| newer style tail lights [message #175619] |
Thu, 05 July 2012 10:43  |
roy1
Messages: 2126
Registered: July 2004
Location: Minden nevada
Karma: 6
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I picked up a couple of late style tail lights in like new condition at Pick and Pull on sale day. I was looking at Gene's site as to the modifications needed. I see Emery mounted the new lights complete. Some just the lens and some a section of the newer assembly? Does the complete newer unit give a better light then the mix of new and old? Does one fit better then the other?Is it just a mater of choice? Any suggestions before I start cutting things up?
Roy Keen
Minden,NV
76 X Glenbrook
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| Re: newer style tail lights [message #175622 is a reply to message #175619] |
Thu, 05 July 2012 11:03  |
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mike miller
Messages: 3576
Registered: February 2004
Location: Hillsboro, Oregon
Karma: 0
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| roy1 wrote on Thu, 05 July 2012 08:43 |
I picked up a couple of late style tail lights in like new condition at Pick and Pull on sale day. ...
... Does the complete newer unit give a better light then the mix of new and old? Does one fit better then the other?Is it just a mater of choice? Any suggestions before I start cutting things up?
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Pretty much there isn't anything you can do to make the old reflector match the "modern" reflector that is part of the new assembly.
BUT....
You have to cut the body for the lights to fit. It makes one more place to ensure you have sealed. (Can you say water leaks?)
I am beginning to think the best way would be to go to (white) LED's mounted on the original reflector and removing all of the gray plastic of the new tail lights. Most LEDS do not use the reflector.
OBTW: Rock Auto has brand new tail lights at not much more than Pick-n-pull prices. You do not get any sockets or wiring, but if you are cutting the lights anyway, you are not going to use them.
Mike Miller -- Hillsboro, OR -- on the Black list
(#2)`78 23' Birchaven Rear Bath -- (#3)`77 23' Birchaven Side Bath
More Sidekicks than GMC's and a late model Malibu called 'Boo'
http://m000035.blogspot.com
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| Re: newer style tail lights [message #175643 is a reply to message #175633] |
Thu, 05 July 2012 15:37 |
tphipps
Messages: 3005
Registered: August 2004
Location: Spanish Fort, AL
Karma: 9
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Pete Peak from Maryland sells a "just the lenses" kit. He is listed on eBay, and the price is $99. Ten minute conversion. Has an additional aluminum reflector to keep the light from leaking from red portion to back up light portion. I believe that this is the same kit that Bert and Faye have for sale.
Pete was able to get the manufacturer of the assembly for GM to sell him just the outside lenses.
They look better than my pick-a-part selections.
LED's are coming. Have 1 watt reds to install. (6 per side).
Tom Phipps, MS II
2012 Phoenix Cruiser model 2552
KA4CSG
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| Re: newer style tail lights [message #175698 is a reply to message #175694] |
Thu, 05 July 2012 20:26 |
tphipps
Messages: 3005
Registered: August 2004
Location: Spanish Fort, AL
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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Cannot just replace filament builds with raw LEDs. Current will destroy LEDs faster than your eyes can registar their destruction. You must limit input current to the LED chain. Cheap method is resistor properly sized. Better, more expensive, a current regulator circuit. RS sells a kit for both 1 & 3 watt LEDs. Roll you own.
End up with a similar appearance to the LED lights used on new vehicles. Use red LEDs behind red lenses for brightest light output.
Hope this helps.
Tom, MS II
2012 Phoenix Cruiser model 2552
KA4CSG
[Updated on: Thu, 05 July 2012 20:27] Report message to a moderator |
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