Tail lights in Europe exported 'cudas

[IroquoisPliskin]

Does anyone know if there ever was a special european version of barracuda tail light existing? The local regulations were different from those in USA already back in '70s. For example break light and direction indicator, each one needs its own separated compartment etc..
Was there a version of the tail lights adapted to the european requirements or were they just send out in standard US configuration?
If someone knows where to find some hints on this, please let me know.
Thanks!

[Giveitawack]

My Barracuda -70 was built in Rotterdam, Holland, Europe. I don't think that the car has ever been in the US.
In the VIN it has an "8" in the "factory" position. For 70 it is not in the VIN decoding tables. Earlier years "8" means "Export".
After some detective work I found evidence that it was registered in Sweden in 1976 and has been here ever since.
Where it was before that I can only speculate. Probably Europe. I bought it in 1986.
Besides the km/h speedo I have not seen any special equipment for Europe. As far as I can tell the taillights are exactly the same as US sold cars. No orange blinker front or rear. Maybe those regulations came later.

[IroquoisPliskin]

Thanks for the reply! What you are saying is matching what I found out so far (which is not very much). I also heard about the cars manufactured in Netherlands or Switzerland and I was wondering if they were equipped differently for the European market as the regulations are valid since the beginning of 1970. It looks like these cars were allowed by exception decided locally, which theoretically is still possible and was common until 1999 (at least here in Germany). After 1999 the policy has changed and the exeptions won't be made, so it looks like I will have to modify my taillights to at least separate the brake and direction indicator (the red color probably will be accepted). I think in other countrys (e.g. Netherlands) the modification still is not necessary.

[Giveitawack]

You could use the reverse light as directional light with an orange LED bulb. In Sweden it is not mandatory with reverse light. What about in Germany?

[IroquoisPliskin]

The reverse light is obligatory since 1979, which means not necessary for 'cudas. I could replace the reverse light bulb by a yellow/orange indicator bulb, use of LED however won't be easy (no big chance to be allowed). I can go this way in worst case, but honestly speaking I'd like not have to do it. In daily life you actually see people changing the line or even turning without using the direction indicator all the time, and you are quite aware that this could happen. But are you expecting somone going backwards if you don't see the reverse light? I guess you don't. I hope that I will be able to modify the taillights and keep the reverse light operational.

[bigblue73]

What year 'cuda are we talking about.  70, 71 or 72-74.  I may have a simple solution for you that uses LED's and some creative wiring by you. (not difficult)

[IroquoisPliskin]

That's '71 'cuda. I also was wondering if I can solve this by use of LEDs, but I couldn't find a solution of that type. Generally speaking the use of LED on German roads seems even more problematic than a red direction indicator sharing its compartment with the brake light. I couldn't find to many LED bulbs permitted for use in automotive applications so far (there is a lot of staff you can use ilegally). Of course you can find some modern cars using this technique but those lamps have passed an expensive examination prior making their way into a street vehicle. At the one hand I'm curious what's your idea, at the other hand I wouldn't like to steal your time, because at the moment it doesn't look like I could pass the technical examination using LED except I could used permitted bulbs. If you have few moments feel free to tell more about your idea.
Thanks!

[bigblue73]

Don't worry about my time.  This is all about becoming legal and providing safety.  I manufacture an LED module that I call Illumin8s.  (see www.globaloverdrive.com for a video).  I developed these for the front of my Challenger - but  - they can also work for your Europe Spec'd turn signal issue as well.  The 1157 dual filament circuit provides two (2) connection points.  I can retain your reverse lights and provide you with the yellow flasher from the reverse light slot.  You will have to jumper a few wires but it will not be hard at all.  Here is what needs to happen:

1.) You would have to obtain or I could provide an 1157 base and pigtail for your reverse light housing.  These are available just about anywhere.
2.) jumper the turn signal wire from the current tail light to one side of the 1157 base.
3.) jumper the reverse light to the other side of the 1157 base.
4.) this would need to done for each side of course.
5.) Plug the LED array into the connection - it's just like replacing a bulb.
6.) bend the stainless steel tabs - that I provide - with VHB Tape to fit inside the housing area and stick into place with the LED module.
7.) you may have to switch to a no-load electronic flasher for the turn signals - I can provide that as well.

That's it.  Cost $129.00 for the kit + shipping.

Tony Edler
Illumin8s

[IroquoisPliskin]

Thanks for the explanation. I have followed your link and I have seen the video of your challanger. I have to admit that it looks quite well on your car. Honestly speaking I have had a similar idea. When I found out that the modification to the tail lights will be required I wanted to replace the reverse light bulb by a bi-color LED bulb and use the reverse light slot, as you described below, for both reverse and direction. Unfortunately I haven't found LED bulb certificated by the EU for use in an automotive application, and as long as I haven't found such LED I will have to think about the modification of the tail light housing.
I'm afraid that also the use of your Illumin8s module will not be possible for the same reason.
Thank you anyway!

[bigblue73]

I was not aware that the back-up bulbs are EU certified.  I under the headlights being certified for cut-off and light saturation, but the LED.  I highly doubt that you will find a replacement LED module that will be EU certified.  I will tell you that the LED replacements are brighter, use less amperage and actuate (light) faster that the replacement incandescent bulbs.  Good luck and if I find anything, I will forward the information on to you.

Tony 

[IroquoisPliskin]

I'm not quite sure if the back up bulbs really need a certification. I can imagine that those could be accepted. For sure the front sealed beams have to be exchanded, but you can easily get quite cheap replacement with EU certification for that. What's problematic is the use of the LED itself, despite the possible benefit from doing so (as you already mentioned before). In case I'd like to replace all my standard bulbs by LED I could only do that if I found EU certified LED for each bulb I want to replace. So far I havent found such LEDs (and I don't really believe that I will find any).