Higher Candlepower Tail/Brake & Parking Light Bulb

[Chuck G.]

If I'm reading my books correctly, the candlepower rating for the 1157 bulb is 3-32. I "translate" that as meaning 3 candlepower for the tail/parking, and 32 candlepower for the brake/turn signal.

Is there a bulb available with a higher tail/parking rating, say 4 or 5?

Why, you ask? I've fooled with my fiberoptics on the rear to try to get the "cherries" on the console to glow brighter. I've done all the tricks short of replacing the harness, which I'm NOT going to do. Thought a brighter bulb might help.

Any thoughts? TIA. Chuck

[Paul Reynolds]

Re: Higher Candlepower Tail/Brake & Parking Light

Chuck, I believe the numbers indicate wattage. I found a brighter set (halogen) replacements at JC Whitney. If I remember correctly they are something like 4/45. THey do run warmer, but I haven't melted any lens with them yet.

[Chuck G.]

Re: Higher Candlepower Tail/Brake & Parking Light

Thanks for the quick response, Paul. I'll dig out my JC Whitney catalog. Seems like they send me one every month. Never thought of looking there.

AND, you are probably correct about the wattage/candlepower numbers. Not being an electrical engineer, I've never figured out watts, candlepower, lumens, etc. All I know is that I'd like to try something brighter. Chuck

[William C.]

Re: Higher Candlepower Tail/Brake & Parking Light

Chuck, have you looked at a 2057? I believe I saw where they were a slightly higher candlepower.

[Chuck G.]

Re: Higher Candlepower Tail/Brake & Parking Light

Haven't tried anything else, Clup. I went to the JC Whitney catalog. They have halogen 1157's. Cost? $9.99 each.

They're listed as 30watt/8watt dual filament, 50% BRIGHTER than normal 1157's.

Ordered 2 online. JC Whitney # is WB810439B if anyone else is interested.

Hopefully this will cure my dull fiberoptic problem. THANKS FOR THE TIP. Chuck

[Paul Reynolds]

Re: Higher Candlepower Tail/Brake & Parking Light

I was pretty sure I had the numbers wrong, but in any event, those are the ones I bought and they are brighter.

[Tom P.]

Re: Higher Candlepower Tail/Brake & Parking Light

The brighter bulb is a 2357. Available at all auto parts stores.