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Auto Detailing and AppearanceShare tips and tricks on how to make your Third Gen shine! Get opinions on products or how something tasteful looks on your Chevrolet Camaro or Pontiac Firebird.
I'm only interested in direct plug-n-play and something that will replicate the original lighting appearance as perfectly as possible. I don't want something that is too bright and will give the appearance of a hot spot behind the lens, I want bulbs that will evenly disperse light like an incandescent bulb. I think the most difficult bulbs to find will be all the taillight bulbs that will give me the appearance I wish to retain...
Please review the ones I linked and give me feedback on if they will give the appearance I want or suggest another too. I've never bought or used LEDs before so I'm lost in that regard
EDIT: I researched all of the OE bulb information for a 1992 Trans Am and came up with this:
So now I'm going to go thru that site and find exactly which LEDs are the most comparable with the broadest beam angle and I'll update the above links accordingly...
EDIT 2: Ok I updated the links but none of them are even close to the original rated Lumens of the originals. Are LED lumens different from incandescent lumens?
I guess it was just with the digital dash. The reason I asked is if you have said indicator you need a load resistor instead of an LED flasher relay. You can still use one for your purpose because it will eliminate quick flash. Unfortunately I have no idea what relay you need.
Just so you know, LED fog light bulbs are not bright at all. At least the ones I've seen. They do look good though.
Post pics when you're done. I really want to see the end result.
Right now there is a dark spot around the speedometer so I need to check to make sure the bulb is working. If it is, I might need to upgrade a few of the single LED bulbs to a 5 LED wide angle bulb.
The 5 LED bulbs work great on the front side markers.
I'm in the middle of led conversion myself, I tried many types of leds on my cars and this type of led bulb are awesome.
Tail/stop lights http://www.ebay.com/itm/1157-High-Power-Samsung-LED-Red-Turn-Signal-Brake-Tail-Stop-Lights-Bulbs-/330955127833?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item4d0e767c19Rear turn lights http://www.ebay.com/itm/1157-High-Power-Samsung-LED-Yellow-Turn-Signal-Brake-Tail-Stop-Lights-Bulbs-/400527612973?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item5d414e5c2dThird brake light not sure anymore but something like this, not particularly bright, one of the first led bulbs I bought to try out. http://www.ebay.com/itm/2X-RED-7440-18-COUNT-SMD-LED-LIGHT-BULB-CAR-AUTO-BACKUP-REVERSE-LAMPS-12V-CG-/121251416549?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item1c3b25c9e5&vxp=mtrRear side markers http://www.ebay.com/itm/T10-921-High-Power-Samsung-Chip-LED-Red-License-Plate-Interior-Lights-Bulbs-/400493654356?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item5d3f483154I have these in the back up lights on two cars http://www.ebay.com/itm/231037555125...84.m1497.l2649 will probably look for some with the correct socket and use them for the thirdgen too.
I still need to install the front side markers and front park light/turn signals and the LED flashers.
Front side markers http://www.ebay.com/itm/T10-921-High-Power-Samsung-Chip-LED-Amber-License-Plate-Interior-Lights-Bulbs-/330917595961?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item4d0c39cb39front park/turn lights http://www.ebay.com/itm/Samsung-1157-Dual-Color-Switchback-High-Power-LED-Turn-Signal-Corner-Light-Bulbs-/400417548762?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item5d3abee9da (I need white front parking lights, for legal reasons)
Also trying to figure out a way to have the front side markers work as parking/turn light in sync with the front parking/turn light.
Currently looking for nice, white (not blueish) and bright H3 led bulbs fro the fog lights.
Last edited by thomas1976; 01-12-2014 at 05:05 AM.
Finally completed all the lights with LED bulbs (except head lights, dash and console), also made a Side Marker Sinc Relay.
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1atf7s_side-marker-sync-relay-480p_tech
In order to use led bulbs in all turn signals I replaced the O.E. flashers with the 2 pin prong led flashers.
I guess it was just with the digital dash. The reason I asked is if you have said indicator you need a load resistor instead of an LED flasher relay. You can still use one for your purpose because it will eliminate quick flash. Unfortunately I have no idea what relay you need.
I do have the digital dash. So, basically LED is a no go for tail/signal lights as it will kick off the warnings? Adding the resistor just seems more of a PITA than it's worth...
What about dash lights? I have a set about to go into my 88 Fiero GT... isn't it the same bulb? Do the wash out the LCD?
I do have the digital dash. So, basically LED is a no go for tail/signal lights as it will kick off the warnings? Adding the resistor just seems more of a PITA than it's worth...
What about dash lights? I have a set about to go into my 88 Fiero GT... isn't it the same bulb? Do the wash out the LCD?
Exactly. The info center will think the bulb is blown without the resistor and you'll get a message like "brake light out" on the display. The dash lights are 194 bulbs. I would assume it's the same. I haven't used LEDs for dash lights because the LEDs don't dim like the normal bulbs so I couldn't tell you what they're like.
So I have LED front side maker light, non-LED front turn signal light which work with no problems, but once I installed an LED light in the rear turn signal position the front and rear won't flash. Did anyone else have a similar issue? My other rear LED tall light bulbs are working just fine. Confused
So I have LED front side maker light, non-LED front turn signal light which work with no problems, but once I installed an LED light in the rear turn signal position the front and rear won't flash. Did anyone else have a similar issue? My other rear LED tall light bulbs are working just fine. Confused
Not enough resistance/current draw to make the flasher work. Need a solid state flasher.
A lot of good info here (1st Message) and the samples of LED's too... I thought I would add instead of start a new one, and show more examples...
Check these out...
Stock 1157 bulb on left, JDM Astar 1157 Amber LED (mind you, Knight Rider first season nose with smoked plexi black out...)
Stock 1157 rear tail lights on right, JDM Astar 1157 Red LED on left... just parking lights... very noticeable...
Stock 1157 rear tail lights on right, JDM Astar 1157 Red LED on left... Pressing brake pedal... Yes, pattern is not the same, was running turn signal in middle on right side, but moved it to stock location since...
But Note!
The camera itself adjusted the iris due to brightness and everything else is darker in the image... Note how much larger the glowing orange / red is on the led side compared to the right / stock side...
I don't have the license plate light installed yet (this weekend) and I'll also switch out the flasher to an electrical one to work with LED's, since the mechanical one will not work...
Also, I replaced the side marker lights... wow... I don't have a picture, but they lit up the side of the garage in light, as opposed to the stock ones... Better it's seen, the less chance of being hit
You need to get a new electrical / led flasher... Here is the one I got, but not yet tested...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/161584413945?_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT& you need 2... one for flashers & another for Hazard lights...
Again, they sell cheaper LED's, but they are just that...
So, I was able to see the video. It appears as if your sync relay makes the bulbs function as stock. Shouldn't you be able to achieve that effect by swapping your flasher from a load-resistor style to an LED style?
Just so you know, LED fog light bulbs are not bright at all. At least the ones I've seen. They do look good though.
Why is there a shortage (nonexistance) of led fog light bulbs? Is that why? I've been wanting them for months now for the DD, but all I have that's white are the burn-out-easily Sylvania 880ST that are hard to find and when you do find them, they want $25-30 each.
I have to caution you: for the smaller bulbs (ie 194 license plate, dome, etc bulbs) - they have 5 led and longer 9 LEDs that probably won't fit inside the housing. Play it safe, get the 5 LED. I did the swap for the license plate light of the DD and even that (the 5 LED) just barely fit. No way the 9 led would have fit.
Last edited by MintWS6FORMULA; 04-09-2016 at 12:04 PM.
EDIT 2: Ok I updated the links but none of them are even close to the original rated Lumens of the originals. Are LED lumens different from incandescent lumens?
Alex
I know what you mean. I've been wanting a new spotlight and they are no longer listed in the familiar 'X million candlepower' designation, only in lumens. Something tells me they won't be as bright.
Any feedback on what works and looks the best for the dash light lamps? I've built my own gauge cluster and the typical 194 wedge base style doesn't work all that well. From a brightness stand point that is.
So, I was able to see the video. It appears as if your sync relay makes the bulbs function as stock. Shouldn't you be able to achieve that effect by swapping your flasher from a load-resistor style to an LED style?
Sorry I did not have time reply earlier.
With park lights on, the front park lights and side marker flash together. (stock they alternate)
Cheers
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1atf7s_side-marker-sync-relay-480p_tech
In order to use led bulbs in all turn signals I replaced the O.E. flashers with the 2 pin prong led flashers.
Sorry for the blast from the past. In short, i'm doing something similar. ALL LEDs inside and out.
I just ordered two electronic flasher to replace the turn signal and the emergency flashers. I'm still not getting any blink. All lights are bright and light up. But just no blinking or flashing with turn signal stalk or button for hazzards.
Do I need to get this flasher instead?? Mine are the new red ones but are two prong only. NO black ground wire. Wondering if that's what's needed.
I'm planning on ordering this one from amazon that does have the ground wire. I'll find out if it works soon enough. CEC EF32RL Flasher. My turn signals aren't flashing at all right now but my hazard flasher works fine so I'm going to try just buying one.
Anyone replace their 91-92 3rd brake light bulb with LED? I notice my stock bulb is melting the red lense.
20 years ago, my Uncle modified my Spoiler's 3rd brake light to an LED circuit board strip. Wish I still had that. I'll see if he can do it again. But since Radio Shack is out of business, IDK.
Just get a tbl from an astro van/blazer.They have a nice 30 led tbl, early versions use 40 LEDs.I used one from a chrysler crossfire for mine.
Same tbl as above when it was in my 84 with the OE housing.
Just get a tbl from an astro van/blazer.They have a nice 30 led tbl, early versions use 40 LEDs.I used one from a chrysler crossfire for mine.
Same tbl as above when it was in my 84 with the OE housing.
Dude, that's awesome. I'll have to hunt for them. 84? I thought 3rdBL wasn't offered on 3rd Gens until 1986 when it became a Federal Law? I know my Mom's 85 Buick Century had one and I remember it didn't become Fed Law until 86.
TBL =Third Brake Light
On my 84 it was a retrofit, but I put it in my vert later on.
Just buy the brightest bulb/led that will fit in the housing.
SMD or a super/hyper bright type will do.Don't use an ordinary run of the mill led.They're not bright enough.
TBL =Third Brake Light
On my 84 it was a retrofit, but I put it in my vert later on.
Just buy the brightest bulb/led that will fit in the housing.
SMD or a super/hyper bright type will do.Don't use an ordinary run of the mill led.They're not bright enough.
Yeah, that's one way of doing it, I just like the looks of a strip of a bunch of LEDs.
Sorry for the blast from the past. In short, i'm doing something similar. ALL LEDs inside and out.
I just ordered two electronic flasher to replace the turn signal and the emergency flashers. I'm still not getting any blink. All lights are bright and light up. But just no blinking or flashing with turn signal stalk or button for hazzards.
Do I need to get this flasher instead?? Mine are the new red ones but are two prong only. NO black ground wire. Wondering if that's what's needed.
Daniel
no follow up? I have all front led bulbs. 2 LED flashers. Now when I install the rear turn leds, nothing flashes.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...RTUB8C52&psc=1 I'm planning on ordering this one from amazon that does have the ground wire. I'll find out if it works soon enough. CEC EF32RL Flasher. My turn signals aren't flashing at all right now but my hazard flasher works fine so I'm going to try just buying one.
We have been using these flashers (2 prong no load flasher with ground wire), also the front side marker bulbs are important. You need polarity sensitive led bulbs on the front side markers or it won't work. Those are the two most common things that cause issues, not sure if that will fix your problem or not without more details of what you have.
We have been using these flashers (2 prong no load flasher with ground wire), also the front side marker bulbs are important. You need polarity sensitive led bulbs on the front side markers or it won't work. Those are the two most common things that cause issues, not sure if that will fix your problem or not without more details of what you have.
absolutely. Both signal and hazards. I took a video of the Camaro with front LEDs and incandescent rears. I'll upload it when I do another video with the rear LEDs installed.
Make sure the front side marker bulbs are polarity sensitive, if you flip them 180 degrees they shouldn't light up. Also we have had better luck with the flashers that have the ground wire on them. Other than those two suggestions I would recommend asking the seller, may have a defective bulb or other issue.
Make sure the front side marker bulbs are polarity sensitive, if you flip them 180 degrees they shouldn't light up. Also we have had better luck with the flashers that have the ground wire on them. Other than those two suggestions I would recommend asking the seller, may have a defective bulb or other issue.
Cool man. The bulbs are fine. Verified with the old bulb connector when I replaced with new connectors. Also the fronts are fine other than alternate flashing with headlights. I'll buy the new flashers and give those a shot. Thanks for the tip.
01-06-2014, 01:38 PM
