Something tells me your all going to realize you wasted your time doing this...

 

Why is that? You think it won't work or it's not that big of a deal?

 

another reason for someone to make FULL led tail lights

 

This^^^

 

Well that yes...personally I'm just crossing my fingers they do it for the next model, then I'll just replace the light and do it the right way. If not though, its not a huge deal.

 

It looks stupid with only one light! And its not a big deal if this is something he wants to do. It will look 20 times better with it and you should give the guy props for attempting this himself. Not waiting for some LED tails to come out that will probably look ugly like the TYC's for the 1st gen did. The only good aftermarket ones where the first anzo's that you could get in smoked or the clear at the bottom. And if they do put two lights in the next model update i dotn think they will do that for at least 3 years.

 

I do believe the bulb size is 7440. I plan on just replacing the stock light with a T20 3W high power LED to increase brightness. If anyone is behind me when I am backing up, maybe that light will be bright enough to blind them so they can't see that I only have one bulb...

 

To each his own, but only having 1 reverse light drives me nuts. If you're going to have a spot for something, make it functional. Besides, other than doing the homework, this is an easy upgrade. This will take me a couple hours and most of that is letting glue dry. Plus, it doubles my chances that some idiot at Walmart will see me backing up and not try to back up at the same time!

 

I'm with highvoltage and mightyp on this one. It really does annoy me as well having people come up to me telling me my light is out on a brand new car, then I have to explain the story and they look at me like, "well that's stupid." Kind of takes away from the wow factor of people looking at a brand new car! I'm going to be taking it apart this weekend and trying out the mod, see if I can do this. Maybe it'll give some idea to someone here and they can come out with something better I'll post pics of the outcome probably Sunday night.

 

I would hate that!

 

It's fun...

 

So... I got the mod done, sorta. I couldn't find a donor housing, or a full up replacement, so I did some wondering through radioshack and some auto parts stores. What I found (at Auto Zone, I believe) was a set of white, LED emergency flashers. (Ones like you see in the headlights of cop cars) What I liked about these is the LEDs were housed in a threaded, rubber sleeve. They have a smaller tip and wider base, so you just pop it in as far as it'll fit and stays securely. When I find a better solution, I just have to pull them out.

They are definitely NOT as bright as the factory bulb (see the pics), but I left the control box in the loop, so rather than just having 2 white lights when I back up, I have flashing lights. Given the number of obvious double takes I've gotten since I installed them, they must be bright enough.

One note: I also picked up a set of LED strips (6 LEDs each with adhesive on the back) I considered using. Much brighter, but wasn't a fan of having to permanently stick them in there.

Cost: ~$20
Install Time: ~30 min
From chincy to custom: PRICELESS

 

Video of the new reverse lights. Let me know what you think. And keep in mind, this isn't a permanent fix. This is a $20, "hey this should actually work" fix. Thanks.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28lB27odzw4

 

Patience? Bah! It's overrated!

 

I think thats because people think you have illegal flashers in your car. LOL

 

Well, the point is to get people's attention when I'm backing up, so whatever people might think, they're doing their job. And as far as legality, the flashers are quite legal. Taking out the solid reverse light may not be, but the flashers are fine. In Florida, you can have any color flashers except blue. And as long as they're not red, you can drive down the road with them on.

 

Looks like you have a show car already! haha,

Looking forward to a more permanent solution to this back up light issue ;)

 

X2 Cant wait

 

Ok! Opinions are welcome. Ideas are welcome. Dont assume before you post. Dont get mad at tC1 owners who have 2 reverse lights and a better looking car! (Calm down. Do you not know how to laugh?) Keep it on topic!

 

Hey glad you got something to work. I did not know you could have those and be legal. I know some cops have the white flashers as well so i figured it was illegal. But i defintely see how that would get someones attention.

Question- you got any info on the flashing LEDs? Cause if you want them to be solid I can maybe figure that out for you.