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Tail Light Modification Question

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Old Oct 8, 2012 | 04:42 PM
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Default Tail Light Modification Question

I had an interesting idea for a tail light mod and was just wondering if anyone had done it and/or how to do it? The idea is to re-wire the tail lights so that when I hit a turn signal, instead of both lights on a side blinking, only the outer light would blink. Also, I would want the re-wire the brake light so that instead of both lights for brake, only the inner lights would be used for brake lights. Any ideas?
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Old Oct 8, 2012 | 05:47 PM
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I imagine this is easily done. But I would rather have both blink, the easier I am seen the less of a chance I have for someone to rear end me. There is a sequential turn signal kit available as well.
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Old Oct 9, 2012 | 12:12 AM
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The euro-style tail lights have separate turn signals and brake lights. Not sure how they split it though, I'm pretty sure there are only 3 wires to each tail light, ground, "high", and "low".
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Old Oct 10, 2012 | 01:48 AM
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On Euro tailights there is a new harness for the wiring that easily plugs in and you cut a wire to the signals under the dash. I've had them for years and I am very happy with them. I like having the brake lights on at the same time a signal light is on. I have the red/amber ones which for some unknown reason are extremely more expensive than the white ones now.
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Old Oct 10, 2012 | 02:01 PM
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Originally Posted by n8dogg
I imagine this is easily done. But I would rather have both blink, the easier I am seen the less of a chance I have for someone to rear end me. There is a sequential turn signal kit available as well.
The middle wire on the socket that holds the light bulb is the one for the turn signal. Not sure if it would screw up the other lights if you clipped that wire and left the outside one intact.
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Old Oct 10, 2012 | 04:12 PM
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That doesn't sound like a very good idea to me.
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Old Oct 10, 2012 | 06:48 PM
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Default I like as much red behind me as possible - might prevent a rear end collision

As far as having only one light for brake and one for signal I would not recommend doing that. Besides being illegal in most states you are betting that the bulbs will not burn out. Not so. I had the brake/TS lights burn out but only one at a time. This gives you a margin of safety when you are unaware that a lamp is out. You also get an indication when your turn signal flashes very rapidly which it will if the load is insufficient.
I also like the car to STOP when I apply the brakes. Semi metallic pads stop quicker and fade less and put out more brake dust. Think I would rather clean brake dust than have the front end repaired/replaced because I could not stop fast enough.
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Old Oct 10, 2012 | 07:10 PM
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Originally Posted by bighank
As far as having only one light for brake and one for signal I would not recommend doing that. Besides being illegal in most states you are betting that the bulbs will not burn out.
Not true. The proposed setup would meet DOT federal minimum requirements of at least 2 tail lamps, 2 stop lamps, and 2 turn signal lamps. Plenty of cars have one lamp dedicated to brakes and one dedicated to turn signal.
Other thank probably looking kinda dumb, there is nothing wrong with the setup the OP is looking for.
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Old Oct 11, 2012 | 11:05 AM
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This will Separate the brake and turn signal functions.

http://shop.radioflyerinnovations.co...lights-021.htm

You will also need to cut the white wire under the dash to tell the car to separate brake and turn signal function. (see install guide on product description)

Once that's setup, you just need to modify your outer tail lights to have the center section come on with only the turn signal. This can be accomplished by splicing the turn signal outputs of the harness with the high power wires of your halo tail lights. (usually the yellow wires on the 3157 socket)

If you're going to turn your outer lights into turn signals, I could convert the LEDs in the center section to Amber on those lights for a truly unique look. The lens would still be red, but the light would shine through amber.

If you're interested email me: radioflyer97@gmail.com and I can get a custom order quote setup for you.
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Old Oct 11, 2012 | 11:10 AM
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Originally Posted by dblerman
Not true. The proposed setup would meet DOT federal minimum requirements of at least 2 tail lamps, 2 stop lamps, and 2 turn signal lamps. Plenty of cars have one lamp dedicated to brakes and one dedicated to turn signal........
Often referred to as "composite" tail lamps or housings. Been around for years.
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Old Oct 11, 2012 | 11:14 AM
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Originally Posted by remix919
I had an interesting idea for a tail light mod and was just wondering if anyone had done it and/or how to do it? The idea is to re-wire the tail lights so that when I hit a turn signal, instead of both lights on a side blinking, only the outer light would blink. Also, I would want the re-wire the brake light so that instead of both lights for brake, only the inner lights would be used for brake lights. Any ideas?


Why?
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Old Oct 11, 2012 | 11:26 AM
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Originally Posted by Brackneyc
Why?
There's actually a reasonable logic behind this design. Many GM cars have the brake and turn signal function performed by the same bulb. This can cause confusion for other drivers who simply glance at another vehicle and try to tell the driver's intentions or more importantly to discern a split second decision on how to react.

By having the turn signals and brakes Separate housings (ideally different colors) It provides other drivers with a faster way to discern a driver's intentions and thus is safer than a dual-function bulb.

This is one of the big reasons I've been working on LED Amber-turn signal conversions for the past couple of years. ON top of being unique and cool looking, I feel it's safer than just the simple red.
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Old Oct 11, 2012 | 11:57 AM
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Originally Posted by theradioflyer
There's actually a reasonable logic behind this design. Many GM cars have the brake and turn signal function performed by the same bulb. This can cause confusion for other drivers who simply glance at another vehicle and try to tell the driver's intentions or more importantly to discern a split second decision on how to react.

By having the turn signals and brakes Separate housings (ideally different colors) It provides other drivers with a faster way to discern a driver's intentions and thus is safer than a dual-function bulb.

This is one of the big reasons I've been working on LED Amber-turn signal conversions for the past couple of years. ON top of being unique and cool looking, I feel it's safer than just the simple red.
This^^ is all under the assumption that the guy behind you will look up from his phone to notice that you are stopping/turning.
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Old Oct 11, 2012 | 12:20 PM
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Originally Posted by Brackneyc
This^^ is all under the assumption that the guy behind you will look up from his phone to notice that you are stopping/turning.
If that's the case, I need to look into making a brighter LED tail light setup....unfortunately, there's a fine line between getting an idiot's attention and inducing epileptic seizures
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