If you're trying to give your rig that classic, high-end shine, switching over in order to glass watermelon cab lights is definitely one of the particular best upgrades a person can make. Presently there is just some thing about the way a real glass lens catches the particular light that plastic can't even arrive close to coming in contact with. Most guys begin with the cheap plastic covers since they're easy to find and don't cost much, yet once you observe a truck running real glass at a rest end or a show, you usually end up wanting to swap yours out immediately.
It isn't just about the looks, though that's obviously a massive part of it. It's also about how exactly long they last. If you've been on the street for any significant amount of period, you've probably observed what happens to people polycarbonate or plastic lenses after a couple of years of sun, salt, and road muck. They get over cast, they start in order to yellow, and eventually, they look like a boring, blurry mess. Glass doesn't do this. It stays crystal clear fundamentally forever, so long as you don't take a run-a-way rock directly in order to the face of the particular light.
The Unique Look of the Watermelon Style
You might wonder why everyone calls them "watermelon" lights to begin with. If a person look at the shape, it's got that distinct, rounded, slightly tapered user profile that resembles the end of a watermelon. This design has been around for decades, and it's a staple within the "chicken light" culture. Back within the day, these types of were the lights you'd see for the old-school Peterbilts and Kenworths, and they've never really long gone away from style.
When you use glass watermelon cab lights , the light refraction is usually totally different through plastic. Glass provides a certain excess weight and density in order to it that enables the light to distribute evenly. When the particular sun hits them during the time, they have a serious, rich color—whether you're running amber, reddish colored, as well as clear lens. During the night, they produce a sharp, sharp glow that appears much more "professional" than the fuzzy, diffused light you get from cheaper materials.
Exactly why Glass is Worth the Extra Money
Let's be actual for a 2nd: glass lenses are usually going to cost you more than the plastic material ones you discover at the big-box chrome shops. But you have to appear at it being a long-term investment for your truck. When you buy plastic, you're basically buying the temporary part. Among the UV sun rays in the sun and the heat from the bulbs (especially if you aren't using LEDs yet), plastic eventually gets brittle and cracks.
Glass is definitely a different story. It's heat-resistant plus doesn't respond to the sun. You can polish glass back again to a mirror shine ten years from now, and it'll still look completely new. Plus, there is usually a certain "heft" to glass. Whenever you're holding a single in your hand throughout the install, you can feel the quality. It doesn't sense like a toy. It feels such as a real item of equipment.
Better Light Clearness
One factor people often overlook is how much lighting is actually lost when a lens starts to degrade. In the event that your cab lights are cloudy, these people aren't doing their job of creating you visible to other motorists. Glass watermelon cab lights keep their transparency. Whether or not you are running a traditional 1156 or 1157 incandescent bulb or even a high-powered LED plate inside, the glass enables that light to pass through with no distortion. This indicates your "identification lights" are actually performing what they're intended to: identifying your truck clearly from a distance.
The Vintage Vibe
If you're going for a "large car" or "old school" look, you almost have in order to use glass. It's a requirement. A person can have all the chrome in the world, but rather if your lights look cheap, the particular whole aesthetic drops apart. Glass lens have those refined ripples and manufacturing marks that give them character. They appear to be they fit in on the truck that's been restored along with care. It's those small details that separate a film truck from a function truck that simply has some parts bolted onto it.
Installation Tips and Tricks
Installing glass watermelon cab lights isn't exactly rocket science, but there are a few things should keep in mind to ensure they last. First off, since you're dealing with glass, you would like to make sure that your gaskets are in very good condition. Most of these lights come with a plastic or foam seal that sits between the lens as well as the chrome housing (or the cab itself). Don't over-tighten the screws! If you crank down too hard on a glass lens, you chance cracking it. You want it cuddle enough to keep the water out, but not so tight that the glass is under stress.
Another thing to consider will be the base. A great deal of guys such as to use a stainless-steel or chrome-plated metal base for their own watermelon lights. This particular keeps the entire assembly looking standard. If you're replacing from a manufacturer light, you might need to drill down new holes or use an adapter plate, but the particular effort is properly worth it as soon as you flip the switch for the first time.
Wiring for Success
When you're beneath the headliner or even focusing on the roofing, take the time to do your wiring right. Make use of heat-shrink connectors and make sure your own grounds are strong. Since glass lenses are heavier compared to plastic ones, guarantee the mounting surface is usually sturdy. I've noticed guys mount these types of on thin fiber-glass roofs without rearrangements, and over period, the vibration may cause some problems. A little little bit of extra support goes quite a distance.
Color Options and Customization
Whilst amber could be the classic choice for glass watermelon cab lights on the roof, there's plenty of area to get innovative. Some guys run clear glass lens with colored DIRECTED bulbs inside. This particular gives the truck a very clear, "iced out" look during the day, but then it glows bright amber or even crimson during the night (though examine your local laws on that one! ).
Red glass is another well-known option, though usually reserved for the particular rear of the sleeper or maybe the back of the cab. The deep "ruby" red you get from a glass zoom lens is something plastic just can't repeat. It looks wealthy and expensive. In case you're building a custom light club or a headaches rack, mixing glass watermelon lights into the design is a surefire way in order to make the task stand out.
Maintenance is Quick
Maintaining your lights is incredibly straightforward. Unlike plastic, which requires special "headlight restoration" kits when it gets foggy, glass just requires a good cleaning. You can use standard glass cleaner or even a bit of white vinegar and water to get rid of water spots. If you really want them to pop, strike them with a quick coat of polish when you're doing the rest of the particular truck. It'll help the rain bead off and keep all of them looking sharp.
One thing to watch out for is moisture inside the zoom lens. Because glass doesn't "breathe" like some cheaper plastics might, if you possess an undesirable seal, you'll see condensation. If that occurs, just put the lens off, dry it out, and check your gasket. Usually, the little bit of silicone grease upon the seal may fix that right up and keep everything airtight.
Last Thoughts on Updating
All in all, your truck can be your office and your home away from home. Why be happy with components that are heading to look poor in a yr? Purchasing glass watermelon cab lights is a small change that makes a large impact on the overall presence associated with your rig. They will provide that timeless, classic look that tells everyone otherwise on the highway that you take pride within what you drive.
Whether you're a long-haul motorist or simply a vehicle enthusiast, the sturdiness and clarity of glass are tough to beat. It's one of individuals rare upgrades where you actually obtain exactly what a person pay for. So, the next time you're looking at your own cab and considering it needs something extra, skip your invisalign aligner aisle and go straight for the glass. You won't regret it when you see ideal glow reflecting off your hood in the middle of the night.