Tinted rear window now cant see at night! Need reverse led's
#1
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I decided to finally tint the windows on my 2000 Z (pics to follow if rain stops) and I can't see a damn thing out the back when reversing. I wanted to know what everyone is using for reverse led's or even good halogens. Places to buy would be very helpful and what size. Thanks guys.
#3
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hmmm...I thought that would come up. How about a HID reverse light kit? Anyone ever use one of these with success? http://www.ebay.com/itm/Xenon-White-6000K-12V-15W-HID-Reverse-Backup-Light-Kit-Universal-Fit-T10-T15-T25-/111048934274?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item19db084382&vxp=mtr
#5
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HID wouldn't be quick enough turn on and the "flick/blip" that happens when you shift from park to drive will shorten their life. Plus that will be a lot more glare.
I have 50w Halogens in mine. It was a direct replacement. They used to be available at Pep Boys.
I have 50w Halogens in mine. It was a direct replacement. They used to be available at Pep Boys.
#6
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VIP1 is correct, HID ballasts need a little warm up time and wont last very long being cycled on/off quickly.
My rear window is pretty dark and I have like 30 count LED bulbs in mine and still cant see a damn thing... not that rear visibility is that great in our cars anyway, plus my side windows are dark also. I usually just roll down the window(s).
My rear window is pretty dark and I have like 30 count LED bulbs in mine and still cant see a damn thing... not that rear visibility is that great in our cars anyway, plus my side windows are dark also. I usually just roll down the window(s).
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#7
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I personally haven't had much luck with LED lights being brighter than halogens; however, that could be due to the manufacturer of the particular LEDs I chose. I have seen reverse HIDs before on my friend's Cruze and it is pretty neat and super bright, but as mentioned earlier the life of the HIDs will be compromised (although his have been on for ~8 months now, no problems yet). I have the 50w halogens in my truck and haven't had a problem with them, and they seem to be a decent upgrade. Regardless, a dark tint will always be difficult to see out of at night IMO.
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#8
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You'll want high watt Leds for the rear, at least 7 watt. V-leds sells the best a brightest IMO.. have personal experience with just about every one of them on the market, and they are the best.
#9
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3157 is the interchange if you go looking. There's some new 30W cree led's out now I've got on the way.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/GP-Thunder-3157-4157-Cree-30-Watt-HighPower-Turn-Signal-Parking-White-Light-Bulb-/380634169363?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item589f908013&vxp=mtr
http://www.ebay.com/itm/GP-Thunder-3157-4157-Cree-30-Watt-HighPower-Turn-Signal-Parking-White-Light-Bulb-/380634169363?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item589f908013&vxp=mtr
Last edited by SSellers; 05-07-2013 at 10:27 AM.
#11
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I decided to finally tint the windows on my 2000 Z (pics to follow if rain stops) and I can't see a damn thing out the back when reversing. I wanted to know what everyone is using for reverse led's or even good halogens. Places to buy would be very helpful and what size. Thanks guys.
#14
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wouldnt a reverse light HID cycle just as much as headlights? i can see where it would take a second to warm up and cycle on but thats no diff than headlights just a shorter time period on?
either way i also roll my windows down when i back up, brighter lights would help either way though. i love the 5% look so its what i use. i just deal with rolling windows down.
either way i also roll my windows down when i back up, brighter lights would help either way though. i love the 5% look so its what i use. i just deal with rolling windows down.
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wouldnt a reverse light HID cycle just as much as headlights? i can see where it would take a second to warm up and cycle on but thats no diff than headlights just a shorter time period on?
either way i also roll my windows down when i back up, brighter lights would help either way though. i love the 5% look so its what i use. i just deal with rolling windows down.
either way i also roll my windows down when i back up, brighter lights would help either way though. i love the 5% look so its what i use. i just deal with rolling windows down.
You will be backed up by the time the HID's warm up all the way, If you have to do a multipoint turn while backing up they will be getting switched on and off frequently and the Cheaper HID kits actually should be run for a while before shutting them back off.
All the reasons they are bad for high beams apply to wht they are bad for reverse lights.
your choices are high power halogens and high power LED, but be prepared to PAY for QUALITY BRIGHT LEDs don't just hit up amazon for some cheapo china made LED's, as they SUCK.
Also putting 5% on your back window then complaining you can't see out it, I have no pity for you.
#16
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Installed the LED's I linked earlier today and installed them in the stock tails. I've got some other tail lights on the way also that expose the bulb better and expect them to cast more light.
Before and after
![](https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7394/8723710317_35083443e9_c.jpg)
![](https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7411/8724828244_303baf0a1e_c.jpg)
![](https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7436/8724828308_e0509499a3_c.jpg)
Before and after
![](https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7394/8723710317_35083443e9_c.jpg)
![](https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7411/8724828244_303baf0a1e_c.jpg)
![](https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7436/8724828308_e0509499a3_c.jpg)
![](https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7370/8723710055_d3331b8fcb_c.jpg)
#17
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What I have enjoyed, however, is much greater visibility, especially when backing into my garage. I use 4,300K bulbs and I've been delighted with my setup.