Body General body information and techniques for restoration, repairs, and modifications.

D.I.Y. LED fog lights for Trans Am

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 25, 2014 | 08:29 PM
  #1  
pieman's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Hamilton, Ohio
Car: 87 Trans Am GTA
Engine: 305
Transmission: 700r Auto w/OD
D.I.Y. LED fog lights for Trans Am

I've never been able to find any LED or HID conversions for my TA fog lights, so I decided to make my own. Here's how I did it:

1. Purchased this LED bulb for this project as its dome design gives out the best view of the LED element. Costs $10-$13 each depending on where you get them.

2. Removed the H3 bulb mount from lamp housing by bending the 3 tabs holding it together.

3. Made LED lamp assembly by soldering wires to a dash bulb base as shown here. I bent the metal tabs upward and pulled wires tight vertically after soldering so as to fit inside opening.

4. Added silicone adhesive to bottom of base and inserted into housing. I glued it to the black metal shield inside and making sure bulb is centered. I used duct tape to the wires to help hold it correctly into place. NOTE: Make sure wires do not touch the metal shield inside lamp or it will short it out!


5. After glue cured for at least 24 hours, I remounted the H3 bulb plate, soldered one wire to the plate and crimped a blade fitting onto other wire to complete the light.


Installed my new lights and this is how it looks.

I haven't driven it at night yet as my local Ohio weather hasn't been kind lately. I don't think they give out the distance as much as the H3 lights do but I figure they are more for style than function anyway. I think they look cool myself! Tell me what you think...
Reply
Old Mar 25, 2014 | 09:26 PM
  #2  
DynoDave43's Avatar
Supreme Member
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (11)
 
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 4,807
Likes: 905
From: MICHIGAN
Car: 1988 Trans Am
Engine: L03
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 10 Bolt 2.73 Open
Re: D.I.Y. LED fog lights for Trans Am

Interesting conversion pieman. I'd be interested to see that at work in the dark.
Reply
Old Mar 25, 2014 | 10:09 PM
  #3  
knight72's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
From: Puerto Rico 00725
Car: 1992 W68 Firebird
Engine: 305 5.0L V8 TBI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 2.73
D.I.Y. LED fog lights for Trans Am

Very good pieman.... The problem with HIDs is that you can't always find the correct kit by car year and/or model, i searched by bulb type... however... in case of H3 fog lights, what you need it a kit with H3c HID bulbs.

here's my '92



Last edited by knight72; Mar 25, 2014 at 10:13 PM.
Reply
Old Mar 26, 2014 | 08:01 AM
  #4  
pieman's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Hamilton, Ohio
Car: 87 Trans Am GTA
Engine: 305
Transmission: 700r Auto w/OD
Re: D.I.Y. LED fog lights for Trans Am

Thanks for the comments guys. I will look into the H3c bulbs and consider switching them over. I will post night pic's when this awful weather improves! I don't take it out unless its nice out.
Also found a LED headlight for us F-body Pontiac owners with the 5" x 7" headlights...
Truck-Lite 27450C 5'' x 7'' Rectangular LED Headlamp

This could be the answer we've been looking for! I have reading comments about the aftermarket headlight conversions that don't work well, mostly having water and or moisture getting inside the headlight due mostly when headlights are down.
These are sealed and all the reviews from customers are ALL 5 stars. cheapest I found is $184.44 each on ebay. I will try hard to get these when I have crazy money... which I never do.
Reply
Old Mar 30, 2014 | 09:56 PM
  #5  
19GTA92's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
From: Ottawa, KS
Car: 1992 Pontiac Trans Am GTA
Engine: 305
Transmission: 5 speed
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: D.I.Y. LED fog lights for Trans Am

knight72, where did you get all of your lights? I need those for my 92!
Reply
Old Mar 31, 2014 | 10:00 AM
  #6  
pieman's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Hamilton, Ohio
Car: 87 Trans Am GTA
Engine: 305
Transmission: 700r Auto w/OD
Re: D.I.Y. LED fog lights for Trans Am

UPDATE: I finally got my GTA out at night to see the results. Unfortunately, they did not achieve the results as I had hoped. They light up area in front of the car but not near as bright as the factory H3 bulbs do. It was not worthy of a pic. I guess I'll have to look into the H3c bulbs.
Reply
Old Mar 31, 2014 | 08:18 PM
  #7  
DynoDave43's Avatar
Supreme Member
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (11)
 
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 4,807
Likes: 905
From: MICHIGAN
Car: 1988 Trans Am
Engine: L03
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 10 Bolt 2.73 Open
Re: D.I.Y. LED fog lights for Trans Am

Sorry to hear that, but thanks for letting us know.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
jaridjohn
History / Originality
7
Jul 8, 2024 03:49 PM
Fronzizzle
Electronics
11
Aug 19, 2015 01:36 PM
fonzie85
Engine/Drivetrain/Suspension Parts for Sale
7
Aug 13, 2015 11:50 AM
mustangman65_79
Body
14
Aug 12, 2015 06:39 AM
Omega
Interior Parts for Sale
2
Aug 10, 2015 12:46 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:22 PM.