>It always seems that my "backup" lights (reversing lamps, Br.) are
>pitifully dim.  Adding a 55W bulb will just melt the el-cheepo very
>expensive housings sooo...

Do you drive backwards? :-)

I can't believe that even a 55 W bulb would get so hot as to melt the
housing in the short time one spends backing up.

 I am probably missing something. What is it?

John