Has anyone seen these LED tailights in person? 1970 Challenger

[brads70]

I most likely cooked because it got too much voltage/current.  You could put one in that takes more of that but...that's kinda like fixing a 20A fuse that keeps popping by putting in a 30A fuse.  It might stop that from frying but something else (wiring, led, resistor, etc) down the road is going to get more than it expected and probably end up cooking instead.

Looking at some specs for a IN4001 diode .... 50V, 1amp, 175C?

[Jamiez]

Yes looking at the data sheets, those appear to be the maximums.  It's been 15 years since I did any real circuitry work however.

[brads70]

Yes looking at the data sheets, those appear to be the maximums.  It's been 15 years since I did any real circuitry work however.

Be nice to find 50v 2amps maybe?

[ShelbyDogg]

Be nice to find 50v 2amps maybe?

Brad, all of my parking and running lights in my 70 challenger only draw 3.3 amps.  Go to Radio Shack and get a pack of those diodes and quit wasting time. 1 amp is enough for a bunch of LEDs. You probably shorted the board  somewhere to ground. You don't put a bigger fuse in a circuit because it blows.

[brads70]

Brad, all of my parking and running lights in my 70 challenger only draw 3.3 amps.  Go to Radio Shack and get a pack of those diodes and quit wasting time. 1 amp is enough for a bunch of LEDs. You probably shorted the board  somewhere to ground. You don't put a bigger fuse in a circuit because it blows.

lol ok I will. maybe tomorrow if I have time

[brads70]

Ok just found this really cool electronics supply/hobby place they set me up with new diodes. Bad news is you have to buy a pack of 10...... they were a buck for all ten. 
Also bought a really good quality   soldering iron..... that was 60 bucks!    Oh well once you have the tools your set for life!
I might give this a go later tonight if I have time.

[brads70]

  all fixed! cost ten cents plus the cost of the soldering iron. Cheapest car repair I've ever had!
The guy at the electronics supply said it's like fuses....if one goes no problem but if two go then you have a problem. It could have just been a faulty diode he said? I guess time will tell.....

[ChallengerHK]

Good luck with it.

[Jamiez]

You don't put a bigger fuse in a circuit because it blows.

Of course not....you put some thick wire in there so it never pops!

 

Glad it worked for you Brad

[MEK-Dangerfield]

Brad,

 I'm glad it worked out for you.   

You'll have 9 more diodes to lend me if mine fails, right??   

[brads70]

Brad,

 I'm glad it worked out for you.   

You'll have 9 more diodes to lend me if mine fails, right??   

Sure thing!    except the postage would cost more than the parts! 

[_Russ_]

Nicely done Brad.

[ShelbyDogg]

Ok just found this really cool electronics supply/hobby place they set me up with new diodes. Bad news is you have to buy a pack of 10...... they were a buck for all ten. 
Also bought a really good quality   soldering iron..... that was 60 bucks!    Oh well once you have the tools your set for life!
I might give this a go later tonight if I have time.

I use a small 15w soldering iron for the small stuff a nd a big adjustable soldering station for the big stuff. Eomponents don't like too much heat or they fry. Only use enough heat to melt the solder then get off of it. Use a heat sink clip on the legs if you have to heat the part up a long time.

[brads70]

I use a small 15w soldering iron for the small stuff a nd a big adjustable soldering station for the big stuff. Eomponents don't like too much heat or they fry. Only use enough heat to melt the solder then get off of it. Use a heat sink clip on the legs if you have to heat the part up a long time.

I bought a Weller, and a fine point tip.
WLC100
http://www.cooperhandtools.com/brands/cf_files/model_detail.cfm?upc=037103059963
Thanks for all your help and encouragement Shelbydogg and Jamiez!  This was my first leap into electronics repair and it went pretty well!

[ShelbyDogg]

I bought a Weller, and a fine point tip.
WLC100
http://www.cooperhandtools.com/brands/cf_files/model_detail.cfm?upc=037103059963
Thanks for all your help and encouragement Shelbydogg and Jamiez!  This was my first leap into electronics repair and it went pretty well!

That adjustable soldering station will work well for anything that you will work on.  I've been playing with electronics most of my life. Just remember E=IR