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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 173 Likes: 1
Shade Tree Mechanic
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OP
Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 173 Likes: 1 |
My wife was following me in my '37 several days ago and noticed that the brake lights were difficult to see. It was a sunny day. I converted my tailights to the dual filament 1154 bulb with the idea that this would give me better brake light visibility. I'm now thinking of converting to a LED bulb. Has anyone had any experience with this conversion. Any recommendations or comments would be appreciated.
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Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,192 Likes: 8
ChatMaster - 3,000
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ChatMaster - 3,000
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3,192 Likes: 8 |
There is information on 1931chevrolet.com regarding LED conversions for earlier 31-32 chev taillights, shows pictures with the difference in illumination.
JACK
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,046 Likes: 107
Hall Monitor ChatMaster - 7,000
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Hall Monitor ChatMaster - 7,000
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,046 Likes: 107 |
I bought LEDs from this outfit and wasn't impressed with the difference between it and the 1154. I got as much of an improvement by painting the inside of the housing white to increase the reflectivity. My experience is that 6v LEDs that will fit the 37/38 housing aren't much if any brighter than an 1154 incandescent bulb. The way your car is wired you have 33 candle power when braking with the 1154 which is pretty bright at night. During the day I watch my rear view closely when stopping because on the single tail/stop light.
VCCA Member 43216
Save a life, adopt a senior shelter pet.
1938 HB Business Coupe
1953 210 Sedan
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,411 Likes: 7
ChatMaster - 1,000
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ChatMaster - 1,000
Joined: Apr 2005
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I've considered doing this conversion too. Could the less than expected brightness be because of the lens. I wonder if the old glass lens thickness and transparency attenuates the light more. This compared to the plastic material and thicknesses used on more modern cars????
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,046 Likes: 107
Hall Monitor ChatMaster - 7,000
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Hall Monitor ChatMaster - 7,000
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,046 Likes: 107 |
I think it's the number of LEDs in the bulb. The number in the bulb I bought is twenty some total and half of them were pointed toward the side. LEDs are directional. The LEDs referenced for the early 30 lights number about 50 and appear to be somewhat brighter but they don't look stock. I'll stay with the ll54 for what it's worth.
VCCA Member 43216
Save a life, adopt a senior shelter pet.
1938 HB Business Coupe
1953 210 Sedan
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 173 Likes: 1
Shade Tree Mechanic
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OP
Shade Tree Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 173 Likes: 1 |
Thanks for the comments. Has anyone tried the LED taillight conversion assemblies sold by chevs of the 40's? Looks like a different lens is provided with this conversion.
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,197
ChatMaster - 1,000
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ChatMaster - 1,000
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,197 |
RCK46. I read your posting about "brighter bulbs or LED bulbs.
My stock 41' has the same issue.
After spending $40.00+ on bulbs, paint etc. my final solution was to purchase "Brake Lighter" from J&L Enterprises. They make and sell a third brake light that mounts on the inside of the rear window with suction cups {option}. I think it was about $50.00.
Now when I get to an event I simply remove the light, suction cups and slide the wire behind my rear seat. No modifications to the car or the tail lights, and most importantly the break lights can be clearly seen.
They have a 6 & 12 volt versions, several mounting options and it can be wired as a turn signal.
J&L might have an ad in G&D so check that out. If not here’s some contact info., J&L Enterprises, Ellington CT, Tel: 860-916-3582.
I found them to be very nice people with an excellent solution.
Enjoy the ride,
Michael41
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