Melted square light housing

[tech71]

More "scope creep"

Took a close look at the tail light assys on Survivor today and found the brake light compartments on both sides heat damaged/ melted.

The reflective coating is also mostly obliterated.

Both sides had 1157 (27W) bulbs installed instead of 1156 (21W). 

Yeah, its stamped right into the housing "21W"

They both still work but the destroyed reflective surface just wont do at all, especially since I will be going back to the proper 21W bulb.

I have aluminum and stainless steel tape here... Hmm.

[tech71]

2 minutes ago, tech71 said:

More "scope creep"

Took a close look at the tail light assys on Survivor today and found the brake light compartments on both sides heat damaged/ melted.

The reflective coating is also mostly obliterated.

Both sides had 1157 (27W) bulbs installed instead of 1156 (21W). 

Yeah, its stamped right into the housing "21W"

They both still work but the destroyed reflective surface just wont do at all, especially since I will be going back to the proper 21W bulb. Don't even talk to me about LEDs right now?

I have aluminum and stainless steel tape here... Hmm.

 

[Vicleonardo1]

If you really want it to pop use Gloss white paint. Works much better that reflective paint/tape.

Hot Rodders recommend that if you need brighter brake lights. Testing shows a pretty significant improvement. 

 

You could reduce the heat if you move to some LED bulbs. (Some LED bulbs can get really hot too). 

[tech71]

Thanks! gloss white paint sounds like a plan later on, for now the tape job will help and it patches those big holes.

That along with a thorough washing to remove years of crud inside the lens covers made a big improvement.

So far this week: wipers, heater box and all lights reinstalled and ops checks good!

Going to pass on the LEDs? Too many tales of woe here on the faq with the words "LED" "smoking" and "melting" in them.

 

Edited April 26, 2020 by tech71

[02fanatic]

Just spraying with good silver paint also helps quite well.  Simple & inexpensive fix.

Edited April 26, 2020 by 02fanatic

[Mike Self]

Make sure the brake light switch isn't either misadjusted or stuck in the "on" position.  My '69 was delivered (new) from the dealer with a misadjusted brake light switch so they were on all the time (so much for "dealer prep")  By the time I got home from the dealership, the inner refractors on both brake light lenses were melted, and I had to go head to head with the dealer to get them replaced.  

 

mike

[Einspritz]

Eastwood chrome paint worked for me.

 

[TobyB]

I'm in the white paint category, myself.  But anything works.

 

t