Dull Tail/Brake Lights? Try this...!

[BigT]

Use disco ball mirrors!

I had a few close rear end calls from cell phone yackers not watching when I brake. So changed to Super Bright LEDs bulbs. They helped, but they still seemed dull to me. Now after install the mirrors they almost drop their phones when I hit the brakes!

I bought the mirrors at Hobby lobby. They come in different sizes. I scuffed up the backing and used E-6000 Industrial Strength Adhesive (Hobby Lobby or Wal-mart). This glue is like model glue on steroids.

I did the 3rd brake light last fall and just now got around to the main lights last week. As you can see from the pictures the chrome backing/coating were pretty much gone. I was going to repaint them with chrome paint, but mirrors seem brighter.

[86VickyLX]

That's not a bad idea. That would definitely make even the stock incandesent bulbs shine brighter!

[onedollarbob]

Awesome idea. You know, if you have a decent plastics shop around, you can find Mylar film with a super high mirror chrome finish that would work amazingly for this, too.

[85crownHPP]

me likey!!!!!!!!

[MrMarquis]

That's definitely a good idea right there. I put LEDs in mine, and they don't see to cut it too well in the sunshine. That would assist 'em greatly.

So how do they sell the disco ball mirror? Did you buy them just in a pack of the little squares?

[tjc78]

Did you buy them just in a pack of the little squares?

AC Moore or Michaels will have them in various sizes in bags of 6 or whatever.

[grandwagon]

how did you get the tail lights apart??? aren't the two halves glued together???? i would like to do this but dont want to brake a tail light in the process!!!!!!!!!!

[TomO]

The mirrors are a good idea. Another thing you can do is use that aluminum foil tape that is for taping metal duct seams. You can buy it at building supply stores and hardware stores. It comes in a roll and it's about 3" wide or so, and it's like heavy aluminum foil that's really sticky on the back. You can cut it to size, then peal off the backing and stick it right on to the plastic reflector surface of the light assembly. It does make a big difference.

I did it on my old Mustang. The original silver paint on the reflectors had worn off so I put this tape on. This is no lie -- the very next night a cop pulled me over and told me that my rear turn signals were too bright. So, I took out the white bulbs and put amber bulbs in to avoid being hassled again.

[TomO]

how did you get the tail lights apart??? aren't the two halves glued together???? i would like to do this but dont want to brake a tail light in the process!!!!!!!!!!

I've never tried to take my box tail lights apart, but I did on my foxbody mustang. I don't remember how they were held on, but I think I remember that there were some small metal friction clips that held the lenses on. You can carefully pry the lens off with a screw driver.

[chitownvic]

Hell yea! awesome Idea and I second the Mylar tape

[interceptor1985]

here is an AWESOME write up of something similar being done while doing a sequential turn signal mod, I think this will help the grand marq guys as well.
http://www.sequentialtaillights.com/buckets.html
awesome idea's guys! Perhaps a relay mod much like the one used for headlights might work for taillights as well?

[BigT]

They must be blocking the site from work. I'll have to check it out at home. Sequential light would be cool!

[turbo2256b]

Took mine appart and painted the inside with a very shiny silver. Think it was a Vett color. Didnt think that was the best. Loaded my gun with medium silver flake and clear. Its like having a million mirrors. Have given some thought about sequencal.
and led bulbs or squares. Performance is a bit more important with me though.

[turbo2256b]

Think there are some sequencial kits in Mustang restore parts sites

[sxcpotatoes]

I had a sequential kit, actually cut it back out of the car that got wrecked sitting at my mechanic's. Still have it lying around.