Are LED lights worth the expense?

[Clyde65]

Just trying to get some information guys, I am looking at upgrading my front turn signals and rear turn/brake lights.

What do you all think?

looking at these for the front...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1960-...item230daf66ec

[61_FL_Apache]

All that guys stuff is a lot of money. Im sure someone else probably has them too for less.

[Clyde65]

Yes I know it is alot, I have twin 39 F04d tail lights in my roll pan and then these things, would be over $250.00 or so.

[lakeroadster]

Originally Posted by Clyde65

Yes I know it is alot, I have twin 39 F04d tail lights in my roll pan and then these things, would be over $250.00 or so.

If you are changing to LED's purely for better visibility (for the other guy) have you thought about adding a third brake light instead? About a $60.00 modification.





If your interested check out post #49 here http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=444378&page=2

[Clyde65]

lakeroadster,

I have one of the third brake lights, not as nice as yours, some of it is the visibility but also some of it would be the cool factor too.

[protrash64]

It seems as though most here aren't using them, but I run just the LED bulbs in my tails. I think they improve visibilty greatly and cost under 20 a pair. I get them at the local parts stores.

[lakeroadster]

Will LED's 'cause any problems running them with the standard wiring harness / fuse block? Seems like I recall reading they can create problems with turn signal flasher.

[jocko]

I think the LED "bulbs" mentioned above cause no voltage issues. Some of the fancier(?)/bigger LED set-ups require voltage reduction I believe - but if it's required, it usually comes in the kit, and that is what drives up the price a bit. I've had the LED bulbs that plug into a standard 1157 socket, but I ended up taking them out. PO had them installed - I did not think they were brighter - but to me, depending on the look of the truck you're going for, hard to beat the look of an old XX57 bulb (especially when it's glowing through a blue dot tail light). But that's just me. But LEDs are brighter for the other guy as mentioned above.
My 2 cents only. Monday-Wednesday, I think LEDs are cool, Thurs-Sunday, I'm a bulb guy, can't make up my mind...

[protrash64]

Originally Posted by lakeroadster

Will LED's 'cause any problems running them with the standard wiring harness / fuse block? Seems like I recall reading they can create problems with turn signal flasher.

I only run tails, so there is no issue. When I was working on the 'burb I had the hood off and the loss of the turn signal lamps was enough to cause the flasher not to work.

If needed, you can get a no-load flasher which will operate multiple LEDS.

[Sammy]

Like said above the LED replacement flasher is available at all the local parts stores and is all that you need for runing the tail LED's. I think on my step bed I have 57 LEDS on each tail light. Those who have driven behind me claim they are like runway lights when 114 LEDS come on.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by lakeroadster

Will LED's 'cause any problems running them with the standard wiring harness / fuse block? Seems like I recall reading they can create problems with turn signal flasher.

Since LED's draw milliamps rather than amps, they are no concern for the wiring. They will require an electronic flasher if used in a signal application. The E-flasher is required due to the low voltage draw.

[jonathan-m]

I've been thinking about these alot lately. Is there any particular reason why one couldn't just put these together themselves?
I see the diodes on amazon and they're super cheap. Wiring LEDs seems relatively simple in itsdelf... Does anyone have experience with this?

6 dollars for a pack of 25 diodes: Amazon.com: Joe Knows Electronics 5mm Clear White...

[joeknows]

Hi! I'm the owner and CEO of Joe Knows Electronics. Thanks for making mention of my products on amazon.com. You can find a full list of the products I offer here.

Our 5mm LEDs would work great for this type of project. They have a very narrow viewing angle which means that they project their light outward in a very directional cone. This makes them appear very bright when placed in a grid and viewed from one direction as you would an indicator on a vehicle. Our HQ Series LEDs are made with high quality epistar chips and should provide a very long lifespan as well.

I don't personally have experience in assembling an indicator like this but I may be able to help locate some information for you. I know there are a TON of LED related projects on instructables.com like this one. As far as a quick introduction about LEDs this site does a decent job.

I'd love to see a project like this put into action! Its's defiantly the future of car lighting. LEDs run much more efficiently, brightly and last much longer than conventional bulbs. I'm going to provide a 10% discount for orders through our site, joeknowselectronics.com, if coupon code "chevy" is used by the end of March 2011. I'm looking forward to serving you and am looking forward to hearing about your experiences in creating LED car indicators.