Tips on Getting Taillights for Your Hotrod Without Breaking the Bank

If you have a project car, or you are hot rodding a classic car there are a lot of things you can do to cut down your costs without people noticing. If you need or want to replace your tail lights, you do not need to spend the big bucks. There are several standard parts that you can find at your local stores that can be used instead of the expensive parts that you can get in a catalog or you can yank off some from old cars from the junkyard. With just a little work they not only cost you less, but also give your car a hotrod look and feel that you can be proud of.

The first thing you want to do when you are putting the new standard light where the old one used to be is measure the hole that is left in the place. Now that you have the dimensions of the tale light measure the distance between the holes that are used to attach the break light to the fender or whatever the break light is in your car.

Now go to your local Fleet Farm, Wal-Mart, or other store that has an automotive section and look at the lights they have for sale. There should be a few selections even ones for trailers so take your time with your selection. Choose one that is the closest to the way yours is suppose to be. If you do not like that one you can try with another. Also it is better to go with something that will fit into the spot then hang outside it. However remember that the larger it is the better people can see you when you break. Also be careful if the break light has a blinker or turn signal, you will need a replacement that has the turn signals with it.

Now that you have chosen your replacement tale light compare it to the hole. Do not feel bad if it does not match up exactly right. There is almost no way that It would. But you can use a flattened tin can or other piece of metal to make an adapter plate to connect the holes in the spot to put it in with the ones the light has. Cut the pieces out with tin snips, making sure not to hurt yourself. And drill a hole where the new plate will connect to the light, and a hole where it will connect with the mounting bracket. Once you have the bracket in place connect the brake light wires to your new break light. You might have to change the connections in order to do this. After you have it connected put the light into place.

Once you have your light connected, in the way that you want and the other side matches, cover them with newspaper. Next use Bondo with the directions written on the container to cover up the fact that those lights were not made for your vehicle.

If you do it correctly you should have a good looking replacement for your tale lights. If it still looks wrong try putting on more Bondo and shaving it down with sandpaper.

Remember you can be proud of what you have done because making your own customization on a vehicle is not an easy thing to do.