Experiences with restoring stock taillights

[hgeranium]

It’s raining right now so my normally very faded tail lights look brand new. Knowing what they could look like really makes me want to restore them.
 

Does anyone have any good experiences doing so? Or is it more worth it to buy one of those aftermarket OE sets? Or maybe the Oracle lights?

[eaglescout526]

If your short on coin, I’d take the time to read the DIY in the DIY thread on restoring them as that’s the cheaper way. Plus you may end up with excellent results. 

[Eagle_SX4]

I wet sand with some sandpaper 1500-3000 grit. Then some buffing compound, I use Meguiar's Plastx with a cotton buffing wheel on a hand drill. It works great to bring the shine back to both taillights and any newer headlights.

[hgeranium]

Left/right before and after. I did everything by hand because I didn’t want to put that much effort into these old tail lights. They’re already cracked so I knew there’s only so much I can do for them. They certainly look a lot better though. At some point I’m sure I’ll pull the trigger on those key parts repops

 

[AZJeff]

I did a set of Key Parts lenses, and they are HUGE improvement over chalky 40 year old OEM ones.

 

However, the original taillights on the MJ are pretty lame in terms of brightness, especially in daylight conditions.   I have this overwhelming fear of some idiot here in AZ not paying attention and running into the back of my truck.

 

With that in mind, I forked out the coin for the Oracle lights, and could not be happier, as they are markedly brighter than the OEM ones.

[hgeranium]

15 minutes ago, AZJeff said:

I did a set of Key Parts lenses, and they are HUGE improvement over chalky 40 year old OEM ones.

 

However, the original taillights on the MJ are pretty lame in terms of brightness, especially in daylight conditions.   I have this overwhelming fear of some idiot here in AZ not paying attention and running into the back of my truck.

 

With that in mind, I forked out the coin for the Oracle lights, and could not be happier, as they are markedly brighter than the OEM ones.

That is an exact worry of mine! I wanted to clean up the lenses because I noticed how dismally dim they are during the day. I feel the same about the front side marker/turn signal bulbs. Good to see another Oracle supporter. Can you attach any pictures? I also worry about how the taillights actually look. I'm subconsciously worried that they will look too out of place and modern on the truck.

[eaglescout526]

46 minutes ago, AZJeff said:

However, the original taillights on the MJ are pretty lame in terms of brightness, especially in daylight conditions.   I have this overwhelming fear of some idiot here in AZ not paying attention and running into the back of my truck.

I remember one time this guy in this corvette had to tell me my brake lights were or while being washed out in the sun. Sent me on a wild goose chase thinking my lights were out. 

[AnotherOldJeepGuy]

I like the RW&B coloring to "JEEP" on the tailgate.  Is that painted or an add on?

[Htchevyii]

I hit mine with the paint buffer and put in some "Plasma LED's". I've put them in most of my old cars to try and be more visible. I did not have a good experience with the Sylvania parts store bulbs when I tried them. LED bulb in the top, standard in the bottom.

 

 

 

 

[hgeranium]

13 hours ago, AnotherOldJeepGuy said:

I like the RW&B coloring to "JEEP" on the tailgate.  Is that painted or an add on?

Thanks! It's a vinyl decal

[hgeranium]

13 hours ago, Htchevyii said:

I hit mine with the paint buffer and put in some "Plasma LED's". I've put them in most of my old cars to try and be more visible. I did not have a good experience with the Sylvania parts store bulbs when I tried them. LED bulb in the top, standard in the bottom.

 

 

 

 

That looks great. Do you have any weird electrical issues having LEDs in? I used to have LED bulbs in the taillights but they would intermittently go out or not blink when I used my blinkers. I switched back to halogens and my tails work perfectly again.

[AZJeff]

Here is what one of the Oracle lights looks like installed on my MJ.

[AnotherOldJeepGuy]

Looks great.  Still stock for now but you never know.

[Htchevyii]

On 5/3/2026 at 9:42 AM, hgeranium said:

That looks great. Do you have any weird electrical issues having LEDs in? I used to have LED bulbs in the taillights but they would intermittently go out or not blink when I used my blinkers. I switched back to halogens and my tails work perfectly again.

No, they have been in there and most of my other old vehicles for years with no issues. They all have been changed to electronic flashers, but I usually run those regardless.