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...

GOLDCYLON · 03-06-2019

If I remember correctly they are T5 I am also using those Sylvania LED for the amber turn signals and DRLs. GC

Paul Workman · 03-06-2019

Here are a couple LED retro bulbs from superbrightleds that I have installed w/o needing to modify the collar of several sockets.

1156-x3W-G-CAR

1157-x3W-G-CAR

I would recommend these lights as a direct replacement: they install without any fiddling or grinding of stock sockets. (listed with others and a host of options and installation considerations, in my series of LED articles in HOTB.)

secondchance · 03-06-2019

Paul,

Only caution I add is that 1157-x3W-G-CAR will show a hot spot in the middle of the tail light lens.

Are these bulbs white or available in red and amber? Front turn signals seem to be behind clear lenses and if the light source is white will not glow in amber.

HAWAIIZR-1 · 03-07-2019

Hey Yun! Thanks for sharing as timing is perfect. I was looking at both my interior and exterior lights just the other day, and thought I need to do something. I have the Euro lamps, but I think this should work great too with the correct bulbs. It seems I need 4 - 1157 Red and 4 - 1156 Amber just for the rear. I’ll let you know how it is. Geez, I have quite a few SecondChance mods on my cars!! Thanks again!

HAWAIIZR-1 · 03-07-2019

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul Workman

Here are a couple LED retro bulbs from superbrightleds that I have installed w/o needing to modify the collar of several sockets.

1156-x3W-G-CAR

1157-x3W-G-CAR

I would recommend these lights as a direct replacement: they install without any fiddling or grinding of stock sockets. (listed with others and a host of options and installation considerations, in my series of LED articles in HOTB.)

Thanks too P!! I’m going to check out your articles too!! I want to replace all bulbs to LED.

Sent from my iPhone using ZR-1 Net Registry

Paul Workman · 03-07-2019

Quote:

Originally Posted by secondchance

Paul,

Only caution I add is that 1157-x3W-G-CAR will show a hot spot in the middle of the tail light lens.

Are these bulbs white or available in red and amber? Front turn signals seem to be behind clear lenses and if the light source is white will not glow in amber.

On my '90, the ONLY places I needed

1156-x3W-G-CAR

1157-x3W-G-CAR

was the turn illumination corner lights. Otherwise the 'tower' LEDs fit/work just fine. And, the tower lights come in various colors and brightness (and prices usually commiserate with LUMENS (output)).

Below, excerpted from the article(s) are examples and an illustration (via -=Jeff=-) illustrating why some bulbs design will interfere with the stock socket. HOWEVER, such is NOT ALWAYS THE CASE. Most will fit w/o spending the (double amount) for the retros (referenced above).

AND, if you're intention is to covert all or most of the lights to LEDs, then you will need to be aware of the huge current reduction resulting from most LEDs and the use of LOAD RESISTORS, alternate wiring options, and special LED (rated) flashers* - all discussed in the articles too.

*It's all really simple, once you know what you're dealing with when you retro an incandescent bulb with an LED. In many cases there are NO special considerations - just "plug and play".

secondchance · 03-08-2019

Quote:

Originally Posted by HAWAIIZR-1

Hey Yun! Thanks for sharing as timing is perfect. I was looking at both my interior and exterior lights just the other day, and thought I need to do something. I have the Euro lamps, but I think this should work great too with the correct bulbs. It seems I need 4 - 1157 Red and 4 - 1156 Amber just for the rear. I’ll let you know how it is. Geez, I have quite a few SecondChance mods on my cars!! Thanks again!

Hey! Hope all have been well with you and your 94 (or was it a 95?).
At least factory tail light sockets did not require any grinding and accepted Sylvania Zevos. I am waiting for amber Zevos for the fronts. I ordered a pair of 1156s instead of 1157s. I ended up with a few useless LEDs since this ended up being trial and error process.

HAWAIIZR-1 · 03-08-2019

Quote:

Originally Posted by secondchance

Hey! Hope all have been well with you and your 94 (or was it a 95?).

At least factory tail light sockets did not require any grinding and accepted Sylvania Zevos. I am waiting for amber Zevos for the fronts. I ordered a pair of 1156s instead of 1157s. I ended up with a few useless LEDs since this ended up being trial and error process.

Thanks Yun! All is well with me and the 95. Finally drove it yesterday after a few months in hibernation and beat on it. I have a high idle issue to deal with so I guess good time to get around to install the top end ported parts. I ordered all the bulbs and flasher, but not interior yet. My front had a amber 1157 so ordered the same.

The shop that I used here to get car modded for Japanese specs inspection did a bunch of wire splicing to my turn signals. Not sure what but they still work so I’m not worried about it. I installed side marker LEDs inside my fender gills and I guess he tapped those to make them blink as turn signals too. He was going to yank them off after import inspection, but I like them so left on. Anyway more than you care to know. Thanks again!!

Sent from my iPhone using ZR-1 Net Registry

secondchance · 03-08-2019

Quote:

Originally Posted by HAWAIIZR-1

Thanks Yun! All is well with me and the 95. Finally drove it yesterday after a few months in hibernation and beat on it. I have a high idle issue to deal with so I guess good time to get around to install the top end ported parts. I ordered all the bulbs and flasher, but not interior yet. My front had a amber 1157 so ordered the same.

The shop that I used here to get car modded for Japanese specs inspection did a bunch of wire splicing to my turn signals. Not sure what but they still work so I’m not worried about it. I installed side marker LEDs inside my fender gills and I guess he tapped those to make them blink as turn signals too. He was going to yank them off after import inspection, but I like them so left on. Anyway more than you care to know. Thanks again!!

Sent from my iPhone using ZR-1 Net Registry

I noticed in Korea (South of course) modifications are strictly forbidden even for cosmetic bs stuff. I suspect general social attitude expecting conformance is responsible for this attitude. Is Japan more accepting of custom mods?

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.

03-06-2019	#4
secondchance Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: McLean, VA Posts: 3,724	Re: LED lights for exterior lights Paul, Only caution I add is that 1157-x3W-G-CAR will show a hot spot in the middle of the tail light lens. Are these bulbs white or available in red and amber? Front turn signals seem to be behind clear lenses and if the light source is white will not glow in amber. Last edited by secondchance; 03-06-2019 at 02:03 PM.

03-07-2019	#5
HAWAIIZR-1 Join Date: May 2010 Location: Japan Posts: 3,588	Re: LED lights for exterior lights Hey Yun! Thanks for sharing as timing is perfect. I was looking at both my interior and exterior lights just the other day, and thought I need to do something. I have the Euro lamps, but I think this should work great too with the correct bulbs. It seems I need 4 - 1157 Red and 4 - 1156 Amber just for the rear. I’ll let you know how it is. Geez, I have quite a few SecondChance mods on my cars!! Thanks again! __________________ Craig "ZR-1 NO KA 'OI" "ZR-1 ICHIBAN" 1995 #228 Black/Black with Dunn Heads ZR-1 owner since September 2003 ZR-1 Net Registry Founding Member #0074 NCM Lifetime Member #2048

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03-06-2019	#2
GOLDCYLON Join Date: May 2007 Location: Peoria, AZ Posts: 9,155	Re: LED lights for exterior lights If I remember correctly they are T5 I am also using those Sylvania LED for the amber turn signals and DRLs. GC __________________ GOLDCYLON - 91 ZR-1 #2014 GOLDCYLON - 90 ZR-1 #2794, 4L60e (Formerly Schrade's) GOLDCYLON - 11 CTS-V Arizona State Director 91 WHITE/BLACK #2014. 380 P&P&PCed,Ported Heads, Jeal Long tubes, Corsa Exhaust/FIKSE FM-5s /LED TLs, LED Headlights, Front Wilwood 6 piston narrowlite calipers and rear Wilwood caliper street shop mod,CNCed Coolant Pipes,TPI Cvr,Filter cover,Stainless Bolts, DRM/DOM PROM /ZFDOC mod build #102,DRLs,BMAD with stainless Debris Screen,Coplan Air Blaster, Pioneer APP Radio 4,Brey-Krause HB,Sub Bar,Fire extinguisher seat mount,DRM Coilovers,LEDs everywhere,Compass mirror (orange),V1 DIC hidden display, Homelink sun visor, Carbon Fiber top x3 and APSIS Carbon Fiber interior, APSIS CF Steering Wheel/NAPA Leather, Banski trailing arms, Guldstrand front suspension,urethane bushings from Prothane (total suspension) ZFDoc drive shaft safety loop, raptor shift light (orange),AO engineering louver front plate, Console seat cushion, 96CE seats with black custom Sheepskins, ss billet catch can,Viper remote entry/alarm,Cragar Rear Louvers,LED side louver lights, Dewitts Radiator with SPAL fans and a Woods 160 T-Stat 90 RED/BLACK #2794. 4L60e Automatic Stage V by RPM Transmission, TCI Dedicated TCM, OBX Stainless Headers, Corsa Exhaust, SAN Secondaries and Haibeck PROM, Exotic Muscle Coil overs, LED Interior Lights, LED Tail Lights, LED Headlights, 94 Sport seats with black custom Sheepskins , Cragar rear louvers, GS Front calipers, Banski Trailing arms, APSIS Carbon Fiber steering wheel, Front and Rear Baer Eradispeeds, DRLs, Guldstrand front suspension,urethane bushings from Prothane (total suspension), Dewitt's Raditor with Dual SPAL fans and a Haibeck 170 T-Stat 11 RED/GREY CTS-V