LED lights for exterior lights - ZR-1 Net Registry Forums

secondchance · 03-06-2019

First and foremost, it's all Charlie's fault!

Based on discussion between Charlie (Dredge) and Marc over benefit of LED CHMSL, I modified my CHMSL with LED piece for Uplander (and other GM mini vans). All of a sudden, rear brake lights look like row of candles... I thought about going with LED taillights with LEDs embedded behind the lens but for almost $200?!
Upon some research (namely google and ebay) I found out LED replacement bulbs have improved quite a bit in the last 2-3 years.
Below are my selection of turn signal relay, LED bulbs and thoughts behind the selection.
Also, due to difference in shape between conventional bulbs and LEDs all light sockets had to be ground down around outer edge a little bit in order to insert LED bulbs deep enough to turn and engage in the socket:

Turn signal relay:
https://www.amazon.com/Signal-Flashe...71847925&psc=1

There is another version with see-thru cylindrical housing. Cylindrical version fits into spring clip but made ticking sound. I used square box version because it is quieter and seemed to be solid state.
Update: Changing my recommendation to;
https://www.ebay.com/itm/2-Prong-Ele...rd!22102!US!-1

Rectangular version worked fine for tail light conversion. However, further addition of LED side markers and front turn signal started a strange phenomenon of faint chiming while driving. Somehow resistance build up with LEDs seems to have triggered "key in ignition" warning chime. Not loud but certainly there.

Front amber marker and tail/brake lights:
I selected Sylvania Zevo 1157R (for rear) and Zevo 1157 amber (for front marker/turn signal).
Reason for my preference for Zevo is substantial construction and fires LEDs back at 45 degrees to the reflector. This design avoids center hot spots and illuminates tail lenses uniformly. Be sure to get Zevo red for the rear. White will over power the red lenses. Also, be sure to order amber for the fronts.
https://www.amazon.com/SYLVANIA-Brig.../dp/B01A77TV4Q

Front side lights (activated when turn signal is turned on), rear quarter back up lights and back up lights flanking rear license plate:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/AUXITO-2X-4...4AAOSwoMZcY8c1

Reason for my preference is that these LEDs have clear plastic dome on the top. Resulting light distribution mimics incandescent/halogen bulbs. Also, construction is of good quality compared to some other LED and upper assembly projection beyond metal socket is relatively small resulting in minimal grinding of light socket.

Front side and rear side markers/turn signal:
I found some tiny wedge LEDs in my bulb collection for markers and are working fine. I am still having difficulty nailing down the bulb type. Old GM bulbs are designated #24. Current description seems to be T5 wedge but I am not positive. My understanding is that T5 refers to socket end width being 5 mm. I ordered some with clear plastic domes but seems to be literally on a slow boat from China...

03-06-2019	#1
secondchance Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: McLean, VA Posts: 3,724	LED lights for exterior lights First and foremost, it's all Charlie's fault! Based on discussion between Charlie (Dredge) and Marc over benefit of LED CHMSL, I modified my CHMSL with LED piece for Uplander (and other GM mini vans). All of a sudden, rear brake lights look like row of candles... I thought about going with LED taillights with LEDs embedded behind the lens but for almost $200?! Upon some research (namely google and ebay) I found out LED replacement bulbs have improved quite a bit in the last 2-3 years. Below are my selection of turn signal relay, LED bulbs and thoughts behind the selection. Also, due to difference in shape between conventional bulbs and LEDs all light sockets had to be ground down around outer edge a little bit in order to insert LED bulbs deep enough to turn and engage in the socket: Turn signal relay: https://www.amazon.com/Signal-Flashe...71847925&psc=1 There is another version with see-thru cylindrical housing. Cylindrical version fits into spring clip but made ticking sound. I used square box version because it is quieter and seemed to be solid state. Update: Changing my recommendation to; https://www.ebay.com/itm/2-Prong-Ele...rd!22102!US!-1 Rectangular version worked fine for tail light conversion. However, further addition of LED side markers and front turn signal started a strange phenomenon of faint chiming while driving. Somehow resistance build up with LEDs seems to have triggered "key in ignition" warning chime. Not loud but certainly there. Front amber marker and tail/brake lights: I selected Sylvania Zevo 1157R (for rear) and Zevo 1157 amber (for front marker/turn signal). Reason for my preference for Zevo is substantial construction and fires LEDs back at 45 degrees to the reflector. This design avoids center hot spots and illuminates tail lenses uniformly. Be sure to get Zevo red for the rear. White will over power the red lenses. Also, be sure to order amber for the fronts. https://www.amazon.com/SYLVANIA-Brig.../dp/B01A77TV4Q Front side lights (activated when turn signal is turned on), rear quarter back up lights and back up lights flanking rear license plate: https://www.ebay.com/itm/AUXITO-2X-4...4AAOSwoMZcY8c1 Reason for my preference is that these LEDs have clear plastic dome on the top. Resulting light distribution mimics incandescent/halogen bulbs. Also, construction is of good quality compared to some other LED and upper assembly projection beyond metal socket is relatively small resulting in minimal grinding of light socket. Front side and rear side markers/turn signal: I found some tiny wedge LEDs in my bulb collection for markers and are working fine. I am still having difficulty nailing down the bulb type. Old GM bulbs are designated #24. Current description seems to be T5 wedge but I am not positive. My understanding is that T5 refers to socket end width being 5 mm. I ordered some with clear plastic domes but seems to be literally on a slow boat from China... Last edited by secondchance; 03-11-2019 at 12:54 PM.