Tailights not bright enough

**Franjo** · 07-09-2008, 10:46 AM

Hey guys,

For 98+ Firebird/Formula/TA

Have you noticed on our cars when our tail lights are on, the lights don't actually wrap all the way around like the housings do.

I read a thread on a site before (can't remember if it was this board) where by using different bulbs it will actually light up the whole tail section.

Here's a picture of what I'm talking about. Don't mind my amazing ms paint skills.

rapter34 · 07-09-2008, 10:48 AM

I gess i have not looked at my lightsw in a while i thought there was a erally small light that went on the sides?

:

**axxdet** · 07-09-2008, 10:13 PM

I'm pretty sure there's three blubs in there, it should light up all the way around....it's really easy to get....just start tearing into it

**JoshieDoom** · 07-09-2008, 10:45 PM

I was wondering the same thing... All my bulbs are good but the side isnt brite at all.

Bump

**axxdet** · 07-09-2008, 11:16 PM

man I'm going to look at next break......

**mark21742** · 07-09-2008, 11:40 PM

auto and advance have a replacement LED bulb that is brighter than stock bulbs...and lasts longer

**axxdet** · 07-10-2008, 12:14 AM

so I just looked at mine and I can clearly see three blubs in there and it lights up all the way around...?

**JoshieDoom** · 07-10-2008, 12:15 AM

Maybe its a 98-99 thing??

**1fastcamarosss11** · 07-10-2008, 12:17 AM

Originally Posted by JoshieDoom

Maybe its a 98-99 thing??

no there all the same.

i am guessing you need some bulbs.

**JoshieDoom** · 07-10-2008, 12:28 AM

Brighter bulbs might help. Mine have a lot of fog

**axxdet** · 07-10-2008, 02:23 AM

off subject but yesterday I changed the front right turn signal,....that almost sucked

**GULLETT17** · 07-10-2008, 06:27 AM

well the problem could be that sometimes the reflective material inside the taillight fades/blackens/corrides. . . due to heat and moisture, i believe. i cracked a taillight on my 98 bird a few years ago and replaced it with a new one. within a year that new taillight looked dimmer than the original, looked inside it and the refective part was half black. the fix isnt easy after its already blackened. i just stuck chrome tape in, as best as i could through the socket holes. ive read of a few guys actually taking the lense off the housing and were about to chrome tape the entire reflective part of the housing. also. . ive drilled 1/8" holes in each "valley" of the taillight to release any moisture in the housing, as a preventative measure

**axxdet** · 07-10-2008, 09:28 AM

good idea about drilling the holes

**afattitude** · 07-15-2008, 01:37 AM

led lights last longer

**afattitude** · 07-15-2008, 01:37 AM

and are much much brighter

**KING Z28 HAWK** · 07-15-2008, 01:42 AM

Never really looked at my car from the back at night and looked at the lights I was thinking about going the LED way with mine though

**Cutlass** · 07-15-2008, 03:27 AM

Sounds like the little 194 side marker bulbs in the taillamps are burnt out.

**QtrWhore** · 07-15-2008, 03:45 PM

wouldnt the leds produce more heat and potentialy burn the lense?

**Obsession** · 07-15-2008, 04:40 PM

My tail lights are dimmer on the sides too. I have checked the bulbs and they are all working. I am going to buy some LED bulbs from E-Bay and while I am at it I want to get those circuit boards that makes the lights light up one at a time in a relay when I turn on that blinker