Was outside the other night, with my lights on, and I realized that you really can't see the truck from the rear that well, so as I'm looking for a set of LED taillights, I figured I'd experiment.


I had a 2" round (9) LED parking lamp, siting around, and I figured I'd install it on the truck.

Didn't want to cut a hole in the side of the truck, so for the mean time, I just stuck it in the taillight.

2 1/8" hole saw, and about 15 minutes, and what a dramatic improvement for others to see the truck at night from the side view.

I'm going to add a bunch of LED running board lights to the side, and maybe even permanently put a light in the rear fender... something flush and not that sticks out like the thumb lamp in my tail light... but it's good for now..

What's ya think ? Hate it ? Like it ? eh, who cares ?

I like the idea that I'm more visible @ night from the side, especially since I'll be plowing snow with it..

 

I don't really care for the look of it.

 

I've upgraded my taillights with the multi-LED bulbs. I like them. I've still got to get around to doing the front.

NOTE:

- You'll get the best results if you get red LEDs to go behind your red lens. Get yellow LEDs for going behind yellow lens. This works MUCH better than a white LED behind the red or yellow lens.

- If you convert your entire stop and turn signal system to LEDs, you may find that you'll also have to change your blinker to an electronic blinker as the LEDs don't draw enough current for the old-school blinkers to work right. They'll act like you've got burned-out bulks and blink really fast, if at all.

- Our trucks sport tail-lights that include side looking lens. What I mean is the red light is presented as seen from the side of the truck, not just pointing back. Know that current LED technology has them shine the light really good in one direction. They don't glow well from the sides like a standard bulb does.
That being said, be sure to get LED bulbs that include LEDs shining to the side.

 

David,

Is it possible for you to photograph your tail lights ? I tried, without success, as I'm not really good with cameras, and settings required for shooting @ night.

I already have the electronic flashers, as the OE ones were toast. Thank you for all of the good pointers, as I would like to do something with these tail lights to make them brighter..

I've found your bulbs you're talking about on amazon, but not of lots of good reviews on them.

T.

 

Ditto,

That's why I was looking for something more appropriate. My lenses are broken up, so I'm switching regardless. Looking to enhance them, considering there are no LED tail lenses available, AFAIK

Just FYI

I have what I would consider an innovative idea on how to address this.

I just ordered two new light assemblies. I'll post pix once my experimentation is done.


T.

 

I have the multi led bulbs in mine also they are pretty darn bright.

 

I'm not sure this does them justice . . .

Driving ..



Brakes on . . .



IIRC, The ones I run are P/N: 1157-R45-T as are found here: http://www.superbrightleds.com/cgi-b...rake-turn.html

 

David you will probly never get hit in the rearend...........99% of the people can't get close enough.

 

What about wiring one of these INSIDE each len pointing to the side as you see in some of the taillights in the newer trucks?

(Linked image)


I think that would be pretty cool looking!!

 

That's exactly what I'll be doing with my new lenses I just ordered.


Taking a stock set of tail light assemblies and inserting a set of LED's inside. I'll be using the original ones for experimenting, and once I figure out the best method, I'll LED my new lenses.


T.

 

Thanks David. Gives me good inspiration......

Based upon the chart provided by that website you suggested, wouldn't it be "brighter" if we bought the white ones ?

Look @ this chart.

http://www.superbrightleds.com/cgi-b...115x-x45-T.htm


T.

 

How about the superbrightleds bulbs that plug into the factory harness? They have bulbs shining 360 deg. They are like $18

 

I have a strip of LEDs that go under the tailgate that light up when the headlights are on, and that get brighter for brake lights. I think it looks cool and it definitely adds some additional visibility.

 

I've seen lights like that aimed at a chrome diff cover, which adds rear visibility and highlights the cool cover ,

 

NJT, have you discovered if there's an easy way to remove the red lens from the taillight assembly itself? Looks as though it's glued into place. I wonder if some sort of adhesive or gasket remover would free it up without eating through or leaving a haze on the lens.