LED Taillights that work!!

[Mike Del]

Installing LED bulbs in a 289 bodied car or a 427 using the early style rectangular lenses can be a bit of a problem. The bulb holder in the assembly points the bulb upward. LED bulbs are directional beam in nature, so the bulb needs to point into the top "active portion" of the lens. Back in 1994, I made up a conversion holder to provide the proper orientation and installed a pair of 1157 style red LED bulbs from Auto Zone. These use an array of about 13 or so LEDs and work pretty well.

Now I've redesigned my conversion holder to accept a new LED assembly made by Radiantz. It uses 48 LEDs and is the brightest 1157 style bulb made, period. This thing is is like a laser! The bulb was designed for motorcycles that characteristically have small ineffective taillights. If you remember my car (Connecticut registered , #19 numbered) you probably noticed my third brake light. It was originally made to be used as a Harley tailight, and I converted it to a bottom mount so I could use it as a third brake light. It was manufactured by Radiantz and uses 42 LEDs.

[souzape]

Mike- Have you considered making up any more of your conversion holders??

Phil Souza

[weaver]

Mike and his buddy Tom can make just about anything.

Alan

[Mike Del]

Hey Phil,
I can make them in aluminum with the proper bulb holder installed. You would need to purchase two 48 LED bulbs from either Radiantz or one of their resellers. I found the best price at BikerHiway.com
The part number is 5302-19.

The conversion holders from me would be $75 including shipping. You need to remove the existing bulb holder from the lens. Don't remove the whole backplate. Super easy. I will take a few pics to describe the "how to." With the adapter my grand daughter could install it.

As with all these items:"these are sold for off road and show use only, buyer assumes all responsibility."

[Mike Del]

Here is a pic of the conversion adapters. Click on image for larger version.

[souzape]

OK Mike- where do I send the check?

Phil

[Mike Del]

HI Phil,

I just emailed you with the details. Thanks. You are going to be pleased with the results.

[spd4me]

how can I get a new post or thread to show up on the home or new post page?
Bob

[RJacobsen]

I saw the Kit car article, the unit they showed looked like crap to me. This modern bulb in an original style light looks like the way to go.

[RJacobsen]

how can I get a new post or thread to show up on the home or new post page?
Bob

Bob, From the home page go to the forums page, pick a catagory, and you should find a (New Tread) button at the top left.

[spd4me]

Rod - they do look pretty cheesie. That's why I didn't get any. I added the new tread but it didn't show up with all the other "new post". I wanted it to show up there so someone would see it and maybe give me an answer.

Question on those Led bulbs. Would they plug into the sockets that came with car?
Also thought about somehow removing the bottom half of tail lens (bottom half is a reflector) and using 2 bulbs.
Bob

[Mike Del]

Bob,
The original bulb holder points upward. As I stated in the original post, the purpose of the conversion kit is to properly position the bulb to point its directional beam into the active portion of the lens. This new bulb with its 48 LEDs is unbelievable. You keep the original appearance of the lens assembly. You don't end up with some cheesy looking faked lens.

The modification of the back plate is super easy. I include detailed instructions, very easy. Do not remove the bottom portion of the backplate to try to have light pass through the reflector portion of the lens. The reflector is a federal mandate and you'll note that all vehicles have them. After you get the 48 LEDs on line you'll have plenty of light!!

[spd4me]

Great, how can I get a pair.
Bob