Taillight boost - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Alaskan · 12-17-2005, 04:22 AM

Had to replace a tail lamp bulb today and when I took the lens off I found out why it did'nt seem very brite before it burnd out. So Imade it better.

It's been awhile, glad to see the board is still up.

Thanks.

jeffbbc · 12-17-2005, 05:36 AM

Very cool, amazing difference, thanks for the great pics
Jeff

71-longbed · 12-17-2005, 08:35 AM

i've done the same thing ..... dont forget the parking lights up front if that truck is a 71-72 .... i used rustoleum glossy white in the small can ... and brushed it on ... helps out the brightness quite a bit

krue · 12-17-2005, 08:35 AM

Who would've thought a little paint would make such a difference.

70GMCer · 12-17-2005, 08:45 AM

I wonder why the auto makers didn't do this back then??

**68 Stepside** · 12-17-2005, 11:20 AM

That's one heck of a difference. I wonder if anyone has tried that "chrome-in-a-can" spray stuff, I wonder if that'd be more reflective than the white? I may have to be the guinea pig and try it if nobody else has.

1972ChevyCheyenne · 12-17-2005, 11:53 AM

I have used that heavy grade aluminum foil with the shiny side out. Yes is the heavy stuff that you can't Bar-b-que with.

Mmmm Bar-B-Que

wibilly · 12-17-2005, 12:12 PM

you could use aluminun tape for heating ducts but i don't think anything will reflect more linht than a bright white will

Americanrider · 12-17-2005, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 68 Stepside

That's one heck of a difference. I wonder if anyone has tried that "chrome-in-a-can" spray stuff, I wonder if that'd be more reflective than the white? I may have to be the guinea pig and try it if nobody else has.

Gloss White will reflect more light than chrome, it's an old trick used by Harley riders on old bikes with small taillights or 6V systems.

Alaskan · 12-17-2005, 06:05 PM

At night I can see red light hitting the pavement.

If you want to try an experiment. Paint a half piece of chrome or an old mirror with flat white paint and set it out in the sun. You'll find that the painted area will be cool, while the other half could be quit hot. Nothing reflects more light than flat white.
And just in case your wondering why they don't paint the insides of headlights white. White scatters the light in all directions, not very good when you want a focused beam.

Did'nt know about that Harley trick, but I did learn the white paint trick when I was building signs for a living.

matthufham · 12-17-2005, 06:57 PM

you know, this seems simple and effective enough to go out and use some old paint on! good idea! what kind of mirrors are those?

farside847 · 12-19-2005, 12:29 PM

Hmmm, good idea. If I remember right the inside of a stepside taillight is painted back.....

bouncytruck · 12-19-2005, 12:58 PM

Nice idea. Thanks!

12-17-2005, 04:22 AM	#1
Alaskan Truck'n the alcan Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Houston, AK Posts: 149	Taillight boost Had to replace a tail lamp bulb today and when I took the lens off I found out why it did'nt seem very brite before it burnd out. So Imade it better. It's been awhile, glad to see the board is still up. Thanks. Attached Images __________________ 68 GMC 4x4 71 C20 Custom Deluxe 83 1/2 ton conversion van

12-17-2005, 05:36 AM	#2
jeffbbc Registered User Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Concord CA Posts: 20	Re: Taillight boost Very cool, amazing difference, thanks for the great pics Jeff

12-17-2005, 08:35 AM	#3
71-longbed Its Magically Delicious Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: oregon Posts: 2,398	Re: Taillight boost i've done the same thing ..... dont forget the parking lights up front if that truck is a 71-72 .... i used rustoleum glossy white in the small can ... and brushed it on ... helps out the brightness quite a bit __________________ 71 C10 LWB 350sbc -TH350 12 bolt 3.42 Posi Of all my favorite things to do, The utmost is to have a brew. My love grows for my foamy friend, with each thirst-quenching elbow bend. Beer so frosty, smooth, and cold it's paradise pure liquid gold. Yes beer means many things to me that's all for now cus I gotta pee.

12-17-2005, 08:35 AM	#4
krue Designated A-hole! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 36,450	Re: Taillight boost Who would've thought a little paint would make such a difference. __________________ "If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is!" Being stupid ain't illegal. We're Still Debt Free Except for the House!!! www.daveramsey.com 70 GMC SWB Stepside project "Green Booger" soon to be 6.0l/4l80e 93 S-10 "Poppaw's Truck"

12-17-2005, 08:45 AM	#5
70GMCer Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Joppa, Maryland Posts: 4,408	Re: Taillight boost I wonder why the auto makers didn't do this back then?? __________________ 1997 GMC Sierra Ext 1965 Mustang

12-17-2005, 11:20 AM	#6
68 Stepside huh? Join Date: May 2000 Location: Washington, Illinois Posts: 5,692	Re: Taillight boost That's one heck of a difference. I wonder if anyone has tried that "chrome-in-a-can" spray stuff, I wonder if that'd be more reflective than the white? I may have to be the guinea pig and try it if nobody else has. __________________ Someday when I'm lonely, Wishing you weren't so far away, Then I will remember Things we said today. RIP El Jay

12-17-2005, 11:53 AM	#7
1972ChevyCheyenne Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Teeswater, Ontario, Canada Posts: 173	Re: Taillight boost I have used that heavy grade aluminum foil with the shiny side out. Yes is the heavy stuff that you can't Bar-b-que with. Mmmm Bar-B-Que __________________ Jamie _______________________________ 72 Chevy Cheyenne 350/th350 LWB 03 Chevy Silverado Sporty Shorty 4.8L

12-17-2005, 12:12 PM	#8
wibilly Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: northwestern wi Posts: 2,111	Re: Taillight boost you could use aluminun tape for heating ducts but i don't think anything will reflect more linht than a bright white will __________________ common sense isn't so common anymore

12-17-2005, 06:05 PM	#10
Alaskan Truck'n the alcan Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Houston, AK Posts: 149	Re: Taillight boost At night I can see red light hitting the pavement. If you want to try an experiment. Paint a half piece of chrome or an old mirror with flat white paint and set it out in the sun. You'll find that the painted area will be cool, while the other half could be quit hot. Nothing reflects more light than flat white. And just in case your wondering why they don't paint the insides of headlights white. White scatters the light in all directions, not very good when you want a focused beam. Did'nt know about that Harley trick, but I did learn the white paint trick when I was building signs for a living. __________________ 68 GMC 4x4 71 C20 Custom Deluxe 83 1/2 ton conversion van

12-17-2005, 06:57 PM	#11
matthufham Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Carl Junction, Missouri Posts: 2,061	Re: Taillight boost you know, this seems simple and effective enough to go out and use some old paint on! good idea! what kind of mirrors are those? Last edited by matthufham; 12-17-2005 at 06:59 PM.

12-19-2005, 12:29 PM	#12
farside847 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Bay Area, California Posts: 991	Re: Taillight boost Hmmm, good idea. If I remember right the inside of a stepside taillight is painted back..... __________________ 1971 Chevy C10 Shortbed Stepside, 307v8 3-on-the-tree

12-19-2005, 12:58 PM	#13
bouncytruck SKINNY TIRES RULE! Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Bothell, WA Posts: 11,049	Re: Taillight boost Nice idea. Thanks! __________________ bouncytruck 1972 K5 The Hauler 1994 K1500 Suburban The Daily2010 Kia Soul Wife's Ride2014 Fiat 500L



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