APC Euro Tail Lights

[2coolPT]

I have had my APC Clear Euro tail lights for about 10 months now. Up to this point I have not had any problems, but when discussing them with some folks at a show this weekend, I was made aware of an ever so slight spot developing on one of them and was told that it would get worse over time. Some owners had severe problems right away, but for some reason I have gotten away with it until now. I heard that the stock bulbs were to hot for the replacement light housing and that diod replacements were the ticket. Well I went to my local Auto Zone and looked for APC 3157 diods. The ones I found were marked "Chevy Use". I sales clerk did a cross check and assured me that this was the right bulb. When installing them they imediatly blew a fuse, (I think it was #5 under dash). Replaced fuse and stock bulb, all ok. Tried again same results both sides. So here is my question: What is the right diod bulb # I that I need, and who carries them? Every auto parts store I looked for them had the same model. You may find this hard to believe, but Auto Zone refunded my money on the bulbs. Even with the electical burn marks on them.

[CREWZIN]

Dave,
You could have saved me all this writing if you had asked at the show...here goes. I had the APC carbon fiber taillights and like a lot of others, scratches started to appear from the inside of the lenses and lower red lenses on both lights started to melt. I switched to the recommended APC bulbs but them I heard APC was making newer taillights and replacing the bad ones so I sent mine back. The rumor on other forums are that APC is in the process of sending the replacement light out now...some peoplhave already gotten them. Yes, the OEM bulbs were supposedly putting out too much heat and the red lenses were melting and heat stress cracks were appearing...just like mine. The APC bulbs are expensive, about $12.00 each but you only need two, one for each lower light. That's because the brake lights which are brighter, give off more heat, the upper bulbs just come on when you have the headlights/running light on. The bulbs I have in my hands are APCpart number 50.4050.D. They replace any #3157 bulb. Supposedly that are super bright without the heat. The front of the package also says "Dodge Use Only". Now after saying all that, one of the guys who received the replacement lenses from APC was also given replacement bulbs with the lights. When he tried them, he couldn't see any difference when he stepped on the brakes..so he's pretty mad. I was going to that forum next to see if his replacement bulbs were the same as mine...because mine seemed to work OK and were brighter when I stepped on the brake. Hope that helps. SEE YA.



Edited by - crewzin on 07/26/2002 13:15:42

[skylight]

This is a pic of my third and final pair, they were supposedly Generation III. My first two pairs did the same thing, and they were the clear versions.

These had the APC bulbs in them from the start. I have a feeling that the temperature has nothing to do with these poorly designed housings...


__
my cruiser pics here:
http://www.ptcruiserlinks.com/cruiser.html

[2coolPT]

I only have the slightest of spots so far. I been looking all over for the "Dodge Use" version, APCpart number 50.4050.D, but no one in my area has them. Every one has the "Chey Use" version, APC part number 50.4050.C. Discount Auto said they would special order them for me. I Hope to have them next week.

[Kitsune]

CREWZIN's got it right. I have the carbon fiber euro tails and only the lower lights should be replaced with LED lights, the upper lights are the turn signals and if you replace them with the LEDs they will give everyone around you epileptic seizures.<img src=icon_smile_approve.gif border=0 align=middle>

[2coolPT]

Well, talk about a rare bulb. No one in the St. Pete / Clearwater (Fl) area carries the APC 50.4050.D LED bulb. Not Pep Boys, Auto Zone, Discount Auto Parts, ACE,or several independent shops. Discount Auto was the only one willing to even order them. The Internet wasn't much better, I coud get them for $12 - $16 each plus shipping, and APC's site dosn't even list them. Discount Autos price is $6.99 each, and they said it would take up to 2 weeks to get them direct from APC. Has this been your experience? Or am I just having a nightmare?



Edited by - 2coolpt on 08/02/2002 09:56:05

[CREWZIN]

Dave,
It's worth the wait if you want to save money. I ran into an APC rep the last time I was up in Maryland visiting my son. He sold me a pair for $20 saying they usually go for $12 a piece. Buy that time my lights had already melted so I'm saving them for the replacements which are supposed to be on the way. If you already ordered them, then all you can do is wait. If not, give RON (at APC) a call on 1-800-594-4272 and I'm sure he will sell you the bulbs even though they might not be sold on-line.

Well I am one of those owners of APC Euro Taillites that were replaced for the 2nd time !!!I just received the 3rd set and they DO come with LED bulbs in them(4 )!There is NO part#on them however!the part # of this set is..40.4164.TLR if this makes any dif!!I had LED bulbs in the second set that melted!I have those bulbs in the differant taillites I have since changed to!They have No part #in them either!I purchase these from AutoZone !!To me they seem as bright as the stock ones but NOT brighter!I have the original stock lenses in with an PT overlay!If anyone would be interested I will sell this unopened set for $150.00 and I will pay shipping to any where in U.S.A.I am getting ready to change so have no intentions of using these!My E-mail addy is FMC1240@AOL.COM. Mike from Milwaukie Oregon

[2coolPT]

Two items:

1) I got & installed my APC led bulbs last night (APC part number 50.4050.D for "Dodge Use Only" ). After installing them in my APC Euro tail lights I noticed that when the lights are on without the brake light, they appeared about 20% dimmer than the stock bulbs, however when the brakes are put on they seemed about 10 - 20% brighter than the stock bulbs. Go figure !!!??? At least I don't have to worry about a "melt down" now.

2) After 10 months use on my APC Euro tail lights using the stock bulbs, I noticed when I had them out that the silver is starting to "pit" making pencil dot sized black specks. Since this is basically a mirror, has anyone tried painting the backside either black or with a sealer to stop this? The backside is exposed to water & road elements through the lower fender and the back side of the Euro lights look like they were only painted with a very thin coat of paint. Any one try this?