Firebird LED Tail Lights Prototype
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Re: Firebird LED Tail Lights Prototype
I was the first one he did, and here is the brochure he made up for it.
For those of you making them on your own, best of luck!!
For those of you making them on your own, best of luck!!
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Car: 1982 Firebird
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Re: Firebird LED Tail Lights Prototype
Yep, he sent me a bunch of info about what he has and is making to post up. I gotta do that in a sec.
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Re: Firebird LED Tail Lights Prototype
The good news is that I've been informally offered positions as a test and manufacturing engineer. Of course nothing means anything until the fat lady sings.
Goal is to offer GTA tail lights for sale before the first day of spring. My wife also feels that this will not happen. However, this is such a cool project that I have to get it done.
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Re: Firebird LED Tail Lights Prototype
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From: Holland, MI
Car: 1982 Firebird
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Re: Firebird LED Tail Lights Prototype
b lacksun - Refer to my threads on Classic LEDs for pricing of the ones he is having made.
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From: Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
Car: 1987 Pontiac Firebird
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Re: Firebird LED Tail Lights Prototype
I've changed on my rear bulbs to LED on my 87 firebird. Two issues, first is I can't get the reverse bulbs to lock in to socket, do I need to shave socket down? Other issue is my signals won't blink at all. Ive heard of the resistors but thought that was just to slow the blinking down. Anyone know anything that could help?
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: St. Cloud, MN
Car: 1984 Trans Am
Engine: LS1383 in work
Transmission: Magnum F - to be installed
Axle/Gears: Zexel Torsen 3.73, 28-spline mosers
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: St. Cloud, MN
Car: 1984 Trans Am
Engine: LS1383 in work
Transmission: Magnum F - to be installed
Axle/Gears: Zexel Torsen 3.73, 28-spline mosers
Re: Firebird LED Tail Lights Prototype
I've changed on my rear bulbs to LED on my 87 firebird. Two issues, first is I can't get the reverse bulbs to lock in to socket, do I need to shave socket down? Other issue is my signals won't blink at all. Ive heard of the resistors but thought that was just to slow the blinking down. Anyone know anything that could help?
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Re: Firebird LED Tail Lights Prototype
Has this project been finished or abandoned?
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Re: Firebird LED Tail Lights Prototype
Not abandoned, but obviously not finished.
If I don't get a prototype done by end of Thanksgiving, then it doesn't look too promising. I only work one day next week on my normal job, so I have some time.
I changed the LED layout to run a single line of lights on the outside of the tail light. Sort of like the audi and Dodge Charger tail lights. The programmable controller will still allow stock and sequential lighting options.
Lou
If I don't get a prototype done by end of Thanksgiving, then it doesn't look too promising. I only work one day next week on my normal job, so I have some time.
I changed the LED layout to run a single line of lights on the outside of the tail light. Sort of like the audi and Dodge Charger tail lights. The programmable controller will still allow stock and sequential lighting options.
Lou
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Re: Firebird LED Tail Lights Prototype
Alright then!.. like me, I'm pretty sure alot of people have been searching and searching for a good while now for a real LED look for our cars which blend great with the modern theme
Here is another video of a different set... I think it's from a member here
Neat 2nd gen look but I think it should be brighter
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TorluvI-93I
Here is another video of a different set... I think it's from a member here
Neat 2nd gen look but I think it should be brighter
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TorluvI-93I
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Car: 1988 firebird
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Re: Firebird LED Tail Lights Prototype
Hi,
I am designing LED Tail Lights for my 87 Firebird Formula, but plan to offer versions of third generation Firebird and Camaros based on feedback and demand.
I attached a CAD drawing of my prototype, which I plan to build over the Holidays. It includes 112 red, 40 amber and 16 white constant current 1/2 watt leds, microcontroller controlled with in-circuit programing, per side. Five circuit boards will be mounted in the existing tail light housing as seen in the attached picture.
Currently the red leds are seperated in to 4 sections matching the bulbs they replace.
While this is a fun project that I am doing on the side, I plan to assemble these units on a surface mount assembly line. So these can be provided for those interested in customizing their thirdgens. My target price is $200 per pair, but this can be easily reduced by reducing the number of leds or wattage. You can check out my company website at www.maceengineering.com for stuff I designed and sold in the past.
I looking for feedback on what type of display modes people are interested in including stock, sequential, or custom modes. These can be pre programed and selectable via dip switch etc. Also, many new cars, like Audi etc have L shaped or square shaped LEDs.
Thanks
Lou
I am designing LED Tail Lights for my 87 Firebird Formula, but plan to offer versions of third generation Firebird and Camaros based on feedback and demand.
I attached a CAD drawing of my prototype, which I plan to build over the Holidays. It includes 112 red, 40 amber and 16 white constant current 1/2 watt leds, microcontroller controlled with in-circuit programing, per side. Five circuit boards will be mounted in the existing tail light housing as seen in the attached picture.
Currently the red leds are seperated in to 4 sections matching the bulbs they replace.
While this is a fun project that I am doing on the side, I plan to assemble these units on a surface mount assembly line. So these can be provided for those interested in customizing their thirdgens. My target price is $200 per pair, but this can be easily reduced by reducing the number of leds or wattage. You can check out my company website at www.maceengineering.com for stuff I designed and sold in the past.
I looking for feedback on what type of display modes people are interested in including stock, sequential, or custom modes. These can be pre programed and selectable via dip switch etc. Also, many new cars, like Audi etc have L shaped or square shaped LEDs.
Thanks
Lou
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Re: Firebird LED Tail Lights Prototype
Sequential lights have been here on TGO for years. Contact BigBadLou to get a controller that will work on standard or LED bulbs.
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Re: Firebird LED Tail Lights Prototype
Started working on the tail lights again. Will post soon on estimated pricing.
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From: Enschede, Netherlands
Car: 82 TA 87 IZ L98 88 IZ LB9 88 IZ L98
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Joined: Jun 2000
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From: Enschede, Netherlands
Car: 82 TA 87 IZ L98 88 IZ LB9 88 IZ L98
Engine: 5.7TBI 5,7TPI 5.0TPI, 5,7TPI
Transmission: T5, 700R4, T5, 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.08, 3.27, 3.45, 3.27
Re: Firebird LED Tail Lights Prototype
hmm..not spaghetti, they don't have leds around the corner and still use the normal bulb there. Looks like the ones in the pics don't..that makes them perfect
http://digi-tails.com/1982-1992-chev...l-light-panels
http://digi-tails.com/1982-1992-chev...l-light-panels
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From: Aloha, Oregon
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Re: Firebird LED Tail Lights Prototype
I'd have to search around again but a member here on TGO made them for another member I believe. This was around 10 years ago.
Joined: Jun 2000
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From: Enschede, Netherlands
Car: 82 TA 87 IZ L98 88 IZ LB9 88 IZ L98
Engine: 5.7TBI 5,7TPI 5.0TPI, 5,7TPI
Transmission: T5, 700R4, T5, 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.08, 3.27, 3.45, 3.27
Re: Firebird LED Tail Lights Prototype
so only 1 set was made... dang I want a set..no 2 sets...and a set for my 82 TA
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From: Boise ID
Car: 86 IROC Z28
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Re: Firebird LED Tail Lights Prototype
I built mine under smoked plexi that goes all the way across with a clear plexi window, white led lit and tilted plate. 3 times brighter led for brake and mellow amber for turn. not lit in photo. If interested I will take more pix and post them.
All bulbs throughout car are now led except the H4 halo headlight conversion. Also I fabbed the new smoked clear turn lights up front into 55w H4 driving lights and added small smoked led turn signals into the bumper between the grill opening and the now driving lights.
All bulbs throughout car are now led except the H4 halo headlight conversion. Also I fabbed the new smoked clear turn lights up front into 55w H4 driving lights and added small smoked led turn signals into the bumper between the grill opening and the now driving lights.
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From: Huntsville, AL
Car: 89 Black IROC-Z convertible
Engine: 305 TBI
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Re: Firebird LED Tail Lights Prototype
I built mine under smoked plexi that goes all the way across with a clear plexi window, white led lit and tilted plate. 3 times brighter led for brake and mellow amber for turn. not lit in photo. If interested I will take more pix and post them.
Attachment 252500
Attachment 252501
All bulbs throughout car are now led except the H4 halo headlight conversion. Also I fabbed the new smoked clear turn lights up front into 55w H4 driving lights and added small smoked led turn signals into the bumper between the grill opening and the now driving lights.
Attachment 252500
Attachment 252501
All bulbs throughout car are now led except the H4 halo headlight conversion. Also I fabbed the new smoked clear turn lights up front into 55w H4 driving lights and added small smoked led turn signals into the bumper between the grill opening and the now driving lights.
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Car: '87 IROC-Z | '99 SS
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Re: Firebird LED Tail Lights Prototype
I built mine under smoked plexi that goes all the way across with a clear plexi window, white led lit and tilted plate. 3 times brighter led for brake and mellow amber for turn. not lit in photo. If interested I will take more pix and post them.
Attachment 252500
Attachment 252501
All bulbs throughout car are now led except the H4 halo headlight conversion. Also I fabbed the new smoked clear turn lights up front into 55w H4 driving lights and added small smoked led turn signals into the bumper between the grill opening and the now driving lights.
Attachment 252500
Attachment 252501
All bulbs throughout car are now led except the H4 halo headlight conversion. Also I fabbed the new smoked clear turn lights up front into 55w H4 driving lights and added small smoked led turn signals into the bumper between the grill opening and the now driving lights.
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From: Boise ID
Car: 86 IROC Z28
Engine: 350 TPI
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: posi 4 disc 2.73
Re: Firebird LED Tail Lights Prototype
some more. Couldnd catch the turns in the pic. Sorry they arent best quality cuz ther are from my phone. Need to get a good camera. When the weather clears and I clean up I will post some day shots of the nose and tail unless no one cares about snow dirt.
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From: Boise ID
Car: 86 IROC Z28
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Re: Firebird LED Tail Lights Prototype
dirty snow
the strip across the bumper is the back up led
the strip across the bumper is the back up led
Last edited by basshead208; Jan 19, 2013 at 01:11 PM.
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From: Boise ID
Car: 86 IROC Z28
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Re: Firebird LED Tail Lights Prototype
Since I converted my clear lens to red, I guess it would be fine for all the LEDs to be the same, not 1 section red, other 3 sections red.
One thing I forget is are the red lenses separate pieces? If so, then all 4 sections being the same color LED would work best. Not 1 section red LEDs & 3 sections of clear LEDs under red lenses. What would work best? Red LEDs under red lenses or clear LEDs under red lenses?
Can't wait to see the final product, or at least a first run test item. My flasher resets before the last bulb is really lit, so when the running lights are on, the last section lit for turn or brake is barely seen, if at all.
One thing I forget is are the red lenses separate pieces? If so, then all 4 sections being the same color LED would work best. Not 1 section red LEDs & 3 sections of clear LEDs under red lenses. What would work best? Red LEDs under red lenses or clear LEDs under red lenses?
Can't wait to see the final product, or at least a first run test item. My flasher resets before the last bulb is really lit, so when the running lights are on, the last section lit for turn or brake is barely seen, if at all.
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From: Colorado Springs, Co.
Car: 91 z28
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Re: Firebird LED Tail Lights Prototype
I built mine under smoked plexi that goes all the way across with a clear plexi window, white led lit and tilted plate. 3 times brighter led for brake and mellow amber for turn. not lit in photo. If interested I will take more pix and post them.
Attachment 252500
Attachment 252501
All bulbs throughout car are now led except the H4 halo headlight conversion. Also I fabbed the new smoked clear turn lights up front into 55w H4 driving lights and added small smoked led turn signals into the bumper between the grill opening and the now driving lights.
Attachment 252500
Attachment 252501
All bulbs throughout car are now led except the H4 halo headlight conversion. Also I fabbed the new smoked clear turn lights up front into 55w H4 driving lights and added small smoked led turn signals into the bumper between the grill opening and the now driving lights.
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From: Boise ID
Car: 86 IROC Z28
Engine: 350 TPI
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: posi 4 disc 2.73
Re: Firebird LED Tail Lights Prototype
I built the setup using the older split taillights, 1/8" smoked plexi and two styles of led strip found in rolls on ebay( 3528 5m black pcb 600led red ) and ( 5050 5m black pcb 300led red ) the 3528 is the wrap around and the 5050 is the brakes. Sand down the lenses and black primer them, make a paper stensil for the side pieces to cut the plexi,( pop displays on ebay has grips of plexi and lexan in sheets of all sizes and does free cuts) fab bridges across the LP span, use a piece of clear for the LP, use a heat gun to curve the ends, drill the plexi and lense to use stainless fine thread allen screws (round top) from hardware store. Connect 3528 to park lights, 5050 to brake lights and use a 50w led resistor(ebay) for each rear turn tapped into the loom in the hatch.
If any one wants to do this I am more than willing to share info and advice or more detailed steps.
If any one wants to do this I am more than willing to share info and advice or more detailed steps.
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From: Colorado Springs, Co.
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Re: Firebird LED Tail Lights Prototype
Great work, I've been wanting that look for awhile but haven't found a good way to do it. I like how simple it is and looks great. Thanks for the info.
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Re: Firebird LED Tail Lights Prototype
I got better places to spend my $ than on 2 pieces of plastic. NO WAY they can honestly justify the cost. I'd be willing to bet they are banking 1000% profit on those suckers!
Last edited by BlackenedBird; Feb 5, 2013 at 05:14 PM.
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Re: Firebird LED Tail Lights Prototype
IMHO, you'd do better by offering a set for a more popular taillight, like GTA taillights. A very common modification is to replace the style lights you are taillights with the GTA/TA lights.
Like these that only have 4 different bulb sections. 1 Reverse & 3 Brake/Turn/Tails. Of the 3, actually only 2 are Brake/Turns (the 3rd is just a Tail) but the 3rd can very easily be converted into a Brake/Turn/Tail.
Also great for the Sequential Tail Light (STS) conversion. Also why I have 2 spare sets & a spare STS controller. My plan was to complete the LED conversion on a spare set & just swap it over to me car.
I converted my clear Reverse into red & tied them into my Tail/Brake/Turn lights.
Like these that only have 4 different bulb sections. 1 Reverse & 3 Brake/Turn/Tails. Of the 3, actually only 2 are Brake/Turns (the 3rd is just a Tail) but the 3rd can very easily be converted into a Brake/Turn/Tail.
Also great for the Sequential Tail Light (STS) conversion. Also why I have 2 spare sets & a spare STS controller. My plan was to complete the LED conversion on a spare set & just swap it over to me car.
I converted my clear Reverse into red & tied them into my Tail/Brake/Turn lights.
oh my gosh, that tail light looks so much like the mid 90s grand prix's tail lights. thats crazy
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Re: Firebird LED Tail Lights Prototype
Here's a link that Ozz1967 posted about a year ago.
http://www.classicleds.com/camaro1982.html
The ones for Camaros look pretty cool. Firebird owners should try to contact him and see if he does/can do some for 3rd Gen 'Birds
85-90 GTA style Firebird LED Tail Lights.pdf (526.5 KB, 128 views)
http://www.classicleds.com/camaro1982.html
The ones for Camaros look pretty cool. Firebird owners should try to contact him and see if he does/can do some for 3rd Gen 'Birds
85-90 GTA style Firebird LED Tail Lights.pdf (526.5 KB, 128 views) 
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Re: Firebird LED Tail Lights Prototype
I don't get what that guy did for the GTA lights. He had the correct amount of lights, but they aren't aligned to the grid of the tail lights. Each cavity (area inside of every small black box) should have 3 LEDs. There are 6 rows and 12 columns.
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Re: Firebird LED Tail Lights Prototype
Here is the layout I am working on. 72 (6x12) red half watt leds and 24 (6x4) white leds. 4 separate led pcbs, constant current and switching DC-DC drivers. Will be very bright and efficient. One controller board, PIC processor with ICSP. Multiple flash patterns. Still working on a full prototype. Hoping to have something to sell by xmas.
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Re: Firebird LED Tail Lights Prototype
Here is the layout I am working on. 72 (6x12) red half watt leds and 24 (6x4) white leds. 4 separate led pcbs, constant current and switching DC-DC drivers. Will be very bright and efficient. One controller board, PIC processor with ICSP. Multiple flash patterns. Still working on a full prototype. Hoping to have something to sell by xmas.
Is there any news on these led tail lights?
Thanks
Re: Firebird LED Tail Lights Prototype
Bringing this back, because well, we kept it running for 2 years prior to this, and I'm curious to see if we found anything!?
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Re: Firebird LED Tail Lights Prototype
Stopped working on these last year. Putting in one led in each block appeared to have a lot of separation between the leds, so I changed it to two leds per block.
Otherwise I'll see how much it will take to make a couple tail light assemblies, since I already ordered all the parts.
Otherwise I'll see how much it will take to make a couple tail light assemblies, since I already ordered all the parts.
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Re: Firebird LED Tail Lights Prototype
Unfortunately, no further progress on this project. I only have firebird taillights at this time.
