Tail Light Modification Question
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 79
Likes: 0
From: Chapel Hill NC
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?
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,606
Likes: 355
From: Rochester New York
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.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 6,366
Likes: 249
From: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
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.
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 368,415
Likes: 24,798
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
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.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,332
Likes: 31
From: Silver Spring MD
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.
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.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,341
Likes: 8
From: Hopatcong New Jersey
Other thank probably looking kinda dumb, there is nothing wrong with the setup the OP is looking for.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
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
Supporting Vendor
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 8,550
Likes: 903
From: Republic of Texas
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.
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.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 36,836
Likes: 244
From: Dear Karma, I have a list of people you missed.
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Often referred to as "composite" tail lamps or housings. Been around for years. 
Racer
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 318
Likes: 4
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?
Supporting Vendor
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 8,550
Likes: 903
From: Republic of Texas
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.
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.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 318
Likes: 4
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.
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.
Supporting Vendor
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 8,550
Likes: 903
From: Republic of Texas
