>> > -- I can tell you that putting in
>> >a 50-watt backup light will lead to melting/warping of the whole
taillight
>> >assembly. :(
>>
>>I have run a 50-watt halogen in the brake light socket for almost two
years
>>with no problems.
>Are you sure it's 50 watt?  Also, duty cycle is certainly a factor.

YES, a 50-watt halogen, much cooler than the 50-watt incandescent plus, as
you noted, light on time is less than a taillight, maybe 30-60 seconds at
most.
Purchased the bulb at FLAPS for about $3.00 each.  It fits the 1156 bulb
socket fine, in fact, it's advertised as a brighter reverse light.  I also
cleaned the reflector surface which helped too.

Jeff Birk