Register now to get rid of these ads!

Technical questions for guys using led taillight bulbs

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by lostone, Aug 11, 2017.

  1. lostone
    Joined: Oct 13, 2013
    Posts: 3,637

    lostone
    Member
    from kansas

    I've been looking at doing some custom frenched taillights on my 30 tudor and I want them to be about 1" tall and 8" long. Running 3 bulbs in each with all being both brake and tail lights.

    My questions are,
    1: since I'm going only 1" is there much heat build up with led`s, I understand the led itself doesn't emit much heat but was wondering about the tranformer built into the socket.
    2: is there a preferred brand or style?
    3: anything to be aware of when wiring for these?

    Btw I'm looking at the 1157 equivalent.

    Thanks guys.
     
  2. do LEDs use a transformer?
     
  3. LEDs use a resistor network to control voltage/brightness, but the current involved is low so there's very little heat. Also be aware there's more than one type of '1157' LED lamp, depending on the needed optics. And with all the different configurations available, that may not even be your best choice. I'd suggest talking to a supplier who offers a wide range of lamp styles. These guys have a pretty good reputation...
    https://www.superbrightleds.com/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIlevFtN3P1QIVFW5-Ch0YtAVPEAAYASAAEgJNufD_BwE
     
  4. DdoubleD
    Joined: Nov 18, 2009
    Posts: 225

    DdoubleD
    Member
    from Michigan

    No heat buildup but you will need an electronic flasher because the load is not high enough to cycle a conventional flasher. I bought one for 10 or 12 bux at a local parts store. Shop around lots of choices and price range.
     
  5. Sheep Dip
    Joined: Dec 29, 2010
    Posts: 1,572

    Sheep Dip
    Member
    from Central Ca

    I tried 2 different "LED" compatible flash units including the one with the ground wire and never did get them to function. I finally called my youngest sons high school buddy who is now a electrical engineer and a motor head like us. He said throw those flashers in the **** can and install these. So I did and now they work!
    https://www.amazon.com/4Pcs-Aaron-6...=1502484824&sr=8-3&keywords=led+load+resistor
     
  6. lostone
    Joined: Oct 13, 2013
    Posts: 3,637

    lostone
    Member
    from kansas

    Thanks guys! Appreciate the feedback. I will definitely check into it some more.

    Hey crazy Steve, yeah I've noticed they offer different numbers of leds on each "bulb", white or red led colors etc. That's why I figured to check with you guys first.
     
  7. lowrd
    Joined: Oct 9, 2007
    Posts: 418

    lowrd
    Member

    I used one of the no load flashers in my car and it was a no go. Looked at the Ron Francis site and read if I turned the flasher 180 it should work. Sure enough, that took care of the issue.
     
  8. Kiwi 4d
    Joined: Sep 16, 2006
    Posts: 3,913

    Kiwi 4d
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Have never had to run a no load resistor in any of my hot rods with LED tail lights and regular bulbs in front, got lucky? Just using the old bolt to the column aftermarket turn signal.
    But in our daily 4wd with LED tail lights we did have to add a resistor in line to get them to flash correctly.
     

Share This Page

Register now to get rid of these ads!

Archive

Copyright © 1995-2021 The Jalopy Journal: Steal our stuff, we'll kick your teeth in. Terms of Service. Privacy Policy.

Atomic Industry
Forum software by XenForo™ ©2010-2014 XenForo Ltd.