Would anyone be interested in LED tail lights for their wagons? I've been working on them for a while and havent gotten them perfect yet but I am working on making the tail lights a little recessed on my bobcat as well as makign them LED instead of a basic bulb, i like the led look better and they last longer, problem im having is more to do with the Blinker part, i am making half the area of the reverse light a blinker(amber color) the other half the standard reverse light. the lights i have now I dont have a reverse light i just have that area as a blinker, so no one knows when im backing up unless they see me move. Idea's and help would be appriciated.
That is actually tougher to do than you might think, since the turn signal indicator circuit is part of either (I can't remember which) the brake light circuit or the running light circuit. I would guess that some alteration of the wiring would be needed, possibly adding a new turn signal circuit? You may want to compare a Mustang II or Fox Mustang wiring diagram to a Pinto wiring diagram, as they have a turn signal indicator lamp that is a seperate circuit. Other than that, just swapping the sockets to a dual filament socket should make it so the turn/reverse bulb has two live contacts.
Good luck, stay safe and have fun!
The turn signals, are on the same circuit as the brake lights. The turn switch in the colum cancels out the brake light so it will flash while the brakes are on.
All you have to do is make a seperate wire run for the brake lights. use the the stock brakelight switch as the trigger, with power in one side and the newly installed wire run comming out the other.
I had to do this a couple weeks ago to my 2 ton flatbed. The turnsignal switch got screwed up and my brake lights wouldnt work.
Mick
thanks for the Replies everyone Still working on it, and how its set now with the car i have the Turnsignal replacing the Reverse light. ( was originally done by my dad but i redid the wires)
Will you post a picture when you get it done?
LED is really my thing but if its Bright and increases visability and possibly safety I'm all ears...
FrankBoss
Yes when i am able to get them done I will post pics
Do you think you might be able to make them for a '79 sedan? Just out of curiousity.
Very interesting post. I was thinking about just replacing the 1157 bulb with the appropriate LED replacement bulb for 1157. I believe they are expensive and maybe what you are trying to do will be cheaper.
Something else that comes to mind is the mechanical blinker that uses current and heat to mechanically blink as opposed to solid state. It might have a current threshhold that might not be met with low current LED's, think? This would make the turn signal come on but never blink if I am thinking right. Just a thought.
Dave
My question would be are you going to run just the tail lights as LED's or the whole car ? I put LED's on my Bug ( front and rear ) and had to run a separate 12 volt source to the turn signal switch so the blinkers would work. Just a thought.. D.D.
To start it would be just the Tail lights and i am planning to use it on a 10amp fused relay much like the Caddy Tail lights.
I am still de-bugging so to speak its a lot of work but they would last alot longer. "if" I can make them work i would be making them for all years Wagon or Runabout
Quote from: Original74 on September 13, 2008, 08:50:48 PM
Something else that comes to mind is the mechanical blinker that uses current and heat to mechanically blink as opposed to solid state. It might have a current threshhold that might not be met with low current LED's, think? This would make the turn signal come on but never blink if I am thinking right. Just a thought.
I was thinking about that myself, but motorcycle guys and the OEMs have been through this. They (auto parts stores) sell what is called an 'electronic blinker' or 'electronic flasher relay' that does not use current to heat up a metal plate to cause the connection/disconnection of the light circuit, but apparently a small timer circuit instead. If you are really a FOMOCO fanatic, you can get whatever the replacement part is for a 97 Cougar PN: F0DB-13350A2A
I really Appriciate all the Input Ive been getting for this idea/Project. Keep them coming while I figure out funds lol No money means no Lights..
There is a substantial amount of circuitry involved in this little endeavor.Also if your planing to run them in a flat panel you will have to run 2 sets of LEDs.one for brake and turn and one for running lights
This might be a cheaper way.. Slice & dice them into the pinto light back plate.
http://www.led-r-us.com/smlights.shtml