Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Aesthetics Rear reflector panel illuminated

From the inside of the trunk. I believe there are 6 10mm nuts. Then unplug the license plate lights and you're all set.

Originally posted by juspifool:

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How do you get the reflector off of the trunk?

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There are 7-8 nuts you remove, and just pull it off. You can see them pretty easily.

I'll have to go check that out.

i saw a contour driving around new york city without a reflector on it was an ugly grey color under there

Originally posted by SteedaSVT:

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Neon is the only way pretty much but im trying a new way the neon was way to bright.

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I am not over familiar with the neon's, but couldn't you control the brightness through the use of a variable pot? Then when you get the brightness right, just measure the amount of resistance and add the proper amount of resistors inline and cover with elec tape or shrink tubing.

Like I said, I am not very familiar with neons, just the above idea poped in my head. Oh the BMW days!!! I will soon though, I have to get a car for my wife in January and we saw a black Mustang Cobra last night with green neons on the undercarriage and some in the GRILL!! I must admit, from a about 30 yards away that grill looked interesting.

Well december 3rd is the next time that im aloud to leave the house. and the reflector is in the Car soo???????? Kinda sucky. Umm plus i couldn't get the power right anyhow inthe house.

Ive got it down to 2 options them mini Neon tubes and trying to get the light correctly orrrrrrrrrrrrr clear blubs with this Red plasticy type stuff over them. That would be easier to do cuase you could adjust intensity since not everyones lights are exactly the same. But im gonna get to work on this asap and Maybe ill Sell them? THe junk yard by my house has 15 contours in it all 98+ soo thats 13 reflectors ( 2 where rear ended) But i don't know we'll see what happens.

Originally posted by unisys12:

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I am not over familiar with the neon's, but couldn't you control the brightness through the use of a variable pot? Then when you get the brightness right, just measure the amount of resistance and add the proper amount of resistors inline and cover with elec tape or shrink tubing.

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to answer this directly, neon is basicaly on or off. the voltage applied does nothing until it reaches a threshold, at which point the gas in the tube forms a plasma which allows conduction. The electrons then bash into the heavy molecules in the gas and emit large amounts of light very efficiently. It's similar to HID.

sorry if that was long winded or confusing

Originally posted by Oo.et.oO:

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Originally posted by unisys12:

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I am not over familiar with the neon's, but couldn't you control the brightness through the use of a variable pot? Then when you get the brightness right, just measure the amount of resistance and add the proper amount of resistors inline and cover with elec tape or shrink tubing.

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to answer this directly, neon is basicaly on or off. the voltage applied does nothing until it reaches a threshold, at which point the gas in the tube forms a plasma which allows conduction. The electrons then bash into the heavy molecules in the gas and emit large amounts of light very efficiently. It's similar to HID.

sorry if that was long winded or confusing

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Thanks for clearing that up. It made perfect sense. I can say that I know a little more now. Thanks again!