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[GMCnet] HF LED vs. Incandescent bulb taillight - comparison [message #240872]

Sat, 22 February 2014 15:27

Jp Benson

Messages: 649
Registered: October 2011
Location: Fla

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http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/exterior-lights/p52904-led-on-left.html
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Re: [GMCnet] HF LED vs. Incandescent bulb taillight - comparison [message #240901 is a reply to message #240872]

Sat, 22 February 2014 19:33

Matt Colie

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Location: S.E. Michigan

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Jp Benson wrote on Sat, 22 February 2014 16:27

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/exterior-lights/p52904-led-on-left.html

JP,

What number for the HF parts?

Matt - who is real glad to have a real screen and keyboard again.

Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit

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Re: [GMCnet] HF LED vs. Incandescent bulb taillight - comparison [message #240918 is a reply to message #240901]

Sat, 22 February 2014 21:20

Jp Benson

Messages: 649
Registered: October 2011
Location: Fla

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Matt,

http://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result?q=led+taillight

Several kits are available. They all look the same. Mine are 60521 and
wires were included.

JP

On 2/22/2014 8:33 PM, Matt Colie wrote:
>
> Jp Benson wrote on Sat, 22 February 2014 16:27
>> http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/exterior-lights/p52904-led-on-left.html
> JP,
>
> What number for the HF parts?
>
> Matt - who is real glad to have a real screen and keyboard again.

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Re: [GMCnet] HF LED vs. Incandescent bulb taillight - comparison [message #240920 is a reply to message #240901]

Sat, 22 February 2014 21:42

USAussie

Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia

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Matt,

Go to HF and do a search for Trailer Lights and bunch of different part numbers come up but they all appear to be the same?

Regards,
Rob M.
Sydney, Australia
AUS '75 Avion - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
USA '75 Avion - Double Trouble TZE365V100426

-----Original Message-----
From: Matt Colie

JP,

What number for the HF parts?

Matt

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Regards, Rob M. (USAussie) The Pedantic Mechanic Sydney, Australia '75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428 '75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426

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Re: [GMCnet] HF LED vs. Incandescent bulb taillight - comparison [message #240944 is a reply to message #240920]

Sun, 23 February 2014 08:11

WD0AFQ

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Registered: November 2004
Location: Dexter, Mo.

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Did you try them with the single board first? Just curious why you put both in there? Because there was room and made everything much brighter????
Speedway has good prices on led close out lights also. I have been considering changing my GMC tail lights. The vdub lights I have in the baja are led and very bright. They will also fit under the GMC cover and are a bit cheaper than two sets of the HF lights here, last time I looked.
Anytime we can brighten our rear lights it is good. I put an 18 inch led over rear window when I installed the reaction arm discs. I wanted folks behind me to know "this coach is about to stop and do it in a short distance".
Thanks for this information and especially the photos and part numbers.
Dan

3 In Stainless Exhaust Headers One Ton All Discs/Reaction Arm 355 FD/Quad Bag/Alum Radiator Manny Tran/New eng. Holley EFI/10 Tire Air Monitoring System Solarized Coach/Upgraded Windows Satelite TV/On Demand Hot Water/3Way Refer

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Re: [GMCnet] HF LED vs. Incandescent bulb taillight - comparison [message #240971 is a reply to message #240944]

Sun, 23 February 2014 10:17

Jp Benson

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Registered: October 2011
Location: Fla

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Dan,

It certainly looks like a single board would be bright enough. Two
boards glued together was easier to install. I just routed a slot in
the plastic back of the lens and the assembly fits perfectly in place.
Right now it's secured with two screws so I might beef it up a bit
later. One board would require fabricating a mounting bracket. I can
still go to one board by rewiring. With two boards several combinations
of taillight, brakelight & turn signal are possible by rewiring. One
tag light comes with each HF light kit. With two kits, I can use the tag
lights for backup lights. Haven't tested those yet so I'll get/post a
pic to see how well it works.

The brake lights will definitely convey your intentions to the people
behind you.

Cheapest I've seen the HF LED's is $29.95. Often they are on sale for
$34.95. One of the coupons that RobM posted might make them even cheaper.

I wasn't aware of Speedway. Looks like they've got some that will plug
right in to the front turn signal lamp sockets.

JP

On 2/23/2014 9:11 AM, Dan Gregg wrote:
>
> Did you try them with the single board first? Just curious why you put both in there? Because there was room and made everything much brighter????
> Speedway has good prices on led close out lights also. I have been considering changing my GMC tail lights. The vdub lights I have in the baja are led and very bright. They will also fit under the GMC cover and are a bit cheaper than two sets of the HF lights here, last time I looked.
> Anytime we can brighten our rear lights it is good. I put an 18 inch led over rear window when I installed the reaction arm discs. I wanted folks behind me to know "this coach is about to stop and do it in a short distance".
> Thanks for this information and especially the photos and part numbers.
> Dan

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Re: [GMCnet] HF LED vs. Incandescent bulb taillight - comparison [message #240989 is a reply to message #240872]

Sun, 23 February 2014 11:49

WD0AFQ

Messages: 7111
Registered: November 2004
Location: Dexter, Mo.

Karma: 207

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Thanks JP. At the price I would do as you and grab two and stick them in. AND the fit is important. Yes, Speedway has some front park lights that will plug right into ours but I have not figured out which ones for sure. They fit a 68-72 1/2 ton, one of those years but can't figure out which. LMC Trucks may have the same one. Maybe someone knows which parking lights ours are the same as, on these GM pickups.
Dan

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Re: [GMCnet] HF LED vs. Incandescent bulb taillight - comparison [message #240995 is a reply to message #240971]

Sun, 23 February 2014 12:56

kerry pinkerton

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Registered: July 2012
Location: Harvest, Al

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Jp Benson wrote on Sun, 23 February 2014 10:17

...

It certainly looks like a single board would be bright enough...

I'm not sure the words brake lights and 'bright enough' belong in the same sentence. LOL!

Reminds me of a cartoon in a car mag I remember from my youth. Stroker McGurk was having trouble passing his brake light inspection. After changing bulbs several times, he passed and as he drove away you see an image of the inspector with huge eyes. His buddy asked him what kind of bulbs he finally used to pass. Stroker replied: "Flash."

I run two vertical LED lights and someone would have to be near death not to see them.

New lights on left, originals on right.

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/data/6252/D_0051.jpg

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/led-taillights/p46805-prototype-rear-lights.html

note that I lost my useless backup light. I'll come up with a functional backup light before long.

Kerry Pinkerton - North Alabama Had 5 over the years. Currently have a '06 Fleetwood Discovery 39L

[Updated on: Sun, 23 February 2014 12:57]

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Re: [GMCnet] HF LED vs. Incandescent bulb taillight - comparison [message #241000 is a reply to message #240989]

Sun, 23 February 2014 13:46

Jp Benson

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Registered: October 2011
Location: Fla

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Dan, I forgot to mention that with two sets you get four side lights.
They're all red (i.e. rear) but they look OK under the amber lens on the
front.

My old front park/turn lights are the standard 1157 bulbs. Speedway has
an amber 1157 LED. Thanks for the tip on the chevy trucks. The 1970
C10 looks pretty close to the same lens.

JP

On 2/23/2014 12:49 PM, Dan Gregg wrote:
>
> Thanks JP. At the price I would do as you and grab two and stick them in. AND the fit is important. Yes, Speedway has some front park lights that will plug right into ours but I have not figured out which ones for sure. They fit a 68-72 1/2 ton, one of those years but can't figure out which. LMC Trucks may have the same one. Maybe someone knows which parking lights ours are the same as, on these GM pickups.
> Dan

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Re: [GMCnet] HF LED vs. Incandescent bulb taillight - comparison [message #241001 is a reply to message #240995]

Sun, 23 February 2014 13:50

Jp Benson

Messages: 649
Registered: October 2011
Location: Fla

Karma: 2

Senior Member

Kerry,

True enough about the brightness thing.

I was looking for your pic a while back but couldn't find it for some
reason. Wondered how they were holding up?

JP

On 2/23/2014 1:56 PM, Kerry Pinkerton wrote:
>
> Jp Benson wrote on Sun, 23 February 2014 10:17
>> ...
>>
>> It certainly looks like a single board would be bright enough...
>
> I'm not sure the words brake lights and 'bright enough' belong in the same sentence. LOL!
>
> Reminds me of a cartoon in a car mag I remember from my youth. Stroker McGurk was having trouble passing his brake light inspection. After changing bulbs several times, he passed and as he drove away you see an image of the inspector with huge eyes. His buddy asked him what kind of bulbs he finally used to pass. Stroker replied: "Flash."
>
> I run two vertical LED lights and someone would have to be near death not to see them.
>
> New lights on left, originals on right.
>
>
>
> http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/led-taillights/p46805-prototype-rear-lights.html

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Re: [GMCnet] HF LED vs. Incandescent bulb taillight - comparison [message #241051 is a reply to message #241000]

Sun, 23 February 2014 19:45

WD0AFQ

Messages: 7111
Registered: November 2004
Location: Dexter, Mo.

Karma: 207

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Jp Benson wrote on Sun, 23 February 2014 13:46

Dan, I forgot to mention that with two sets you get four side lights.

My old front park/turn lights are the standard 1157 bulbs. Speedway has
an amber 1157 LED. Thanks for the tip on the chevy trucks. The 1970
C10 looks pretty close to the same lens.

JP

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JP, if you figure out the front fixture, let me know. I'd like to have the entire unit. So far, I have found that just swapping bulbs is not a very good solution.
I have LEDs on all of my side markers now but these may be brighter, that come with the kit.
Thanks,
Dan

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Re: [GMCnet] HF LED vs. Incandescent bulb taillight - comparison [message #241078 is a reply to message #241001]

Sun, 23 February 2014 23:03

kerry pinkerton

Messages: 2565
Registered: July 2012
Location: Harvest, Al

Karma: 15

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Jp Benson wrote on Sun, 23 February 2014 13:50

I was looking for your pic a while back but couldn't find it for some reason. Wondered how they were holding up?...

JP, They've held up fine for the 14 months I've had them installed. She has been outside every day and not had a single problem. Considering they are sealed boat trailer lights, I wouldn't expect any problems with the lights themselves. My only concern is the 1157 pigtail to socket connection but that is true of any bulb and socket. I've got them loaded with dielectric grease. I check them before each trip.

Btw, one thing I've heard is that flashers, even the new digital flashers, like at least ONE incandescence bulb in the circuit. When I was talking to the guy I got my super loud flasher from he mentioned this also. I still have 1156s on the front. I tried the LED replacement 1156s and they didn't work that well and weren't that much brighter. I've got plans to do something with the amber versions of these on the front when time permits. If I do, I will probably add in some front signals facing rearward incorporated into the mirror arms and use standard 1156's to keep the flasher happy. That should wake up someone hiding in my blind spot although I look VERY carefully before I change lanes.

I'm sure there are flashers that will handle LED only but I'm not 'electrical' enough to deal with it.

Kerry Pinkerton - North Alabama Had 5 over the years. Currently have a '06 Fleetwood Discovery 39L

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Re: [GMCnet] HF LED vs. Incandescent bulb taillight - comparison [message #241104 is a reply to message #241078]

Mon, 24 February 2014 07:53

WD0AFQ

Messages: 7111
Registered: November 2004
Location: Dexter, Mo.

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Senior Member

Yes, there are LED flashers. But, I have chosen to leave an incandescent bulb in line on my stuff, so far. Not sure why. I have 9 flashing lights on the vdub. 2 of them are incandescent. All of the rest are led. I figure I can only afford one wreck in the vdub so I try to put it off for as long as possible. People can also hear me coming. Kinda like a Harley rider, louder is better when your daily driver is a baja. Smile

Dan

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Re: [GMCnet] HF LED vs. Incandescent bulb taillight - comparison [message #241124 is a reply to message #241078]

Mon, 24 February 2014 11:21

A Hamilto

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Registered: April 2011

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Kerry Pinkerton wrote on Sun, 23 February 2014 23:03

Jp Benson wrote on Sun, 23 February 2014 13:50

I was looking for your pic a while back but couldn't find it for some reason. Wondered how they were holding up?...

You could measure the resistance of a bulb and just put a resistor of that value in parallel with one of the LED lights in the circuit to make the flasher "think" there is a bulb in the circuit. Then you wouldn't need any bulbs. Only worth doing if your intent is to get the look and reliability of LEDs. The resistor should last a lot longer than a bulb.

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Re: [GMCnet] HF LED vs. Incandescent bulb taillight - comparison [message #241125 is a reply to message #240872]

Mon, 24 February 2014 11:39

WD0AFQ

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Registered: November 2004
Location: Dexter, Mo.

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I see Walmart has almost identical set of lights but they are 50 bux here. They have a 9 volt battery and a push switch so you can see how bright they are, right on the display. The price at HF seems to be a good price and the way JP has done his is the way to go.
Dan

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Re: [GMCnet] HF LED vs. Incandescent bulb taillight - comparison [message #241238 is a reply to message #241124]

Mon, 24 February 2014 20:42

Jp Benson

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Registered: October 2011
Location: Fla

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http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Hagan-Dummy-Load-Resistors-for-LED-Lights,47785.html

On 2/24/2014 12:21 PM, A. wrote:
> I'm sure there are flashers that will handle LED only but I'm not 'electrical' enough to deal with it.
> You could measure the resistance of a bulb and just put a resistor of that value in parallel with one of the LED lights in the circuit to make the flasher "think" there is a bulb in the circuit. Then you wouldn't need any bulbs. Only worth doing if your intent is to get the look and reliability of LEDs. The resistor should last a lot longer than a bulb.

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Re: [GMCnet] HF LED vs. Incandescent bulb taillight - comparison [message #241866 is a reply to message #241051]

Sat, 01 March 2014 10:23

Jp Benson

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Registered: October 2011
Location: Fla

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Dan,

No luck on finding a better LED solution for the parking lights. The
shape of the fixture prevents using the larger diameter 1157 LED
replacements.

I did find these NOS parts.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/67-68-CHEVY-TRUCK-PARK-TURN-LIGHT-AMBER-YELLOW-LAMP-NEW-OLD-STOCK-RARE-ITEM-/321253864070?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessorie s&hash=item4acc38f286&vxp=mtr&quantity=1&autorefresh=true

They appear to be for the GMC motorhome although it says 67-8 chevy truck.

67-8 chevy truck aftermarket lenses use the same base/gasket as the GMC so I bought a pair. They do work but I had to cut the ends down with a Dremel tool and remove the alignment tab.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/gmk-4143-070-67r?seid=srese1&gclid=CP-1zrHb8bwCFUpk7AodZiMA6A

JP

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>
> JP, if you figure out the front fixture, let me know. I'd like to have the entire unit. So far, I have found that just swapping bulbs is not a very good solution.
> I have LEDs on all of my side markers now but these may be brighter, that come with the kit.
> Thanks,
> Dan

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Re: [GMCnet] HF LED vs. Incandescent bulb taillight - comparison [message #241868 is a reply to message #241866]

Sat, 01 March 2014 10:38

A Hamilto

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Jp Benson wrote on Sat, 01 March 2014 10:23

...67-8 chevy truck aftermarket lenses use the same base/gasket as the GMC so I bought a pair. They do work but I had to cut the ends down with a Dremel tool and remove the alignment tab.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/gmk-4143-070-67r?seid=srese1&gclid=CP-1zrHb8bwCFUpk7AodZiMA6A

JP

The page indicates those are for right side. I don't know if it matters, but here is the url for the left side:

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/gmk-4143-070-67l/overview/

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Re: [GMCnet] HF LED vs. Incandescent bulb taillight - comparison [message #241869 is a reply to message #241866]

Sat, 01 March 2014 10:42

WD0AFQ

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Registered: November 2004
Location: Dexter, Mo.

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Hmmm. Some years back someone was selling brand new complete front parking/blinker fixtures. Mine were old and original so I bought the new ones. I am not going to replace them unless I can get a perfect fitting led version. That might be a 67/68 led from LMC Trucks. The replacement led bulbs, so far, are not of the quality as those built onto a board like your trailer lights. Maybe I can find one of my old ones, send to LMC and see if it will match. I doubt there is any profit in something like this for our vendors, but maybe. As mentioned, I have led circuit boards all over the vdub. Making me "seen" by others is what I like. I also have flashing circuit in the vdub brake lights. I tend to notice LED lights on big truck trailers the most. They are bright.
Dan

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Re: [GMCnet] HF LED vs. Incandescent bulb taillight - comparison [message #241872 is a reply to message #241868]

Sat, 01 March 2014 10:47

Jp Benson

Messages: 649
Registered: October 2011
Location: Fla

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Except for the vertical alignment tab, left & right are the same. I had
to either remove the tabs or modify the fixture. Much easier to cut the
tabs. Just have to pay attention that the lenses are installed right
side up so the drain/vent is on the bottom.

JP

On 3/1/2014 11:38 AM, A. wrote:
>
> Jp Benson wrote on Sat, 01 March 2014 10:23
>> ...67-8 chevy truck aftermarket lenses use the same base/gasket as the GMC so I bought a pair. They do work but I had to cut the ends down with a Dremel tool and remove the alignment tab.
>>
>> http://www.summitracing.com/parts/gmk-4143-070-67r?seid=srese1&gclid=CP-1zrHb8bwCFUpk7AodZiMA6A
>>
>> JP
> The page indicates those are for right side. I don't know if it matters, but here is the url for the left side:
>
> http://www.summitracing.com/parts/gmk-4143-070-67l/overview/

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