Converting to LED bulbs. Anyone with experience or thoughts?

[marc70challenger]

On our project (see sig) I'm considering using 1157 LED bulbs for all lights except headlamps. Primary reason is heat and draw.

I understand there may be need to run in series a resistor for the turn signals.

From what I've read so far, most people who support or have claimed good experience suggest 360 degree and 7.5 - 11 watt direct replacement "bulb".

I'd prefer just plug and play.

And a note - each light component (or set) I am running on their own dedicated relay: parking lights, turn signals and brake lights.

When checking turn signal socket today I forgot how damn hot those bulbs get. Lol. And when running on hot nights with 2 fuel pumps, 2 fans, electric water pump, ECM, FI, and lights ... anything to decrease load would be great.

Thanks for any comments on experience or advice!

[tman]

No problem with me using led lights.  You do not have to get resistors.  Just change out the flasher unit to one that works with led lights.  Read this thread for details. 

http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=104422.0

[HP_Cuda]

I have only swapped out the dash lights for LEDs and WOW it was a big surprise!!

I'd say go for it, I think most LED setups now don't require a resistor.

 

[GoodysGotaCuda]

I did my brake lights with modified trailer lights [round] and was very pleased. I plan on adding a 3rd brake light around the license plate with a flasher...maybe whoever is going to rear end me while on their phone will see it.

[drewcrane]

 

[marc70challenger]

Thanks everyone - and Tman for the link. 

My set-up isn't stock and is bit more simple.  No sharing of turn signal and brake lights, etc.  Each filament is dedicated to one thing.  So it should be simple except perhaps signal.  The flasher unit is a newer "universal" .. not sure if its LED capable ... if not, easy to get around.

I love the idea of low heat and draw.  I ordered some already.  Probably won't be able to get them in til mid Dec but will post pics and results ... thanks for help!

[duodec]

Look for an 'electronic' flasher as opposed to the original thermal type flasher.  I think the 'resistor' bit you mentioned was just a way to increase load so the thermal units would continue to work.  The electronic ones should be load independent (up to their rated maximum).

[burdar]

Advance Auto has the electronic ones for about $12.  My turn signals in my Challenger stopped flashing one day.  I replaced the original flasher with another standard one.  The lights flashed again but very slow.  An electronic flasher fixed it however, it will still flash at the same speed even if you have a bulb out.  You need to check the bulbs often.

Be careful with some LED replacement bulbs.  Some of the 1157 style bulbs only illuminate a small area of the light housing.  They are even harder to see then a stock bulb.  There are some LED kits on the market that use LED boards that fill the entire tail light housing. 

https://www.digi-tails.com/#

[marc70challenger]

Thanks Burdar.  Yes - the ones I ordered people reported they illuminated well (degrees of spread) but we will see.  Might have to try a few til find ones that are good.   

[bigblue73]

The digital flashers are EF-32, which is the no-load digital replacement for the original 552 thermal flasher that our cars came with.   Remember you have two lighting circuits.  One is the standard turn signal/brake light, the other is the emergency flasher.  These no-load digital flashers range in price is from $5.00 on E-Bay to $12.95 at the local auto parts store.  Do some research as all LED's are not the same in brightness.  I manufacture products that all the LED's face forward and throw the maximum amount of light forward.  Remember LED's are not a focused light without help and the viewing angle is 170 degrees which says they scatter light.  I'm running LED headlights now and love them, they are not as good as HID's but they are close with a very distinct cut off line.

[marc70challenger]

Thanks Big. I broke out the design so brakes are separate from turn bulb completely.   I need to check what kind of flasher relay I have. It was after market kit for hot rods. I bet it isn't a digital   But easy enough to change out. Thx!

[Priesty]

Anyone tried these ? Do they fit inside the current lamps or replace them entirely ?
https://www.digi-tails.com/1972-74-plymouth-cuda-led-tail-light-panels

[burdar]

Looking at the 2nd picture in that link, the LED board fits inside the existing housing.  Plug and play.  I need to call them and see if they'll do a custom application for my 68 Dart.  I'll gladly send them my housings if they want to build a kit for it.

[brads70]

Anyone tried these ? Do they fit inside the current lamps or replace them entirely ?
https://www.digi-tails.com/1972-74-plymouth-cuda-led-tail-light-panels

Not sure if it helps but I have these from the same manufacturer and am happy with them. 
https://www.digi-tails.com/1970-dodge-challenger-led-tail-light-panels

[marc70challenger]

Not sure if it helps but I have these from the same manufacturer and am happy with them. 
https://www.digi-tails.com/1970-dodge-challenger-led-tail-light-panels

Sweat looking.