Rear Tail Lights

[my69S1]

I am in the process of refurbishing my rear tail lights.  I have been following Norm's progress and have a question.  Norm's picture of his tail lights shows 2 of the 3 bulbs having a metal backing, I guess for reflection and to better see the light.  I have a '69 S1, so a little earlier than Norms and was wondering if the rear tail lights should have all 3 sections with metal reflectors, or just 2 as in norm's photo, or maybe none for earlier cars.  My rear lights did not have any metal reflectors and a set of spares I have also do not have reflectors.  Just wondering what is correct for a later S1.  Thanks.

[nistri]

The reflectors do help to make the lights brighter. One can put strips of aluminum foil (cooking type) to improve brightness. Nobody will see them unless the plastic covers are removed. Andrea

[my69S1]

The reflectors do help to make the lights brighter. One can put strips of aluminum foil (cooking type) to improve brightness. Nobody will see them unless the plastic covers are removed. Andrea

Thanks Andrea.  I imagine I could also just use very thin sheet metal cut to shape, polish it and maybe spray it so it doesn't tarnish.  I was just curious if they were on all rear lights.  I found it odd that mine didn't have any and neither did the spare set I have, although they are pretty rough.  And why is there only a reflector for 2 of the 3 bulbs?  I would have expected all or none.

[frankxhv773t]

A cone cut out of the top of a suitably sized plastic bottle and covered internally with tin foil is an easy solution I have used in the past on other things.

[my69S1]

Anyone have a picture of their rear lights with the lens removed?

[Lightweight_911]

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Just checked my car (low mileage S1 coupe) - only 2 reflectors (none on reversing light section):




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[my69S1]

Thanks.  It looks like I am missing mine and will need to make some up.

[my69S1]

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Just checked my car (low mileage S1 coupe) - only 2 reflectors (none on reversing light section):




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What year is your S1?  Thanks.

[Lightweight_911]

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1968 ...

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[my69S1]

1968 ...
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Thanks.  Another owner sent me a picture of his '67 and it had no reflectors so I am still confused.  Unless maybe the early ones had no reflectors and they were added shortly after?  Not sure why mine don't have any then unless they were replaced with early ones at some point.

[fay66]

1968 ...
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Thanks.  Another owner sent me a picture of his '67 and it had no reflectors so I am still confused.  Unless maybe the early ones had no reflectors and they were added shortly after?  Not sure why mine don't have any then unless they were replaced with early ones at some point.

I cant see that fitting a reflector of some sort, even foil is going to cause any problems, the reversing lights aren't that bright by todays standards, so it might in fact be a practical improvement.
As the modification would be hidden, originality doesn't really matter to anyone other than yourself.
Brian
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