LEDs??

[MMiller]

So I stumbled onto replacement LED bulbs in a parts store the other day. I then remembered this topic---https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?t=127388&highlight=LED ---and was wondering, has anybody tried this yet? Anybody buck up and buy the leds? The ones I found were for 1157's, and just clear bulbs. I'm thinking of replacing the turns/tail lights, and front turns with the leds. Am I asking for trouble making the flasher work, and no I'm not talking the trench coat kind!! :-laf The "expert" behind the counter claimed they would probably not work in my truck. This is the same guy that runs the big lights under his car, shining on the ground.



Michael

 

[tugboatphil]

Michael,



I STILL haven't gotten around to it yet. However, I was looking at that site again last night. I think I'm going to try the cab clearance lights, and the dash lights first. I too have been wondering just how well the 1157s would do on the rear. The electronic flasher unit is supposed to compensate for the low voltage draw. Just haven't tested it yet.

 

[Yo Hoot]

I've been through the gammit with this retrofit LED bulbs. Don't bother with them. In the daytime they simply don't cut it for the turn signal when the brakes are applied. Save your money. This is with the latest and greatest radially mounted LED bulbs.



Also anyone considering doing this on a third gen truck, third gen trucks do not have a flasher unit. You must use load resistors.

 

[hdm48]

Don't waste your money o LED bulbs. I tried, and in the daylite they were so dim you couldn't see them unless the brakes were on. And even then they looked like the normal lite from the tail lite.

I tried several manufacturers bulbs and they were all the same.

What I would like to find is a bulb as bright as the taillites on a new cadilac. But unless I redesign the entire assembly I'll never get it.



OH, WAIT,,



I like doing that kinda stuff. OK, I'll get back to ya on this issue

 

[MMiller]

Thanks for the replies, guys. I just saved a bunch of money on... light bulbs. :-laf



On a car show on TV one time I think I remember seeing a panel of leds, that had the same hookup as a 1157. It was like a 2"x3" panel that you installed behind the lens. Am I the only guy that has seen this? Its weird, because I see the leds in the new firetrucks, tractor trailers, and they are mucho bright. I would have thought they would be brighter then the stockers.



Michael

 

[tugboatphil]

The Cadillac tailights are actually a panel of LEDS that are right under the surface of the lense (or at least it looks that way on my Mom's. ) So the tailight replacements aren't bright enough. Has anyone tried marker lights or the ones behind the dash?

 

[Holysmokes]

I have tried them. Ive also tried them as as cab lights. They dont work well at all. Leds are directional meaning if you look at them head on they are bright(well... at night) but if you are looking at them from the side you cant see them. That is my experience with the outside LEDS because they are a "Cluster" of lights together.

That said the LEDS for INSIDE the truck( dash) they are fine. The led used behind the dash have 5 directions

 

[JStraw]

I've got the LED clearance lights and they are hands down better than the bulbs. I only use the 1156 and 1157 LED's on my motorcycles