I just installed the IPD 108 candle power halogen reverse bulbs: http://www.ipdusa.com/ProductsCat.aspx?CategoryID=141&NodeID=1066&RootID=629

Even if your rear window isn't tinted, the meager 32 candle power OEM bulbs are pretty dim. If you have tinting, you're probably backing up by Braille.

I highly recommend this $20 upgrade. These bulbs really cast a good light behind you.

Like with all halogen bulbs, make sure you don't touch the glass of the bulbs when you install them. Use a clean cloth, or just be very careful only to touch the ceramic base. If do touch the bulb, be sure to clean it off with some rubbing alcohol or else it won't last very long.

I'm concerned enough about the heat output of those bulbs not to buy them. I did a little research on the internet, and found that in less than 2 minutes use, those bulbs will exceed 300 degrees. The stock 1156 bulbs hit less than 150 degrees in that amount of time. Considering the number of 240 taillights I've seen with melted lenses, this seems like a recipe for disaster to me.

--
1991 245, 61k miles, looking for a 5 speed 92-93 245 cheap.

This is a situation where the difference between reality and laboratory situations is significant. I can't think of anytime in my entire life where I have had any of my 10+ cars in a reverse gear for more than 10-15 seconds. I suppose there might be a very rare situation once every 5 years or so when I might need to back up through a long stretch of single lane country road. But even then I have enough faith in the designers of such a product (and the liability issues that I'm sure they are well aware of) that it's not going to be too much of a risk here. There is plenty of room between the bulb and anything else might melt so I'm totally comfortable using these lights.

I'm not talking about laboratory conditions, rather a real-world test where this bulb was purchased for a particular application and the temperature was tested.

Sure, you don't normally use your backup lights for more than a few seconds at a time, but manual transmission drivers do have a particular problem. I have left a car with the key on and the transmission in reverse, but the engine off, for several minutes at a time. This is one of those cases, much like the removal of the thermostat in the seat heaters, where damage can occur because you're not actively thinking about there being a problem.

And if you think the designers of those bulbs have any liability if your lenses become damaged, you're kidding yourself.

I've come across several sets of 240 sedan taillights with the backup lenses melted, and they were running standard bulbs. If you think you can't melt them by doubling the temperature with new bulbs, you're wrong.
--
1991 245, 61k miles, looking for a 5 speed 92-93 245 cheap.

And if you think the designers of those bulbs have any liability if your lenses become damaged, you're kidding yourself.

There is a virtual army of personal injury and product liability lawyers who would have a lot to say in response to that interesting statement. Any product made by any company for any purpose whatsoever, including and especially automotive products, have product liability issues from both specific lawsuits and class action lawsuits. Ever noticed how many recalls there are in the automotive world? They're not doing it out of the kindness of their hearts.....

I've come across several sets of 240 sedan taillights with the backup lenses melted, and they were running standard bulbs. If you think you can't melt them by doubling the temperature with new bulbs, you're wrong.

The bulbs are not the only thing different about the design here. I have no doubt you are correct in what you are saying about the temperature of the bulbs themselves, and that your concerns about it are well-founded. Halogen bulbs do get quite hot. But these bulbs are encased in a really beefy ceramic insulator that is virtually non-existent in the OEM design. So it seems really obvious to me that the makers of this product addressed the very issue that you are raising.

Alas, product liability is different in the replacement parts area versus OEM. Such said, yes, they are encased in ceramic. I have not had any issue with the bulbs on mine's.

-- Kane
--
Blossom II - '91 745Ti/M46 ... Bubbles - '74 144GL/BW35 ... Buttercup - '86 245GL/AW70 ... The Wayback Machine - '64 P220/M40

As I posted in another thread, there is a drawback of using these lights ...

They are much brighter, and I have 'em on my 745, but it's just that you'd discover that the existing bucket and lens becomes an inhibiting factor in how much total light you can get.

iPd carries some 35w ones too, at a lower price than these. Call and ask.

Me ... I'm still pondering sticking a pair of driving lights under the bumper. I have such a setup on my '64 already.

-- Kane ... or perhaps I'll use that Dodge headlight, seeing how I got one out of an ebay lot.
--
Blossom II - '91 745Ti/M46 ... Bubbles - '74 144GL/BW35 ... Buttercup - '86 245GL/AW70 ... The Wayback Machine - '64 P220/M40

I had been pondering putting these on my two wagons. After reading that the good reports on them, I will be doing this sometime soon. Thanks for posting about this.

I agree. I've got 'em in three Volvos -- they work great.

I got mine at JC Witless for $15/pair.

--
Don Foster (near Cape Cod, MA)

JC Witless

I've called them that for years. Thought it was just me. Guess I should have known.
--
'80 DL 2 dr

I was wondering if they were any good... and backing up w/ tint on my rear window is a royal pain in the ass. Braile method for sure. I will definitely hook a pair up now that someone has given the word.

Peace, Jon