Winter Blues Activity Part II

[911 in SC]

In response to an earlier thread Winter Blues Activity , I was able to remove my taillights this afternoon and do some thorough cleaning. I also replaced all of the bulbs. I need to order taillight gaskets too, as you can tell in the pictures. The lighting is MUCH better! Of course, they look better too. Here are some pics:

Before cleaning:



After cleaning the reflectors: (note the 'white' reflectors)



Dirt that came out of the passenger (right) side:



Passenger side after:



Overall shot after:



Later,
Mike

[skinnerd]

pretty amazing all the gunk that gets in there
your new gaskets will go a long way to preventing that for years to come
nice job!

[randywebb]

If you'd pulled the housing you'd see a LOT more dirt...

and save maybe 5-10 lbs. off the rear end after the gravel is removed...

[911 in SC]

Randy, the 'dirt' on the ground is from removing the housings. So you've seen MORE dirt on top of the housings? Jeesh, and I thought that was alot! I'd venture to guess there was at least 3/8" of dirt on top of the housing on the passenger side, and maybe an 1/8" on the drivers side. I'm very satisfied with the results, although I need to replace the gaskets too.

[porsche930dude]

sounds like somthing to do this weekend I want to put brighter bulbs back there. Its very hard to see them lit up in the rain. Do they make brighter bulbs? ill probrobly just stop at auto zone and see what theyve got

[911 in SC]

I didn't find any brighter (higher wattage) bulbs at the local Advance Auto (or Auto Zone) but cleaning the reflectors, changing the bulbs and cleaning the lenses made a WORLD of difference. I'd suggest you try that first before trying higher wattage bulbs.

[porsche930dude]

ok. I had to change a bulb when i first got the car in september but i cant recall how dirty they were. My brothers a mechanic he knows all about the bulbs and wattages. maby he can suggest a brighter one

[randywebb]

yes there can be a LOT more...

[RSBob]

To add to the good work.... I did the same on mine and treated the insides to some 'chrome' rattle can madness. I convinced myself they should reflect light better and refresh the factory appearance. I also added halogen brake lights to boost the brightness.

[TWork]

I'm with Randy. When I removed the housings from my SC, I was really surprised with how much could actually accumulate.

[Tsunamiboy]

I installed halogen bulbs in my 914 tail lights and they started melting the tail light assembly

[billroth]

Originally posted by 911 in SC

After cleaning the reflectors: (note the 'white' reflectors)

[]

What can you do other than this, to deal with the corroding mirrorring?

Lawrence

[911 in SC]

You could do as RSBob says above (use rattlecan to 'touch up' the housings), send them out to have them replated, or buy new housings. I'm sure there are other options, but I'm sure these are the top choices.

I decided to touch mine up on the drivers side - the passenger side looked GREAT! (other than the dust and dirt).

Randy, then I count myself lucky, I suppose. I can definitely see where this could lead to corrosion problems!

Mike

[porsche930dude]

I cleaned mine out they wernt too awful bad but im sure i helped brighten things up. I also was able to glue by rubber strip back on thats just under the lights it was loose on both sides. I also discovered it looks like somthing hit the light on the driver side on the end where the small inner refletor is because it is cracked and the housing is a bit bent. My gaskets are pretty bad too i will probrobly order new ones the next time i place an order for somthing important. I was suprized to find all of my bulbs exept the brake bulbs appear to be original philips made in germany

[azasadny]

Nice looking car!

[RSBob]

Funny about the halogen melting your 914 housing - maybe it is less durable than a 911s? I have had halogen running/brake light bulbs in my 911 for 2 years with no issue. I was considering putting them in my 914 as well. I may need to rethink that.

[911 in SC]

Thanks for the compliments Art. I'm in the 'getting to know' her phase right now. Taking things apart, cleaning her up, etc. Of course, upgrading little by little. I want this to be FUN, and so far, it has been. Loved every minute of it. I bought her back in April of this year.

RSBob, where did you get your bulbs? I've always used Susquehanna Motor Sports for all of my lighting needs. Great people, great service. I'll see what they have available. I can always use my 'new bulbs' I replaced on the front of the car...

Porsche930dude, my bulbs appeared to be the bulbs that came with the car, or was 'changed' in the federalization process. There was masking tape with the wire colors and their bulb locations on the back of the bulb holder. The wrting was in English, so I assume Brumos Porsche did it back in 1985 when it was brought over...

Thanks again,
Mike