Using LEDs in our trucks.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 494
Likes: 1
Using LEDs in our trucks.
I have read many threads talking about converting certain elements to LED: Taillights, Headlights, Signals, Instrument Cluster Lights etc.
I'm interested in the idea (though not sold) on turning any lightbulb I can into an LED (Light Emitting Diode).
Grazie,
I'm interested in the idea (though not sold) on turning any lightbulb I can into an LED (Light Emitting Diode).
- Secrets?
- Tips?
- Electrical info?
- Favorite Supplier?
- Advantages?
- Drawbacks?
- Costs?
Grazie,
Tuned
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 253
Likes: 0
From: Winter, WI
I just converted six of the nine lamps on my cluster to LEDs. I have to wait for our long day to be over to see hw they look. I didn't do the turn signals or the high bright indicator mainly just because I didn't think it took nine lamps altogether. I bought my LEDs on eBay, they have 5 LED spots on each lamp. I've heard of some lamps having errors but I'm not sure how that is... But the so called perfect lamps are very expensive! I got all six of my LEDs for $15 shipped. I'll post an update later after I've seen them at night.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 494
Likes: 1
Great deal, look forward to hearing more of your story and seeing some pics.
Your post was one I had just read and I had already been thinking about it for taillights, but then I got thinking, "why not everything?"
Your post was one I had just read and I had already been thinking about it for taillights, but then I got thinking, "why not everything?"
MSEE
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 10,386
Likes: 35
From: Austin, TX
The main thing to be careful with on these trucks is bulbs that are in the turn signal circuit. The turn signal flasher is a thermal type and requires a set amount of current to pass through it to blink on and off at the proper rate. Because LED bulbs draw significantly less current, they don't draw enough to make the flasher cycle. If you want to run LED bulbs in every possible place, you'll need to use an electronic flasher.
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Senior User
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Tuned
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 253
Likes: 0
From: Winter, WI
Soo... I guess it worked out good that I didn't put LEDs in the turn signal indicators. I don't think I'll be doing much else as far as LED changeovers. I did it in the instrument cluster because I thought it was too dark. But I did change the front parking light sockets to a newer style and longer lasting 3057 bulb type. The sockets were listed as a GM type but they turned into the lenses correctly. The old lamp sockets were rusty and shot so the fix was needed.
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Elder User
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 685
Likes: 0
From: Cape Coral, Florida
Check this out, this guy has top quality LED's for all locations and you can call him with any problems, her has extensive electrical/lighting background. Got mine here, my instrument panel LED's are bright, the right shade and they dim perfectly.
LED Bulbs & Gauge Light Kits - LED Gauge Lighting Kits - HiPo Parts Garage
LED Bulbs & Gauge Light Kits - LED Gauge Lighting Kits - HiPo Parts Garage
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,742
Likes: 5
From: Near St. Joseph,MO
I've got led bulbs and the correct flasher for my truck just waiting to go in. I got them for my galant, but the truck uses the same ones. I bought them here: LED Lights For Cars | LED Bulbs | 12 Volt - Super Bright LEDs
The flasher is nothing exciting, it just plugs in the same as the original.
The flasher is nothing exciting, it just plugs in the same as the original.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,038
Likes: 4
From: South west Idaho
I got the led kit for the instruments, blue, i only used the blue ones. Daylight hours to long in my area to see what they look like. I closed the shop doors one evening but still was not impressed with them,maybe cleaning the clear plastic inside might help. I do like the blue color.
I found out you do have to insert them like they say or they wont have a ground and wont work. I had to reach up in there and change one after i had installed every thing .
I found out you do have to insert them like they say or they wont have a ground and wont work. I had to reach up in there and change one after i had installed every thing .
New User
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Prince George
overseas.......
My son orders a LOT of camera stuff from china, the quality is good, and the shipping is FREE.
I am going to order led bulbs from this place
www.dx.com
It takes a little to look for the bulbs, but the prices are very cheap.
I'll let you know when I get them
Cheers
I am going to order led bulbs from this place
www.dx.com
It takes a little to look for the bulbs, but the prices are very cheap.
I'll let you know when I get them
Cheers