Hello everyone been a while since I posted but I wanted to hop back on and share this with everyone here. Some of you may remember the limited run of sequential tail light modules for firebirds that Stephen and bigbadlou worked on. It's been years since they stopped making them and a member of one of the third gen Facebook pages has taken on the task. He has designed modules for the firebirds (base lights/gta/lights) and he also took a crack at camaro sequential modules which werent possible with the old modules because of the circuit design.. I volunteered to be the Guinea pig for the Camaro model and I'm happy to say its proven itself through testing. He is accepting 10 paid orders at a time, ordering the necessary parts and shipping out before moving to the next batch. I'll link the video of my camaro in this post as well as a picture of the different firebird tail lights

 

How much? Video of the Firebird version?

 

Pricing for the firebird depends on which model you have, the formula lights are the most expensive of the modules because there are 8 lights total to control which means more parts necessary. The difference between the two versions are plug and play or DIY, which involves cutting and splicing. The plug and play is what the name implies, there is an adapter to plug into the factory harness and the modules do the rest. I volunteered to test the camaro DIY version for him

Hes set all pricing in CAD, rates fluctuate daily apparently

1982-1990 Trans Am / 1987-1990 GTA

Non PNP is $143 Canadian shipped

PNP version is $233 Canadian shipped.

1991-1992 Trans Am /GTA

Non PNP $166 Canadian shipped.

PNP version $266 Canadian shipped.

Formula

Non PNP = $170 Canadian shipped.

PNP = $270 Canadian shipped.

Camaro

Non PNP = $166 Canadian shipped.

PNP version = $266 Canadian shipped.

 

If you notice the brake lights also function in sequence, the modules will take over one side while turning then release it back to the brake circuit after the turn signal is shut off. Every module is designed to work with leds or standard incandescent bulbs using an electronic flasher relay to smooth the sequence out. A standard flasher will cause hyperflash from the additional load of the module. I picked mine up from superbrightleds for 12 bucks

 

Video of the 91-92 TA/GTA lights? And how thorough are the non plug n play directions?

 

Spoke to braven earlier and he said the 91/92 hasn't been tested yet but it's designed to function as the rest of them in terms of sequence and brake function. The prices are all listed above, he is including directions with them as well for those who aren't afraid of some cutting and splicing. Solder and shrink is advised, no butt connectors or twist and tape

 

I am curious on this too since the 91/92 has two red on the inside and the amber lens on the outside, you can't use the amber for braking, so how would that work? And sequencing two reds on the inside doesn't really work.

 

Here is his response, he hasn't gotten any valuable input on it to this point it seems;

Hi, Andrew.

Yeah, I ran into those questions as well. Those tail lights are rare and people don't want to alter them.

The outer lens would need to be tinted red. But I'm curious, if instead of tinting the lens, you install a bright red LED. I think the bright red light would overpower the amber lens. This could make it appear to be red.


I was also thinking about perhaps sequencing the inner two bulbs for brake lights. Then sequencing all three bulbs when you signal. The outermost bulbs would remain amber for those who live in the states that require amber signals.

I haven't had anyone provide quality feedback on what they would like. I want to design it to their specifications.

 

If he is looking for general feedback, can he make the brake lights non-sequence on the 86-90 TA/GTA tail lights?

As far as the 91/92, I don't have an answer about sequencing, but a red LED in the last socket won't be enough to overpower the lens color, it will likely look orange, as would tinting the lens over the amber. BUT if one felt so inclined, you can pull the housing apart and remove the coloring bits in there, so you could tint the inside of the housings all one color, and would look like the sequence for the 86-90. I think I could dig that if I could get the brake lights to non-sequence

 

I can see if he will do a special build for you if youd like, as for the 91/92 lights I see the struggle now, I have a set on my 88 formula but it's been sitting for a while now so I didnt even think about the amber section. I may pull the lights apart anyhow, the grid is separating on them

 

I'd be interested in a set for 91-92 with non sequencing brake lights and sequencing turn signals doing the red,red,amber pattern of possible.

 

Hi, Mongoose.

I'll alter the 91-92 program to function in this manner. I know sequentials on these specific tail lights aren't for everyone. I just wanted to give people the option to have them as well.

I'm just finishing up a couple sets of Camaro modules for some customers. Then I'll be ready to take on another batch of orders. Would you like them to be plug and play?

Thank you.



Braven

 

Hi, scooter.

I appreciate your feedback.

As for the brake lights, I can certainly adjust the code to allow for non sequencing brake lights. I understand that not everyone has the same preferences. I'm trying to supply all customers with what they want.

Thank you.



Braven

 

So any idea what part # flasher I can use with 12 v dc led strip tried hooking up to turn signals result no flash .

 

That is cool that you can do that. Will send a PM next week

 

Hi, mmadden55.

Any electronic flasher will work just fine. Just ask for an LED friendly flasher at your local parts store.



Braven

 

Sounds great, scooter.


There's no rush. I make them in batches, so I'll put you on the list when you're ready.



Braven

 

Cost of the kit for a 88 pontiac trans am? Ive been wanting to do that to my bird.

 

I k now this is an old thread but is he still building them?

 

 

Yep^ that's your guy. Hes done an amazing job refining them to production level

 

I was lucky enough to get ahold of one of the last batches years ago, Glad someone is picking up the torch.
There might be some useful info here
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/elec...s-formula.html

 

I've actually designed a custom sequential tail light module for the Formula model. It controls all 4 lights per side and makes the small 194 bulbs act at dual filament bulbs. It's pretty slick.

@91banditt2

 

I have 90 new boards for sale. I've designed a sequential tail light module for each of the third gen models: 82-84 Firebird, 85-90 Trans Am/GTA, 91-92 Trans Am/ GTA, Formula, Camaro.

Each board is $180.00 Canadian shipped within Canada and the United States. I will ship anywhere in the world, shipping charges will just need to be adjusted. The exchange rate fluctuates frequently but at the moment they are $128.00 USD.


@chrias

 

Got video?

 

 

I don't have a video of the Formula version installed yet. I just shipped out a few this weekend. This is the module you'll need. I do the same thing with my Camaro modules. They have a small 194 bulb on the outer corner that I take control of and program it to function as a dual filament bulb.
@91banditt2

 

I'm also working on a few other projects.

I'm currently designing a touch pad "swipe control" system to control windows, door locks, and hatch release. This device will eventually be integrated with wireless controls to allow remote control of those functions.

 

I have designed new front turn signal/ daytime running light as well. I'll be refining design to be a little more classy looking and customizable with select-able flash sequence modes.

 

That's awesome man. Will your setup work with LED bulbs? I have an old sequencer module, OLD, and it will only work with incandescent bulbs.
Is your module a "one size fits all" or you have different ones for each style tail lamp housing? I have a Formula with base model lights I would consider doing this on, and I also have another car that I don't know whether I want to run the 91/92 tail lights or the 86-90 TA tail lights.

 

Was your module one of the ones that were made by BigBadLou? I had to switch to LED because with the incandescent bulbs, the last light in the sequence would barley come on before the sequence would start over. Once I switched to LED's it worked perfectly. 9 years ago it cost me almost $100 for 9 LED's, 1 was for the center section. I'm sure the cost of these LED bulbs have gone down but would of been nice to know up front if the module I bought worked with incandescent bulbs or not.

 

I have that sequencer too, but that isn't the one I was referring to. I never wound up installing the one from BigBadLou, It's in the tool box taking up space

 

@scooter

Excellent question.
I took the time to design a custom module and program for every 3rd Gen model. Each vehicle has it's own module design now. I did this to make the installation process much easier for customers.

There are quite a few models such as the Formula and Camaro that use single filament 194 bulbs, This makes it very difficult to make a "one size fits all" module. Most other designs would require you to cut and modify your tail light housing to swap out those small 194 bulbs to a dual filament 1157.

My design uses programming to control the 194 bulbs and make them function like dual filament bulbs.

No cutting or modifying the tail light housing =)

 

@91banditt2

"Was your module one of the ones that were made by BigBadLou? I had to switch to LED because with the incandescent bulbs, the last light in the sequence would barley come on before the sequence would start over. Once I switched to LED's it worked perfectly. 9 years ago it cost me almost $100 for 9 LED's, 1 was for the center section. I'm sure the cost of these LED bulbs have gone down but would of been nice to know up front if the module I bought worked with incandescent bulbs or not."



These are my own design. I've engineered them from the ground up =)

You could definitely use halogen bulbs, if you wish.
As you likely know, the issue is simply that the halogen bulbs have a delay while turning on and off because their light emission is produced by heating up the filament. It takes time for the filament to heat up and cool off.

I've tried to adjust the timing so that all bulbs will have enough time to light during the sequence, even when using halogen bulbs.

That being said. If you have a formula, there are 4 bulbs per side that need to be lit within the span of about 1 second. If you use halogen bulbs on this vehicle, the sequence will look more like a smear of light rather than 4 lights discretely sequencing.

As for the price of LEDs. They are pretty cheap these days. I purchased a set of 6 for about $40 Canadian =)

 

Is that $128 total? How many modules per vehicle?
I currently have LED boards (camaro), will these work still?
Are the amber lenses in the first vid painted red or still amber?

 

This might be a stupid question, but if I have a digital dash and I get one of these modules and LED bulbs, will I still have issues with the driver information center thinking I have bulbs out?

 

@84 1LE

Hi there!

Is that $128 total? How many modules per vehicle? That is $128.00 USD total cost, shipped. One module per vehicle.
I currently have LED boards (camaro), will these work still? The modules will drive any bulb that is connected to them. Your LED panels should work just fine. That being said, just to be safe, could you please provide me the name of the company that designed your lights? I'll inquire about their design method. I would like to verify that they can handle my dimming software.
Are the amber lenses in the first vid painted red or still amber? The amber lenses have been tinted red




Please let me know if you have any more questions. I'm always happy to help =)

 

PM sent.

 

@RLuzum

"This might be a stupid question, but if I have a digital dash and I get one of these modules and LED bulbs, will I still have issues with the driver information center thinking I have bulbs out?"



That's a great question!

The digital dash is more than likely monitoring your total current flow through the signal light circuit. A typical 1157 bulb high beam draws about 12 Amps initially and then tapers off as the filament gets hotter and begins producing light. The hot current draw is likely somewhere around 2-3 amps. Typical LED bulbs draw less than 1 amp. If you install an aggressive load resistor that draws enough current to trick the computer, you will avoid the error signal.

If you receive a "bulb out" signal with just one bulb missing, that means the computer is monitoring the current pretty closely. You'll need a resistor of about 6-7 ohms per replaces 1157 signal light bulb. Alternatively, you can also use a single 3 ohm resistor per side of the tail lights. The resistors are to be wires in parallel with the LEDs.


I hope that answers your question =)

 

Following as I already have been following your sequential work on facebook for a while now. I actually have one of your old posts saved for possible future purchase.

 

@Armored91Camaro

Just let me know when you're ready to order =)

 

We've been in need of something like this for a long time, with the stock housing, especially Formulas and all early 'birds, which lack fog lights. Very nice work.

A stock housing reproduced with a clear lens, rather than the amber lens that they've been reproduced with, would satisfy most people, probably preferred. Then they can install LED switchbacks of their choice and have turn signals/DRLs. But yours is way cooler.

I modified stock housings for LED switchbacks about 7 years ago. Not as complex or interesting as yours, but they turned out well. "Too futuristic," but such projects weren't common then. Now it's less unusual, but we're seeing manufactured products, not stock housings. Nice, yes, but to me, and apparently to you, the stock housing is an important detail.

I like the window switch idea, too. I'm currently working on relocating my switches, so I'm curious to learn more about yours. Post more when you get there, please.

And recently installed 85-90 TA taillights, but I modified my Formula's harness/lights: brake/tail, brake/tail, turn/tail, not all integrated brake/turn/tail. All red LED, looks nice, probably nicer in sequence. 91-92 module? Price is for one module @ one module per car?

Thanks. Keep up the great work.

 

Are these still available. Can you tell how much a plug and play set for an 87 Trans Am would be in USD shipped to Ohio 44646. This kit is exactly what I have been looking for. Good job.

 

@TABBOO


Hi there,

Unfortunately, I can no longer offer the plug and play versions. They are extremely expensive and time consuming to build (about $400).

My current modules are $180.00 Canadian shipped. This is roughly $130.00 USD.

If you're still interested in a module, please email me your shipping and vehicle information at bravendirk@gmail.com =)

 

I saw the work of the DRL/Turn and it has me curious on one for the Camaro. Here in the States we don't have a law for DRL unless it's Semi's. I would like it but more for a Driving Light with all lights turned on and be a Switchback style for turn. This would take care of the high cost for the Factory Driving lights for Camaros. Any plans to work on something like this for Camaros?

 

@DontBlnkBadWolf

Hi there,

The front turn signal white LEDs don't need to be daytime running lights, specifically. If you want to run them off of your "running light" circuit, so they come on with the rest of your lights, that works too.

​​​​​The firebird version should be ready in a couple of weeks. If all goes well, I'll be designing the camaro version shortly after =)

 

That sounds great. I'll get those & the Camaro taillights at the same time when it's ready.

 

The firebird ones look great in yellow. And the back on the firebird looks great too. Need to update my budget.

 

Any chance of a 91/92 front signal and drl setup?

 

@Twitnoid


Yes. I'll likely be designing front turn signals for all 3rd gen styles.

I'll have to see how well I can mold the lens to match the stock shape.