I finally gave up on the original type tail lights. My first upgrade was to replace the the two small lamps with an 1157. That moved the light output from "birthday candle" to "weak flashlight". Following drivers still seemed a bit startled to see an elderly truck stopped ahead with no warning. I just put round trailer lights back there, and I've yet to see a surprised driver behind me. This truck is a daily driver and I'm willing to sacrifice some originality for less bodywork.
Mike
