CMHSL LED install on my ZR-1

[GOLDCYLON]

Well I installed the LEDs for the Center Mounted High Safety Lamp or (CMHSL) on my ride this is a 15 Mins install tops. These are avaialable from CorvetteHID.com Tools you will need.

1. Soft towel
2. Flat Blade Screw Driver
3. Philp Blade Screw Driver
4. Torx Head screw driver.

First. locate the Two Torx Head screws on the underside top portion of your rear hatch glass. Remove these two torx head screws. A screw driver with a Torx head attachment driver fitting is all you will need you do not need a rachet wrench.

Second. Place the soft towel on the rear portion of your targa roof so you can now flip the CMHSL housing over upside down onto the towel. (Dont want to scratch or top now do we?)This can be done easily eventhough the wires are attached. The flat black plastic base may stick a bit to the housing but it will come off to allow you to do this.

Third. Using your Phillp screw driver remove the two screws that secure the Red Lens to the CMHSL housing. You will now need to remove the Lens from the housing to expose the 4 Bayonet bulbs in the reflector housing. Mine took a little while to come loose due to a sticky black weatherstripping gasket that mates with the housing and the lens. Pry up the rear and sides of the lens and it will break free. Do not pry up the front of the lens as if it was to crack here you wont be happy. Take your time it will all come up from the hosuing. Do this part slowly. DOnt be lazy pry one side then walk around the car to get the other side.

Fourth. Pull the old bulbs straight out of the silver reflective housings and install the new LEDs. The LEDs once installed need to be bent over to one side (see picture below from the install instuctions provide by the vendor). This is so as much as the visable LEDs surface is exposed as possible. I was surprised to find out these were red LEDs Vs White.

Fifth. Test your install. With the CMHSL housing still upsidedown on the roof open your door and put your foot down to check your work. If its good to go just reverse the install procedure and your on your way. GC

Look for the two TORX screws here. Between the Hatch glass retention bolts

http://members.cox.net/goldcylon/Hatch1.jpg


Old bulb on the left VS. New LEDs on the right. Each circle represent one LED or six red LEDS per replacement bulb

http://members.cox.net/goldcylon/led-2.jpg


See how the new LEDS have to be bent to the left or right? The goal is to get the six circles facing to the rear.

http://members.cox.net/goldcylon/led-1.jpg

[GOLDCYLON]

Lights on no brake lights

http://members.cox.net/goldcylon/led-3.jpg


Lights on with brake lights

http://members.cox.net/goldcylon/led-4.jpg

[xlr8nflorida]

Damn, looks like my 700 lumens tactical light.

[GOLDCYLON]

Damn, looks like my 700 lumens tactical light.

Im happy. After being rear ended about 5 times here in Phoenix in other vehicles at least they cant tell me they didnt see the brake lights. They are brighter than stock, now the CMHSL is as well

[ShawnZR-1]

The CHMSL looks nice but the tail lights... well, the pattern of LED's just doesn't compliment the outline of the lights. I'd rather see some smaller LED's that frame the squared off roundness of the lights better.

I've been soooo close to replacing mine but the offerings just don't match what I'm looking for. Yeah, I'm picky!

[xlr8nflorida]

The CHMSL looks nice but the tail lights... well, the pattern of LED's just doesn't compliment the outline of the lights. I'd rather see some smaller LED's that frame the squared off roundness of the lights better.

I've been soooo close to replacing mine but the offerings just don't match what I'm looking for. Yeah, I'm picky!

No, I agree with you and have always noticed that.

I've also thought of the red/amber lights but not sure that would look good on a yellow car.

[ShawnZR-1]

No, I agree with you and have always noticed that.

I've also thought of the red/amber lights but not sure that would look good on a yellow car.

I can tell you the euro lights look GREAT on a white Z, but yellow... hmmm, definitely have to see that, can't say for sure.

[GOLDCYLON]

The CHMSL looks nice but the tail lights... well, the pattern of LED's just doesn't compliment the outline of the lights. I'd rather see some smaller LED's that frame the squared off roundness of the lights better.

I've been soooo close to replacing mine but the offerings just don't match what I'm looking for. Yeah, I'm picky!

Dont forget my tailights are blocked partly by chrome billet louvers. With more than 48 individual LEDs per lens you will be hard pressed to find another taillight solution. To fill it out the way your are suggesting would take about 60-75 LEDs per lens. Nobody will produce those due to the price point. Some of my pattern is eliminated however due to the billet frames.

http://members.cox.net/goldcylon/Newlargefikse4a.jpg

[HAWAIIZR-1]

Thanks for taking the time to document and share this great mod. :handshak: I'll add this to my list of projects. :thumbsup:

[-=Jeff=-]

The CHMSL looks nice but the tail lights... well, the pattern of LED's just doesn't compliment the outline of the lights. I'd rather see some smaller LED's that frame the squared off roundness of the lights better.

I've been soooo close to replacing mine but the offerings just don't match what I'm looking for. Yeah, I'm picky!

Yeah I would like the same.. I really like the C5 Halo ligts.,.. if they could only make those for a C4..

[GOLDCYLON]

Thanks for taking the time to document and share this great mod. :handshak: I'll add this to my list of projects. :thumbsup:

Thanks Greg Im doing the door weatherstripping seals next. I will document those as well

[-=Jeff=-]

Thanks Greg Im doing the door weatherstripping seals next. I will document those as well

the outer seals?

[GOLDCYLON]

the outer seals?

Nope the door surround seal. Did the inners and outer window seals already

[-=Jeff=-]

Nope the door surround seal. Did the inners and outer window seals already

Ah Cool, that one is fairly easy

[Dynomite]

Dont forget my tailights are blocked partly by chrome billet louvers. With more than 48 individual LEDs per lens you will be hard pressed to find another taillight solution. To fill it out the way your are suggesting would take about 60-75 LEDs per lens. Nobody will produce those due to the price point. Some of my pattern is eliminated however due to the billet frames.

http://members.cox.net/goldcylon/Newlargefikse4a.jpg

:cheers: I assume you got your LED tail/stop light kits at Corvette South which comes with electronic flasher and your LED CHMSL at CorvetteHID?

Where did you get your chrome billet louvers?

I like the look in daylight as well as at night :thumbsup:

[GOLDCYLON]

Correct Corvette South but I think their source is Ecklers
I will need to research that one Cliff I picked them up on Ebay more than 3 years ago and they are heavy raised billet and about $350 if I remember correctly. They are not the standard cheapo stainless cutouts.

[Dynomite]

Correct Corvette South but I think their source is Ecklers
I will need to research that one Cliff I picked them up on Ebay more than 3 years ago and they are heavy raised billet and about $350 if I remember correctly. They are not the standard cheapo stainless cutouts.

Yes....Corvette South and Ecklers have the chrome billet louvers and they are not cheap...but then again...they are billet 3D and very very nice.

Ecklers and Corvette South have the LED tail light kit (48 LED per light) :thumbsup:
I assume you have the 48 LED per tail light?

CorvetteHID has both the LED tail light kit (30 LED per light) as well as the CHMSL LED (3 LED per bulb). CorvetteHID will send a (6 LED per bulb) CHMSL kit as long as supplies last even if you buy the 3 LED bulb CHMSL kit shown on their web site. CorvetteHID suggests 30 LED tail lights are as bright as 48 LED tail lights which I am not sure.

Thank you Daryll :cheers:

[GOLDCYLON]

Yes....Corvette South and Ecklers have the chrome billet louvers and they are not cheap...but then again...they are billet 3D and very very nice.

Ecklers and Corvette South have the LED tail light kit (48 LED per light) :thumbsup:
I assume you have the 48 LED per tail light?

CorvetteHID has both the LED tail light kit (30 LED per light) as well as the CHMSL LED (3 LED per bulb). CorvetteHID will send a (6 LED per bulb) CHMSL kit as long as supplies last even if you buy the 3 LED bulb CHMSL kit shown on their web site. CorvetteHID suggests 30 LED tail lights are as bright as 48 LED tail lights which I am not sure.

Thank you Daryll :cheers:


Hi Cliff yep go with the 48 LEDs per lens. I was able to pick them up cheaper from Corvette South. These replace the entire lens. The Corvettehid CMHSL replacemtn leds should be 6 leds per bulb (See my above pic each circle on the blub is a led) ask if the upgrade LEDs are still available and dont take any less per bulb. My billet 3D covers I picked up on Ebay some im not sure if they are the same as the one I have but look at the pic below for a side view if you decide to buy them.

Heres a side view of those billet covers

http://members.cox.net/goldcylon/REARANGLE.JPG

[Dynomite]

Hi Cliff yep go with the 48 LEDs per lens. I was able to pick them up cheaper from Corvette South. These replace the entire lens. The Corvettehid CMHSL replacemtn leds should be 6 leds per bulb (See my above pic each circle on the blub is a led) ask if the upgrade LEDs are still available and dont take any less per bulb. My billet 3D covers I picked up on Ebay some im not sure if they are the same as the one I have but look at the pic below for a side view if you decide to buy them.

Heres a side view of those billet covers

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll142/dynomite007/ZR1%20NET/GCLouvers.jpg



Very nice side shot on the billet aluminum tail light covers :cheers:

Actually Ecklers has the best price on the 48 LED tail lights now.

And yes on the 6 LED per bulb....we shall see :thumbsup:

Corvette South has the best price on the billet aluminum tail light louvers.

[GOLDCYLON]

Thanks Cliff :cheers: I really need to update these pictures since I added the rear window louvers. I like mods that are not permament but look different lol

[Dynomite]

Hi Cliff yep go with the 48 LEDs per lens. I was able to pick them up cheaper from Corvette South. These replace the entire lens. The Corvettehid CMHSL replacemtn leds should be 6 leds per bulb.


Yep...I just received four of the 6 LED bulbs from CorvetteHID. Now if I can follow your instructions :-D

Also got two freebee direct replacement LED bulbs from CorvetteHID to try out :thumbsup:

[GOLDCYLON]

Yep...I just received four of the 6 LED bulbs from CorvetteHID. Now if I can follow your instructions :-D

Also got two freebee direct replacement LED bulbs from CorvetteHID to try out :thumbsup:


Ok Cliff cough it up what were the freebees ? :dontknow:

[Dynomite]

Ok Cliff cough it up what were the freebees ? :dontknow:

It says direct OEM replacement "simulated" HID white beam so not LED.....but free :mrgreen:
http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll142/dynomite007/P1010001.jpg

I can hardly wait until tomorrow to install those four CHMSL 6 LED bulbs albiet the Z is up on jacks :cheers:

[GOLDCYLON]

It says direct OEM replacement "simulated" HID white beam so not LED.....but free :mrgreen:
http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll142/dynomite007/P1010001.jpg

I can hardly wait until tomorrow to install those four CHMSL 6 LED bulbs albiet the Z is up on jacks :cheers:


You must have Hella H4 housings me too

[96LT4]

I can tell you the euro lights look GREAT on a white Z, but yellow... hmmm, definitely have to see that, can't say for sure.

I'll take that as a compliment. ;)

http://96lt4.com/2009/ZPARTS26.jpg

[Dynomite]

Thanks Cliff :cheers: I really need to update these pictures since I added the rear window louvers. I like mods that are not permament but look different lol. You must have Hella H4 housings me too.

Your instructions for mounting four LED bulbs in CHMSL worked very well :thumbsup:

I used a bit of paper towel wrapped around each LED when I inserted them so as not to get finger prints on the face of the LED.

I have regular bulb sockets on the tail lights. The 48 LED per light fit right in to the stock bulb tail light sockets. The LED tail lights have a flat lens :thumbsup:

I did replace the foam gasket on the CHMSL red cover/red plastic housing when I put it back together.

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll142/dynomite007/ZR1/CHMSL-1.jpghttp://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll142/dynomite007/ZR1/LEDtaillights.jpg
Oh..ya...they are very bright :D

I will take a picture of everything tonight.

[Dynomite]

LED Tail lights :-D

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll142/dynomite007/ZR1/LED.jpg

[GOLDCYLON]

LED Tail lights :-D

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll142/dynomite007/ZR1/LED.jpg


:hello: My eyes My eyes..... Looks great BTW my lenses are also smooth Cliff

[Dynomite]

http://members.cox.net/goldcylon/REARANGLE.JPG
But....are the lenses flat? In this picture they look like they almost touch the billet aluminum tail light cover in the center. The LED lenses I installed are flat just like the billet aluminum tail light cover. The stock tail light lenses are rounded a bit like you show in this picture and I am thinking these lenses are before you installed LED.

[GOLDCYLON]

But....are the lenses flat? In this picture they look like they almost touch the billet aluminum tail light cover in the center. The LED lenses I installed are flat just like the billet aluminum tail light cover. The stock tail light lenses are rounded a bit like you show in this picture and I am thinking these lenses are before you installed LED.


Yes they are flat. That pic was taken Pre-LEDs and is with Stock lenses that were indeed curved. The Billet frames never fit quite right because they are flat on the backside as well. Now they fit much better

[ZZZZZR1]

I'll take that as a compliment. ;)

http://96lt4.com/2009/ZPARTS26.jpg

How much were those tail lamps? I like!!!!!!!!

Where did you get them from? :thumbsup:

[Dynomite]

Yes they are flat. That pic was taken Pre-LEDs and is with Stock lenses that were indeed curved. The Billet frames never fit quite right because they are flat on the backside as well.

Now they fit much better

You mean like this ;)

The billet chrome louvers look a lot better than I thought they would on red :thumbsup:
The billet louvers fit perfect especially up against the flat lens of the LED tail lights.

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll142/dynomite007/ZR1/Louver1.jpg

[pantera1683]

Goldcylon, can you repost the CHMSL pics?

[GOLDCYLON]

Goldcylon, can you repost the CHMSL pics?


Sorry long gone :(

[GOLDCYLON]

http://i1120.photobucket.com/albums/l498/goldcylon/new20LED.jpg (http://s1120.photobucket.com/user/goldcylon/media/new20LED.jpg.html)


I abandoned the old LEDS because I wasn't happy with the results. they were not very bright and just looked like four separate bulbs in the CHMSL because LEDS did not reflect off the factory reflector like stock. So.... several years ago -=JEFF=- made me a custom unit. Its been running strong many years now. And.... better than stock. The pic above is the final result of this project

[Schrade]

http://i1120.photobucket.com/albums/l498/goldcylon/new20LED.jpg (http://s1120.photobucket.com/user/goldcylon/media/new20LED.jpg.html)


I abandoned the old LEDS because I wasn't happy with the results. they were not very bright and just looked like four separate bulbs in the CHMSL because LEDS did not reflect off the factory reflector like stock. So.... several years ago -=JEFF=- made me a custom unit. Its been running strong many years now. And.... better than stock. The pic above is the final result of this project

Need to see Jeff's custom unit...

I found some dis-continued Universal Fit LED's at Advance the other day for CHEAP, and thought there might be a way to integrate them into the front Driving Light harnesses...

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-pjcdXPLDVs0/Up3SBIkITRI/AAAAAAAADDI/_gGN7A7g01s/s1280/HPIM7604.JPG

[GOLDCYLON]

LEDS are indeed becoming cheaper as well as standard on most newer cars. I basically sent Jeff a Used CMSHL and he did the conversion for me which was plug and play. Result was brillant