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65 442
Jan 30, 2018 14:11:50 GMT -5
Post by dads442 on Jan 30, 2018 14:11:50 GMT -5
Have a question about lighting, was thinking about upgrading from standard bulbs to LED for tail lights and brake lights for a little added safety...was also thinking about a high brake light for my Hardtop, mount in rear window, I have also read that there is a brighter regular bulb that will replace the 1157 bulb normally used that is a little brighter as a tail light and 30-40% brighter as a brake light (#2357 bulb), I hear that the only problem is that it gets hotter and could damage the lens...anybody use this bulb?...I have also read that you need to install load equalizers if you use LED, I know there are LED cards and complete LED lenses for some cars $$$$$, I have also red that painting the inside of the fixture flat white is better than the original finish for brightness... I have two cars I would like to make seen better, the a fore mentioned 65 442 and a 66 Chevelle SS...
Anybody do any of these upgrades and were the results worth the $$$$...guess I am just paranoid by all the jelly bean cars darting in and out around me...
Thanks, Dennis
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65 442
Jan 31, 2018 11:47:20 GMT -5
Post by joepadavano on Jan 31, 2018 11:47:20 GMT -5
I've done this on my 67 Delta. The LED bulbs are MUCH brighter at the back. First, you need to be aware that the tail light reflector is designed for a bulb that radiates light in all directions. DO NOT get a cheapo LED bulb that only has elements on one face like this: Since the LEDs only project straight out the back of the lamp housing, there is no light transmitted to the reflector and they actually are dimmer than incandescent. A much better choice is the tower style LED, like this. I've used these on my 62 F-85 wagon. The LED elements on the sides fully illuminate the reflector. An even better solution is the newer projector style LED bulb. These are what I put into my 67. They are extremely bright. I'm very happy with them.
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65 442
Jan 31, 2018 14:01:49 GMT -5
Post by dads442 on Jan 31, 2018 14:01:49 GMT -5
Thanks Joe for your response...very helpful...
I had heard that LED bulbs are very directional and had been looking at the type of bulb you show in the second photo that emits light all around...these I can find as a replacement bulb in most parts stores...I hadn't heard about the projector type shown in the last photo...will need to look into those as that sounds like the way to go...where did you find them???
One other question...did you have to make any other mods like adding load equalizers or is this just replace the bulb and go??
Thanks again,
Dennis
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65 442
Jan 31, 2018 14:07:10 GMT -5
Post by joepadavano on Jan 31, 2018 14:07:10 GMT -5
Dennis,
I got both styles from the LED bulb vendor at the Carlisle swap meet. Unfortunately I can't find his card right now. I just plugged them into the tail light sockets and did nothing else. Didn't even change the flasher, since the incandescents in the front still draw enough current to operate the mechanical flasher module. I'll be swapping the flasher when I swap the fronts to LEDs. No resistors or anything else are needed - these are designed to be direct replacements for 1157 bulbs.
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65 442
Jan 31, 2018 15:53:54 GMT -5
Post by dads442 on Jan 31, 2018 15:53:54 GMT -5
Ok...thanks...I'll keep an eye open for the projector type...did a little search on the internet and didn't see them...will have to look further...if you happen to find the card I would appreciate it if you would post the vender...
In the mean time I may try the other style, one in the second photo, as I need to replace some instrument panel bulbs in the SS anyway...
Thanks again Joe,
Dennis
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65 442
Jan 31, 2018 21:39:53 GMT -5
Post by RIP OLDS on Jan 31, 2018 21:39:53 GMT -5
Amazon has numerous types like the ones Joe showed. Just search for 1157 LED bulbs.
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65 442
Feb 1, 2018 22:10:52 GMT -5
Post by daved65 on Feb 1, 2018 22:10:52 GMT -5
I put a third brake light in my hardtop and it's discrete but really bright when lit up. It's from a 97 or 98 suburban, when 3rd brake lights first became a requirement. It's about 16" long and 1" high with 48 LED bulbs. It's tall enough just to extend above the lower window trim. I ran one wire to the brake switch, the other to a ground and two sided taped it to the deck. Works like a champ.
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