diy usable red tails (nonpurist content)

[TomG]

I run mine with solid red lenses with blue dots, so thats redy/purple lights, redy/purple brakes and redy/purple indicators, no hazzards and no reversing lights. It's never been picked up on in an MOT and i've never been pulled for it either.

[lizardking]

Did you fit the blue dots Tom?
was it a pain?
I have a set on the kitchen table waiting to go in just trying to work out the best way and speed to drill the lights and how to make them waterproof after
Any tips?

[TomG]

No, sorry, they were on there when i got her, but as you can see from the 2nd pic, the lense did crack when they were put in, doesn't really matter on my car, but if yours is a bit smarter, i'd recommend you practice on an old set first.

I have heard of a few tips though:

1. Heat up a 5/8 spark plug socket and push it through the plastic, so melt a hole.
2. A "Vary" bit on a slow speed.
3. Use a "hole saw", but run it backwards.
4. If you're using a pillar drill, don't use a lot of pressure, and don't keep it under constant heat. Drill some out, clean up the melted plastic, drill some more, clean up, etc.
5. Use a file at the end to make sure you get a nice snug fit.
6. Cone shapped grinder stone for your drill.
7. Heated up piece of copper pipe, then "dremel" the hole out to fit.
8. A dab of clear silicone should make sure that water doesnt get in.

[dralphs]

Hi

don't know if it would fit but what about the dual bulb set-up that svc have

http://www.s-v-c.co.uk/prod/1130_conv.html

alternatively, the late vw passats use a dual led design that has amber leds and red leds in the tail light. The amber ones are much brighter so show up even when the red ones are on.

I suppose you could do something similar with your setup, but combine white led and amber led in the reversing light section.