Simple Rear Bumper Reflector Modification

[GladiatorJT]

Okay, I know this mod is not for everyone, be it you think is looks ugly, a stupid idea or etc. but thought I share anyways. I live in Dallas Fort Worth Metro and traffic often gets bad. Driving home from work one day, heading down I-20 (a pretty busy highway in this area with a speed limit of 70MPH) people were slamming on the brakes in the middle of the highway because of traffic and with the sunlight beaming down, I couldn't help but notice that it was difficult to see the brake lights activated. I figure it will be a great idea to gets peoples attention during braking especially on a congested highway with high speed limits. So......

I took the reflector in the rear plastic bumper and drilled a 3/8" hole so I can run a wire through it for 6 " emergency LED light beacon/ Flasher. (Make sure your drill is on high speed or the reflector will shatter)

since my car has a black and white theme, I figure I would black the red reflector out with a film. Initially wanted just a black film but found a carbon fiber one that could be shipped quicker so I said what the heck. once I wrap just the red visible part of the reflector with the film, I mounted the LED flasher with 3M doublesided tape.

So, for the main purpose of the LED flasher which was to get drivers attention when braking, I wired an inline strobe module that will hyperflash the beacon quickly 5 times before remaining solid as the rest of the brake lights during brake application.

Final-ish product with all the wires cleaned up and loomed. just got to wait for a day off to install it.

will install them where the oem reflectors are. pictured below in the yellow box for reference.

Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated. even negative ones. Cheers!




UPDATE: finally got it installed. I like how it turn out.

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[athous]

It’s a great really novel idea. Anything to get peoples attention on the freeway while they’re texting is a good idea Regardless!

 

[Kevin_D]

Not a bad idea...
But rear-facing reflectors are federally mandated.
You probably shouldn't cover them up.

Kevin

 

[GladiatorJT]

Not a bad idea...
But rear-facing reflectors are federally mandated.
You probably shouldn't cover them up.

Kevin

Never Knew that. something to think about. thanks

 

[Mr._Bill]

Creative, I like it. Depending on your state's laws, there may be an issue with the strobe lights on a non-emergency vehicle.

 

[whiteglad]

I put a pair of LED backup lights in those positions.

 

[GladiatorJT]

I put a pair of LED backup lights in those positions.

What kind of mounting solutions did you use? was thinking about doing that initially but couldn't find a bracket for said light at a reasonable cost.

 

[whiteglad]

I used amazon lights with provision for a bolt at the bottom, ran it through the stock hole in the bumper, spacer, washer, nut. I made covers for the rest of the hole out of sheet metal and mounted with the stock screws.

 

[Empty Pockets]

I’ve used strobe bulbs in my Harley brake light for years. Flashes fast about 8-10 time then goes solid. It is a real attention grabber. Also used this kind of bulb in the center mounted brake light on the Silverado that I traded in on my JT. Been meaning to search for one for the tailgate mounted brake light on the JT, just haven’t had time.

I like the idea, a lot. But the reflector comment is correct. MAYBE a license plate frame with reflectors would suffice (??).

 

[Mr._Bill]

What kind of mounting solutions did you use? was thinking about doing that initially but couldn't find a bracket for said light at a reasonable cost.

Oracle is now selling a set of backup lights to fit in the reflector location.

I used a set of brackets for the JL rear bumper and mounted a set of KC Reverse Lights that hang just below the bumper.

 

[Kevin_D]

I’ve used strobe bulbs in my Harley brake light for years. Flashes fast about 8-10 time then goes solid. It is a real attention grabber. Also used this kind of bulb in the center mounted brake light on the Silverado that I traded in on my JT. Been meaning to search for one for the tailgate mounted brake light on the JT, just haven’t had time.

I like the idea, a lot. But the reflector comment is correct. MAYBE a license plate frame with reflectors would suffice (??).

The easiest way to replace the reflectors is with reflectorized red tape.

Kevin

 

[jeepin48]

Cool project! I have been a huge fan of brake light strobes since I first saw one. I immediately put one on my motorcycle..... I got the Tazer Mini and new update has an option to do 5 quick flashes on the center tailgate light every time you hit the brakes.

It is legal as long as the pulses are fast enough and don't last more that 1 second or something like that.

 

[FLUndertaker]

What kind of mounting solutions did you use? was thinking about doing that initially but couldn't find a bracket for said light at a reasonable cost.

Vision X. Super bright, perfect fit and finish. Wire tgem to reverse or an auxiliary switch.

 

[Red-Paint]

I like it .. How did you wire it in to the truck ?

 

[GladiatorJT]

I like it .. How did you wire it in to the truck ?

I have an LED light strip underneath the tailgate utilizing the trailer 4 pin connector. I just tap the wires into that light strip harness. I don't like modifying factory wire harness and like things to be reversible. I am pretty sure you can tap into the OEM trailer harness if you are ok with modifying your factory wires.

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