastic backup light frame and clean up the site

Lay out your parts and tools

Notch the OEM stamped steel light socket to accept the OEM lamp mount so that the process is reversible. I used a cut off wheel on my angle grinder........quick cut

Use silicone seal to glue the bulb mounts to the OEM socket....again, allows a reversible install. I then taped them down and let dry overnight.

Splice in an OEM pigtail to accept the 9005/9006 bulbs. Got these on ebay, but most auto parts houses have them as well. Again I leave the OEM bulb sockets in place if I decide to reverse the mod.

Taped up the OEM connector to keep out water

Done, repeat on the other side and reinstall

Overall the improvement is very large in the brightness of light available out of the stock BU reflectors.

Last edited by jrprich; Mar 28, 2008 at 09:58 PM.

Mar 28, 2008 | 06:44 PM

damilleniumboy

Le Mans Master

Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 6,301

Likes: 6

From: LAND OF OZ Kansas

mmm, night shots...

Mar 28, 2008 | 07:43 PM

Nick1

Burning Brakes

Joined: Aug 2006

Posts: 753

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From: Denville NJ

I like the concept, and I'm sure it's bright, but isn't that a lot of additional wattage and heat? How is it holding up? I guess they are not on for long periods which may make it work out alright.

Mar 28, 2008 | 07:58 PM

Z06-JIM

Race Director

Joined: May 2003

Posts: 19,105

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From: Paducah KY

Cruise-In VII Veteran

Nice job...

...I'm sure night shots would show a big improvement...

Mar 28, 2008 | 09:19 PM

jrprich

Thread Starter

Le Mans Master

Joined: May 2006

Posts: 5,747

Likes: 224

From: Hillsboro Oregon

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick1

I like the concept, and I'm sure it's bright, but isn't that a lot of additional wattage and heat? How is it holding up? I guess they are not on for long periods which may make it work out alright.

As you mention, BU lights are not on for long at a given time.
So far no issues at all

Mar 28, 2008 | 09:21 PM

jrprich

Thread Starter

Le Mans Master

Joined: May 2006

Posts: 5,747

Likes: 224

From: Hillsboro Oregon

I will take some night shots......once it stops snowing here

But I didn't take the time to do a old vs new photo shoot at night, so I doubt the shots will show much

Mar 28, 2008 | 09:23 PM

peter pan

Life Time NCM #2196

Joined: Sep 2004

Posts: 82,597

Likes: 1,712

From: Converse TX

Very nice mod you have done and would like to see a night shot

Mar 28, 2008 | 10:38 PM

Sportsdude

Race Director

Joined: Jan 2003

Posts: 10,838

Likes: 1

From: Volusia. Las Vegas FL, NV

Nice mod

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Mar 28, 2008 | 10:43 PM

Junkman2008

Safety Car

Joined: Jul 2007

Posts: 4,333

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From: Louisville Kentucky

Dammit Jim, I thought I was done fooling with my lights!!!

Nice job, very professional looking which you know is a must for me. Oh well, I'll just add it to the list.

Mar 28, 2008 | 10:51 PM

#10

IDM

Le Mans Master

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From: FL

or just buy the led bulb that fits right into the oem socket??

Mar 28, 2008 | 11:13 PM

#11

Vetteman Jack

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Thanks for the informative write-up.

Mar 28, 2008 | 11:16 PM

#12

jdmvette

Night Owl for life

Joined: Nov 2003

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From: Bugs Bunny should'a made a left turn here

i guess 9006 halogens are good for something after all!

Mar 28, 2008 | 11:18 PM

#13

jrprich

Thread Starter

Le Mans Master

Joined: May 2006

Posts: 5,747

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From: Hillsboro Oregon

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdmvette

i guess 9006 halogens are good for something after all!

Guess so,

I started to put in my Toshiba HIR 9011s..........maybe I still will.

Last edited by jrprich; Mar 28, 2008 at 11:22 PM.

Mar 28, 2008 | 11:19 PM

#14

jrprich

Thread Starter

Le Mans Master

Joined: May 2006

Posts: 5,747

Likes: 224

From: Hillsboro Oregon

Quote:

Originally Posted by IDM

or just buy the led bulb that fits right into the oem socket??

Good luck finding an LED that is anywhere close to as bright as a 9000 series halogen

Mar 28, 2008 | 11:21 PM

#15

jrprich

Thread Starter

Le Mans Master

Joined: May 2006

Posts: 5,747

Likes: 224

From: Hillsboro Oregon

Quote:

Originally Posted by Junkman2008

Dammit Jim, I thought I was done fooling with my lights!!!

Nice job, very professional looking which you know is a must for me. Oh well, I'll just add it to the list.

Problem is finding the stamped steel bulb sockets.......I have no idea where you will find these.

Mar 29, 2008 | 12:04 AM

#16

0TheRadioFlyer97

Former Vendor

Joined: Nov 2005

Posts: 8,995

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From: Spring Texas

St. Jude Donor '08

I'm starting to think we think alike...

however I believe i have your but whipped:

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1981371

Imitation is the best complement

Mar 29, 2008 | 12:06 AM

#17

camvette91

Racer

Joined: Sep 2007

Posts: 480

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From: Laredo Texas

Cool. Keep us posted with night pictures.

Mar 29, 2008 | 02:11 AM

#18

C5R USA

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From: Ideals are peaceful...History is violent...St.Charles, MO.

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St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'12 thru'22

Nice work

Mar 29, 2008 | 02:26 AM

#19

IDM

Le Mans Master

Joined: Aug 2005

Posts: 7,890

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From: FL

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrprich

Good luck finding an LED that is anywhere close to as bright as a 9000 series halogen

no need, don't drive around town in reverse lol
can't hurt though

Mar 29, 2008 | 03:19 AM

#20

jdmvette

Night Owl for life

Joined: Nov 2003

Posts: 24,725

Likes: 4,564

From: Bugs Bunny should'a made a left turn here

Quote:

Originally Posted by IDM

no need, don't drive around town in reverse lol
can't hurt though

yeah, true.

reverse lights are really just to let other drivers know you're backing up, not really meant for you to notice anything while sitting in the driver's seat.

still, a cool mod though.

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