Appearance & Detailing Interior & Exterior Appearance Modifications

Tinted rear window now cant see at night! Need reverse led's

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Old 05-06-2013, 06:34 PM
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Default Tinted rear window now cant see at night! Need reverse led's

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.
Old 05-06-2013, 09:44 PM
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Superbrightleds is where a lot of people get them. As far as which particular part number people use I'm not sure, but they have a application guide
Old 05-06-2013, 11:30 PM
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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
Old 05-07-2013, 01:31 AM
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hmm thats kinda nice. i wouldnt mind trying one of those. wouldnt know where to mount stuff though hmm
Old 05-07-2013, 09:36 AM
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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.
Old 05-07-2013, 09:41 AM
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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).
Old 05-07-2013, 10:12 AM
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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.
Old 05-07-2013, 10:13 AM
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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.
Old 05-07-2013, 10:20 AM
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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

Last edited by SSellers; 05-07-2013 at 10:27 AM.
Old 05-07-2013, 12:51 PM
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Originally Posted by Ls1CamaroGuy87
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.
Do you happen to have a link to the bulbs you are talking about?
Old 05-07-2013, 01:18 PM
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Originally Posted by 1sicLS1
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.
Im going to get my trans am retinted, curious as to what % you have that you cant see out of. It may sway my decision.
Old 05-07-2013, 01:43 PM
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Originally Posted by DrBlockHed
Im going to get my trans am retinted, curious as to what % you have that you cant see out of. It may sway my decision.

Well I went with 15% on sides and was going to do 15 on the back but the installer said since my amplifiers were visible on the hump it was better to go with 5%. Yep its dark lol
Old 05-07-2013, 02:40 PM
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PM me for info on ALL exterior and interior LEDs... You must be very specific with your choices. Glad to help!
Old 05-07-2013, 06:09 PM
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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.
Old 05-07-2013, 06:44 PM
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Originally Posted by Camaro350Z28
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.
Well the key points are:
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.
Old 05-09-2013, 06:15 PM
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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








Old 05-10-2013, 12:37 PM
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Originally Posted by VIP1
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've had 55w HIDs in the reverse lights in my Camaro for about a year-and-a-half, and I haven't experienced any problems with their lifespan, glare, or overheating. (I've held my hand against the plastic on my reverse light lenses on numerous occasions -- even in the extreme heat of summer -- after I've backed up, and the plastic is just slightly warm.)

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.
Old 05-10-2013, 01:08 PM
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I had the same prob with my tinted back and side windows... I have led bulbs that I got from ddm when I put in hids which helped some... Now I have a radio with a b- up camera and it works great now
Old 01-27-2015, 02:34 AM
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Wanted to bring this up from the dead. Anyone found some decently priced LEDs that have better light than stockers?
Old 04-01-2015, 03:54 PM
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Default This makes 2 of us looking for any new info on these.

Any help most appreciated.



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