LED Bulbs

I tested clustered LEDs as brake lites. In all three classic cars I own I own they were not as bright as tungsten bulbs. Halogen bulbs were not a significant improvement over tungsten bulbs.

Curt

I bought and installed LED bulbs in the smaller instruments about a year ago. I bought green LEDs since the green filters in those instruments were shot. I saw a slight increase in brightness, but not enough, IMHO, to justify the $30 price I paid for the bulbs to do the tach, speedometer and 5 other instruments. I disassmebled each gauge and removed the remains of the green filters before I installed the lED bulbs

From what I've read using LEDs for brake and turn signals will work, They simply cluster multiple LEDs to achieve the necessary brightness. One problem I;'ve read about is becasue the bulbs draw so little current they may not be able to properly activate the thermal turn signal blinker unit. I don't know if that is fact but it's worth checking out.

Also I understand that LEDs are pretty directional so if each LED in a cluster is orientated in the same direction they will show little light to the side, unlike an incandescent bulb which throws light 360 degrees. The solution is that some manufacturers plce the individual LEDs at angles to "spread" the beam.

Alan,
You're talking about exterior lights. The lights I replaced are the little small instrument lights. I would'nt think LED would be bright enough for brake or turn signal lights.

Gary Vaughan
JDCNT & JOASW
67 Series I OTS

Google LED Bulbs and you can get them in the US for about $2 each but the secret is knowing which is best for your application. According to one website, LED's are not as bright as tungsten, bulb for bulb, but because they draw very little current you can have multiple LED's using far fewer amps per application. I tried LED rear lamp bulbs from AutoZone and they were no brighter, but cost much more.

Edited on 2009-09-28 13:20:54

Gary,
On the instrument panel, does the "dim" and "bright" feature work with LEDs?
Miklos

P.S. Nice car!

It is suppose to, but if it does, I can't tell. But I leave it on bright when ever I drive it anyway.

Gary,
On the instrument panel, does the "dim" and "bright" feature work with LEDs?
Miklos

Got to admit that looks like a great solution to dim stop/parking bulbs, and the need to have the reflector area in the lamp assemblies re-chromed. Thanks for the link.

I purchased some for my 67 OTS and really like them. They are brighter and as for bulb life I can't comment on yet, since I have only had them 10 months. I purchased them from "ultraleds.co.uk" on line an they cost me 34 pounds, which is about $55.00. Good Luck