Has anyone converted all external lighting to LED?

[GoodysGotaCuda]

Goody,

That isn't the trick using a wand from a set of window blinds, is it?  I don't think I ever saw anyone pull that off properly....  What method did you find?

Jeff

Same setup, I have seen a set done pretty well. So I'm givin it a shake! How many have you seen done in person that havent turned out right? What was wrong with it?

MikeTyler , the halos are goin on the tails for running lights, not the headlights. (dont think it'd look right on a two headlight cuda myself)

[CUDA JAS]

Hey Goody,

I was following a car tonight and thought of your LED Idea.

The car was a newish VW Jetta, it has dual round tail lights very similar to yours (mine too). 

The outboard lights have nothing in the small middle portion (think of where the lights go in yours).  The outer portion is completely filled with LEDs.  Now that is not that interesting, but what I thought was, is when the blinker is on, only the outside half of the light blinks, while the inner portion acts as the running / brake light.  The only down side is that there is a clear line between the two "halves" (but I think that coudl be fixed). 

I thought that this was a cool idea and thought I would share.

I woudl like to rey somethign like this myself, but do not know enough yet to make it work.  I have a couple of other ideas for the inboard / backup lights that I would like to try too. 

Please keep us posted on your progress.

Jas

[GoodysGotaCuda]

Thanks Jas, I've messed with one of the front turn signals a little bit. Ton of soldering being done, may turn out okay. Though I tend to be too hard on myself when I do stuff. 

[ntstlgl1970]

There are lots of "universal" replacement LED lamp panels from street rod vendors since those guys are doing custom stuff all the time. Some stuff is simple shapes and you sand to fit the car

[nivvy]

cool..... maybe when done we can have a goodysgotacuda hot to: Led install  ..... 

[Bullitt-]

Something I'd like to do someday... i saved this diagram that will be needed to have flashers

Circuit diagram:

Parts:

R1______________10K  1/4W Resistor
R2______________33R  1/4W Resistor (See Notes)
R3______________15R  1/4W Resistor (See Notes)

D1___________1N5819   40V 1A Schottky-barrier Diode (See Notes)
D2--D13________LEDs   High brightness, high efficiency red types (See Notes)

Q1____________BC547   45V 100mA NPN Transistor
Q2____________BC337   45V 800mA NPN Transistor

SW1____________SPST   Tail Light Switch
SW2____________SPST   Brake Light Switch



Comments:

This circuit was designed on request to drive a Light-cluster formed by several LEDs that can be mounted in the vehicle as a tail and brake light.
When SW1 is on, the cluster will illuminate at medium brightness. When brakes are operated, SW2 will be closed and the cluster will shine at maximum brightness.
These two brightness levels of the cluster are obtained by a constant current source drive formed by Q1 and Q2. The two constant current levels are set by R2 and R3 values.

Notes:

The cluster can be formed by up to 12 LEDs as shown in the circuit diagram. Common cluster types usually range from 5 to 10 LEDs.
Using the values shown above, stand-by current was 1mA; SW1 on = 20mA, SW2 on = 60mA.
Constant output current value can be changed by varying R2 and/or R3.
The formula is: R = 0.6/I (in Amperes).
Please note that the brake current is obtained by paralleling R2 and R3 values.
Use high brightness, high efficiency red LED types of suitable size and change R2 and R3 values to suit LED's Absolute Maximum Ratings.
Any Schottky-barrier type diode can be used in place of the 1N5819: the BAT46 type will be a very good choice.

[wally426ci]

 

[GoodysGotaCuda]

Sorry guys I've been pretty busy these days. Have about a month left on this side of the country. I did mess with one of the ambers for a little bit, the soldering takes a rediculous amount of time, not sure I'm happy with the brightness either.

[nivvy]

I have had no luck with LED stuff.. I give up. Im sure somehow there is a way..... 

I actually took off all the finish on the inside and polished it bright and reflective and it made it look worse.. the lighting that is... 

[Bullitt-]

There are different types of LEDs, some are brighter, also some reflective material in the board should help.   For the red rears & us Chally guys with amber fronts white LEDs would be the way to go.

[71chally416]

Maybe a trip to a late model Junk yard? Seems like most every new car has them now. Might find something usable with some poking around