Probably used AC duct tape that is highly reflective and easy to find at any hardware store.

Stop wattage for a 1157 is 28 and a 2357 is 40. That’s a 25% improvement.
Thanks for the information.. Dearborn.

56 Vic, B'Ville 200 MPH Club Member, So Cal.

Greetings everyone:  I tried many different combinations with incandescent, LED's, painting the dull reflector bowl white, then tried "chrome" paint. What worked the best for restoring the reflector bowl was "chrome" tape. I believe it's a plastic/acetate material very similar to what a typical potato chip bag is made of.  I actually didn't buy the tape, a friend gave a roll to me to experiment with. Google "chrome tape" and the stuff will come up, I'm told. It's sticky on one side and can be cut to shape with scissors and because I was concerned about the adhesive quality of the tape, I smeared a thin coat of clear RTV along the edges.  I found that a 2357 in place of the 1157 bulb worked best, even better than the LED bulbs that were tried. The two LED panels seen in the picture are wired into the running light circuit, they are white and show very well through the stock red lens. When the lights are switched on, the two LED square panels are on also. With the brake applied, the large element of the 2357 is about 50% more brighter than the standard 1157 bulb and draws about the same current. The drawback to the 2357 has a shorter life but I haven't had one burn out in going on 3 years since I concocted this hybrid tail light. After someone almost rear ended my truck is when it became time to do something about these old dismal lights. I also attached a short red LED strip at the right and left side of the back glass that serves as a high mount stop light and turn signal. I believe everyone is conditioned to "see" a 3rd stop light mounted up high. One more safety enhancement was installing a mechanical stop light switch on the brake pedal to provide an instant "on" the moment the brake pedal is pushed. I'll try to post a few pics but the picture doesn't truly demonstrate the terrific effect of these tail lights.. This is something that can be done very inexpensively. Hope this helps, JEFF..........


64F100 57FAIRLANE500

Factory is chrome and so are the replacements. My son just rebuilt his 40’s and painted them white. A difference there too since the lenses are glass.

56 Vic, B'Ville 200 MPH Club Member, So Cal.

I have found helpful to brighten the lights is to spray paint the inside  of the  taillight reflector with chrome paint. 

I asked because I, like others, here are always looking for something better and if it can protect our cars from an accident that’s even better. I’ve put lights in my rear upper reflectors hoping that will help too. After 3-1/2 years and no electrical problem on yours it looks like a good idea... Thanks for the info..

56 Vic, B'Ville 200 MPH Club Member, So Cal.

RE: LED's for tail lights.
They came from,
SUPER BRIGHT LED's INC
4400 EARTH CITY EXPRESSWAY
ST LOUIS, MISSOURI 63045
TEL:  314 972 6200  FAX: 314 972 6202
PART 3 1157-919-WV RED 100 DEGREES..... $3.95 EA X 2 =$7.90 = FREIGHT $3.02 TOTAL $10.92
N.B. (NOTE WELL) These were what they cost 3.5 years ago

Good Luck
Tim
Florida

Hey Mr D.L. Racer,
It has been about 3.5 years since the LED's were installed.
I'll have to look through my receipts for the last 3.5 years for an answer to your questions.
I'll get back to you if and when I find what I'm looking for.
Later,
Tim
HOT 'N HUMID, FLORIDA
33706

Tim, did you change flashers? Is yours the old round one? I saw a you tube on a problem using LEDs because of the way our flashers are wired and worked. How about your LED brand and cost? The you tube guy said something about using cheap ones.. thanks..

56 Vic, B'Ville 200 MPH Club Member, So Cal.

Good job.  As I said before "man made problems are the worst to find"...……….IBM engineer,,,,,,,,,,,,, trust me, I've been there.