Taillight boost

[Alaskan]

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]

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

[71-longbed]

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]

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

[70GMCer]

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

[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.

[1972ChevyCheyenne]

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]

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

[Americanrider]

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]

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]

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]

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

[bouncytruck]

Nice idea. Thanks!