LED tailights - are they used here?

The turn signals and brake lights on my '49 Cad were difficult to see in the daylight because of the way the sunlight shined into the top of the lens. I bought some H1157 bulbs (which are halogen) from a local motorcycle supply shop. They are now very bright, and serve my needs, but I think could melt some lenses as they are very hot. I think as time goes by the LEDS will improve in appearance, and because they perform better than incandescents will become more accepted.

Just find some that look good for your application. Some do not look good.

Alden

 

I have been in the electrical merchandising display (signs) busness for over ten years now so I will chime in here again with some small tech.
1- Use flat white paint in your lght buckets. We have found gloss white has more of a direct mirror affect causing the l.e.d to "hot spot" or pin piont. Matte or flat white will actually absorb the light better causing your entire bucket to light up better.
When possible buy or use frosted l.e.d.s. (bye bye hot spots)
When possible buy wide angle bulbs. They range in throw degrees.
Most of the l.e.d or l.e.d replacements are typical 5mm l.e.d.s that come off the board with two 1/8" leads. This means that once installed they can be bent or aimed in different directions. Do this to help avoid the dreaded bright light look.
Traditionl? no, but I hope these tips help get a little more "traditional" look.

 

If your lights are too dim, just rev the motor up and they get brighter. This is true!