G'day,
Recently purchased a
set of these from forum member
bigblue73 (Tony), for my 1970 Challenger. Basically a plug & play operation, with no modifications needed. Thought I'd do a quick installation thread, showing you just how simple it really is.
Here are 3 "Before & After" vids on Youtube, though you need to excuse the lack of commentary and titles.
- As they were with stock amber lenses and standard 1157 bulbs. Average at best. Especially the right indicator when the running lights are on. Barely noticeable.
- As they are now after the swap. Crisp & defined.
- After the swap, at night. That annoying sound is Crickets. Noisy buggers!
Driving lights are retained & function as normal, but the light for them is now white, rather than orange.
Indicators/Hazzard lights will be orange.
I like the contrast. Not a big fan of the driving lights & indicators being the same colour. When they start to fade, or the lenses become dirty or cracked, it can make visibility to other people very low. That can be dangerous.
...and just to clear things up, when I say "parkers" or "parking lights", I mean: Driving Lights / Running Lights - we all have different names for things, so I thought I should clear that up.
So here's where we start: Cold beer, box of goodies, and a Phillips-head screwdriver -
beer is optional.... what's in the box! 2x Brackets
2x Gaskets
2x LED Clusters
2x Lens Covers
1x instructionsIn this shot are also 2x Electrical Flasher Relays. They don't actually come with the kit, but are something that you may need to replace.
Everything in the kit is high quality, and nothing feels flimsy or half-arsed. Very well made, and I believe all
Made in the USA.The install: First - unscrew the 2 screws of the lens cover. Be sure to keep the screws, as you will need them to re-attach new covers.
Remove standard bulb. Replace gasket if necessary.Thread new wiring through bracket, remove 3M backing tape, and adhere bracket to cluster backing:Insert into socket. Fits exactly like a standard 1157 bulb. Press & twist.Set bracket with cluster then lens cover to fit in place. Screw it back in.Repeat on other side.
Looking good!Such an easy mod, with fantastic results making quite a difference. Definitely recommended!
Edited to add: There are no modifications needed of any kind. No splicing into wiring harnesses or connection alterations. Simply take the old bulb out, plug the LED cluster in. The one thing you may need is to replace the flasher relay, which is this thing here:
I believe the problem is that LED's draw a very low amount of amps, too low for some standard relays, which can result in ghosting issues, or the Hazzard lights (flashers) not working etc. If that's the case, you'll need to buy one of these - they're called Electronic Flashers or No-Load Flashers. They go under the dash and are very easy to access. Simply pull the old ones out & plug the new one in.
These are the brand I got:
http://www.keepitcleanwiring.com/catalog/Relays-and-Flashers/L.E.D.-Flashers/FF552NLF/No-Load-Fixed-Flasher Though any decent auto-parts store should stock something similar.
I actually didn't need to replace them on mine, but some people will need to.