Lightning

LED Tail Lights

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Old Jun 3, 2003 | 01:26 AM
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LED Tail Lights

What do you all think about doing a similar setup to this guy's on this web sitehttp://www.orangeplug.com/truckweb/LEDProj.html
 
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Old Jun 3, 2003 | 03:21 AM
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Its a lot of work but can be done clean and look great. I did my own LED turn signals in yellow on my cobra as well as the tailights with sequencers. Took about 4 months total working on it a few hours a day. I lost the pics on a raid crash though otherwise i would post all the pics to help you out.

It was much easier to design a PCB with onboard regulators to keep proper voltage to all LED's. I also used a step up transformer to convert the led's from 1.5V in parking lamp mode to 5.00V when brake lamps and/or turn signals were being used. I also added 4 load balancers for signal operation.
 
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Old Jun 3, 2003 | 10:18 AM
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Flying ****,

Cool, how did you seal the housing back up to prevent any dirt/water from getting in the tailight housing? Does transformer have adjustible voltages or do they come in other voltages? I ask cause I've noticed that some of the new LED brake lights are more visible if they're setup this guys. If they came in varying voltages then it would be a consideration. Thanks!

Kyle
 
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Old Jun 4, 2003 | 12:00 AM
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ttt
 
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Old Jun 4, 2003 | 03:29 AM
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I used a 3M product used for automotive weatherstripping to seal them back together. Stuff is nasty when he hardens, so be careful with it.

The transformer i used is a 1.5V - 5V transformer. The LED's i used were water clear 5MM with a max voltage of 5 Volts. Running them as running lights with 1.5V make them pretty bright. However, when the brake light circut is activate, the transformer kicks them all up to 5V which literally will blind them If you even want to go with a more dramtic effect, you could go with water clear AMBER LED's, which will give a more bright red look rather then a blood cherry look.

http://www.allelectronics.com/cgi-bi...340&type=store

If you do it on the ligthning, most likely you will use a circular pattern. I would do 50 leds per lens. Also, add a jumbo red for the center to give more definition.
 
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Old Jun 4, 2003 | 11:04 AM
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I was looking at how i could cut the reflector lens out of the tail lights and it's all messed up. It looks like it gona be very difficult to make it look clean. Anyways thanks for the info ****! If anyone else has comments or ideas feel free.

Kyle
 
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Old Jun 4, 2003 | 11:49 AM
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i used the circular led panel from a city bus...they are about 6 inches in diameter...i removed the tail light, used a band saw to cut the area out that i didnt want anymore, used a dremel tool to clean it up...used 3m 5200 sealant(home depot), to glue the new panel into place...put back together, done, already 12v so the connection is identical
 
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Old Jun 4, 2003 | 02:25 PM
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So lets see pics of this riced out Lightning AutoPC dude The tailights
 
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Old Jun 4, 2003 | 02:33 PM
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Or you could just buy the LED light heads already made and insert them inside the lightning tail lights.

As soon as I get some time I am going to try it out.

www.whelen.com
 
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Old Jun 4, 2003 | 03:12 PM
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big difference between a bulb replacement and a whole fixture replacement...you can see the tails in person next time we race at night!
 
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Old Jun 4, 2003 | 09:16 PM
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Great info guys!!!! AutoPCSystems, for sure I definitly would like to see some pictures if possible. It would really help me out. Where did you get the LED circular panel? Was it a tight fit in the circular opening? Please picture! Thanks!

Kyle
 
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Old Jun 5, 2003 | 12:19 AM
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ttt
 
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Old Jun 5, 2003 | 01:00 AM
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Old Jun 5, 2003 | 01:23 AM
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spanky, what the hell is your problem?
 
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Old Jun 5, 2003 | 08:52 AM
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i got the circular panel at a truck parts place...most heavy truck places carry them now...and the price has dropped 1000% since they hit the market a few years ago...pics soon
 
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