Any way to improve the backup lights?

**W7NB** · 12-20-2009, 11:39 PM

Was trying to back out of a tight spot last night, and found myself virtually blind due to the poor stock backup lights. Is there any way to brighten things up back there without adding aftermarket back up lights?

**neatocj** · 12-21-2009, 06:15 AM

probably getting some of those euro tail lights. Even some new lenses and bulbs for the existing tail lights. When i destroyed one of mine when i was out playin on the rocks I replaced it and it was much more bright than the other one which was older.

I know you said no aftermarket. But i would say your best bet would be a set of the work lights from autozone/NAPA/PEP BOYS...whatever lol. They are really cheap, and you can hide them under the tub. Depending on the voltage draw and all that jazz you might be able to wire them to your existing back up lights.

**_Kyle_** · 12-21-2009, 08:26 AM

Maybe try the silverstar bulbs?

**Cutlass327** · 12-21-2009, 08:35 AM

I dont' think they make Silverstar bulbs for the 1156. There is a brighter version, and it has to do with the number of the bulb, but I can't remember what it is.. I think like a 2156? I know you stepped up one number, but I know it isn't the 1157 since that is the tail/turn bulb.

Other than adding a small flood/work light or a set of cheap driving lights, make sure the lens is clean and the bulb is getting proper ground/power. I'd add something like:

- Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices

Just make sure you mount them safely so they don't get ripped off by underbrush or your favorite mud hole. I'd put them on top of the bumper.

SparkyB · 12-21-2009, 08:40 AM

BACK-UP BULB - 50-WATT - JCWhitney

**Cutlass327** · 12-21-2009, 08:44 AM

Sparky - looks like a good idea! Only thing is I think I'd put a relay in the system so those get power directly from the battery, kind of like the way you would do the headlight wiring upgrade. Those old original wires were never meant for that much current flow to power them big lights..

wm69 · 12-21-2009, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SparkyB

BACK-UP BULB - 50-WATT - JCWhitney

These work fine, but they burn out quickly. FYI.

SparkyB · 12-21-2009, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cutlass327

Sparky - looks like a good idea! Only thing is I think I'd put a relay in the system so those get power directly from the battery, kind of like the way you would do the headlight wiring upgrade. Those old original wires were never meant for that much current flow to power them big lights..

Agreed, I was trying to find pics of my old setup. I had them wired into a dash switch so they could be used whenever needed. The difference in wattage and draw probably isn't a good thing for old CJ wiring.

Pathkiller · 12-21-2009, 09:32 AM

Most states require any rear-faced white light to be wired so that it only comes on when the vehicle is in reverse. So a dash-mounted switch wouldn't be legal unless you wired into the existing reverse light circuit.

**W7NB** · 12-21-2009, 11:29 AM

I have a gear rack on the back and have considered putting a pair of lights back there - looked at it last night and it seems very easy to make happen.

I'm running a YJ hard top and need to run a wire harness back to run the wiper and defrost. Perhaps I'll just run a heavy duty hot wire back and build a relay box for the wipers, reverse and defrost. Anybody know where you can get the plug for the YJ hardtop? Junk yard run?

longboy · 12-21-2009, 12:14 PM

If you will consider an aftermarket option: Heavy duty rear crossmember with auxilary lights flush-mounted

**W7NB** · 12-21-2009, 01:00 PM

Nice! Who makes the crossmember?

xxxflhrci · 12-21-2009, 01:16 PM

These 20 buck lights from Walmart work for me. I just have them wired to a separate toggle switch. If you wanted to get fancy, you could put a relay on your reverse lights to light them every time you go into reverse.

longboy · 12-21-2009, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by W7NB

Nice! Who makes the crossmember?

T&T Customs. If you felt ambitious, you could cut the holes for this yourself out of just about any of the aftermarket crossmembers. The T&T unit also has 2 clevis tabs, though

CJ258 · 12-21-2009, 02:04 PM

I have standard 4 watt bulbs in replacement beehive type housing. The housing are just some that look similar to the original OEM lights. When I rewired a few yrs. ago I replaced the switch at the tranny and ran the new 12 gauge wire from the kit to the lights. They are mounted high on the tub in the stock location and plenty bright.

12-21-2009, 01:16 PM	#13
xxxflhrci Registered User Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: South Posts: 3,643 Profile Gallery Classifieds My Jeeps	These 20 buck lights from Walmart work for me. I just have them wired to a separate toggle switch. If you wanted to get fancy, you could put a relay on your reverse lights to light them every time you go into reverse.