garandfan

Guys:

I had an idea about installing LED tail lights in the C3's. Here is what I came up with:

Is it possible: yes
It would require removing the inner tail light assy. Modifing either the new LED light, or the tail light cover.
It would also require removing approx. 1' of fiberglass from the current opening to allow fitting of the new bulb assy.

Cost for the outer two light: approx 50- 60 bucks
Cost for all four: $100-120, plus the cost of two more solid red covers (elimanate the back-up lights)

Here's the parts needed:

4 - 4" truck LED gasket type assy's
4 - pig tail wires
1 - large tube silicon clear sealer/glue
1 - heavy duty flasher (4 light)
Wire splices, and some wire.
1 - 20Amp fuse
1 - role elect. tape

The lights and pigtails are sold online, or at truck stops, all other parts - Walmart.

I think it would look great running LED's in all four!!

BTW: LEDS pull approx .2 amps per individual bulbs, If you want to do this, it will still be less amps, then the current lights (2 way) or up to 20 amps for 4 lights

I know what needs done, now it's just a matter of time, and whether or not I want to modify the rear holes to allow the fit.

If anyone is interested, let me know, I'll tell you what I have figured out.

Frank

jerryp58

I don't know what kind of LED lights you're talking about (do you have a link), but do you know they have 1157 and 1156 socketed LED bulbs? They might work nicely with the bubble lenses. Just a thought.

BTW, was the Garand still around in '80?

garandfan

These are the 52 bulb LED units like you see on semi's ( I drive a truck), got a source for them, and wrenchs to answer my mounting/mod questions.

I looks at the bulbs you are talking about, they have 8 bulbs, I don't think the coverage would be verry good.

Nope the M1 was long gone in the 80's except for cerimonal use. I have that name becuase I am the Pres. for the Garand collector's association. we have 7000 members world wide.

Thanks again.

Frank

http://www.garandcollector.org

jetech

Hi Frank
Here is some info on led's www.e-f.com/community/index.php I thought about using a brass lamp cup from an old bulb and soldering a led circuit to the side and center contacts and securing the whole mess with hot melt glue, the unit would install just like a standard bulb. All you would need are the cup, glue, apropriate resistor, and choice of led's. The cost would be small. This is another one on my "to do list". :seeya


[Modified by jetech, 2:18 AM 8/6/2003]

terry82

garandfan,i also have had this idea.in the jegs catalog pg 219. they have led conversion kits, but not yet for vettes.

NHvette

The assemblies that Frank is refering to are commonly found on
tractor trailer rigs. I noticed them last winter on a long drive to go skiing.
As a passenger, I saw the lights in daylight, and noted the good visibility.
There are like 2 or 3 concentric rings of LEDs that fill the (4 inch I guess)
lenses. He's not refering to the replacement LED bulbs.

I think they look great and would add a definite unique custom look - especially at night.
It will, however, be a bit of work to cut them into the rear fiberglass.

One idea that I have - being an EE - is to design my own circuit boards that
fit in the light cavity. The difference being that I would arrange the LEDs in
the shape of the Chevy bowtie. :chevy
Unfortunately, there has got to be a licensing issue with the Chevy emblem -
so I likely couldn't make them for sale. These would use the original lenses
and sockets.

Now, a round setup would be possible. Maybe this winter I will put something
together. For, now - I need to get my butt in gear to weld the frame up.


:seeya :smash: :smash: :smash: :smash:
:seeya


[Modified by NHvette, 9:58 PM 8/5/2003]

Shark Racer

I used these things in my car.

They stunk. Avoid like the plague. Wish I had my money back. :(

-Steve

69vette66

(there has got to be a licensing issue with the Chevy emblem -
so I likely couldn't make them for sale.)

Maybe you could take donations?

:cheers:

74 vert

I watched trucks this weekend. Stacy installed custom rear tail lights onto Copperhead. The original single bulb assembly was replaced with an assembly with about 40-50 lights in small rows lights. I can't remember who supplied them. I need to start taking notes of all this wonderful stuff available from the powerblock. :smash: :smash: :smash: :banghead: :banghead:





[Modified by 74 vert, 9:14 PM 8/5/2003]

garandfan

Each of these units has 52 bulbs in them and they are VERY bright, look at the rear end of new semi's. I have them on my truck, and it's about impossable to iss them!! Plus they look neat.

Frank

Enad

Take a look at my page on this exact swap.
http://members.surfbest.net/danespac...ight/index.htm

It is not difficult and did not require any cutting on the bumper. I used silver LED lights that turn red when lit. Also have an LED third light at the top of the back window.

Dane

Enad

To the best of my knowledge the current crop of 1157/1156 LED replacement bulbs do not meet dispersion requirement for lights. Does anybody care? Probably not but I thought you might want to know.

1Bad69

IMHO, :U

427V8

Hmmm, :cool: I smell a future Mod :smash:

Rottenrob

Enad that's a trick mod, and a pretty nice clear site for people to follow. :cheers: Somewhere down the line I may have to step up to LED myself. :cheers: