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Everyone knows how the OEM CHMSL / third brake light is subject to melting from the heat of the bulb. I have a new one and would like to avoid melting it. Has anyone tried to adapt an LED panel to the stock housing? I'm not looking for the dotted or pixelated look. I would prefer many smaller LEDs. I'm also not sure which ones would be the brightest and also would clear or red work better?
That isn't really what I am looking for. Those do not properly illuminate the housing since they are directional. Also, they usually are brighter in the center and really dim on the edges. I've also not seen them as an increase in brightness but often produce less light. I'm typically not really a fan of LED retrofitting of older vehicles, but I would like to increase it's brightness and save the lamp from melting, since you can no longer buy new ones.
When you do figure out what LED's you are going to use, remember to use ones with the same colour as the lens unless the lens are clear. Otherwise they will appear dim and washed out.
FWIW you can get stock type replacements in the appropriate colour. Some of them put light out the top of the bulb as well as the sides.
. Same size as my dad's Tundra, which is why I bought a pair. (The Tundra was melting its light housing too.) There's a little bit of a hot spot but because most of the LEDs are mounted on the sides, it spreads out fairly well. The only thing I don't like about it is that the bulb is long enough that I can see the tip of it through the (clear) lens, and because of how the bulb mounts, it's at a 45° angle.
Also in the market for options. Took off my housing to realize the brake light didn't work and the plastic socket was completely blacked out and the bulb dangling. Cargo light sockets a bit brown too but not so bad. Ideally I was looking for a new harness, impossible to find. Then I thought I would replace the sockets but since the housing is faded, gross, and starting to develop a small crack I don't know if it's worth it. I really dislike the look of most of the aftermarket led housings and if I replace that I might as well get matching rear brake lights. On a positive note disconnecting the light harness has resolved a hesitation in my auto shifting
That isn't really what I am looking for. Those do not properly illuminate the housing since they are directional. Also, they usually are brighter in the center and really dim on the edges. I've also not seen them as an increase in brightness but often produce less light. I'm typically not really a fan of LED retrofitting of older vehicles, but I would like to increase it's brightness and save the lamp from melting, since you can no longer buy new ones.
I've been using these exact LED's in mine for a few years now
I may be working with a company that specializes in LED retrofits for classic cars. We are going to see about making a panel that will illuminate most of the lens and would be much brighter than anything else available. It would require removing and reinstalling the metal heat shield on top the the lamp. It would also have an appropriate connector to mate with the factory bulb socket. They would be the highest quality LEDs available.
Generally these setups aren't exactly inexpensive, but I think it would be worth it for the added safety and for the fact that it would save the no longer available factory housings from melting. Also it would not look like cheesy aftermarket stuff and would likely be even brighter than those available. Would anyone be interested in possibly purchasing one? I'm not exactly sure what the price would be yet. What would you be willing to pay for something like this?
Those cost involved with the shop I was talking to may be a bit higher than I initially though. I'm still trying a few different things to attempt to save the original housing and have not found any LED combination that was bright enough to properly illuminate it.
I have currently using this LED aftermarket third brake light that LMC carries. It is very bright and seem to not cause issues with cruise control or torque converter lockup on a 4R70W. It looks a little modern, but doesn't really look as bad as I thought it might. The OEM light deos look better though.
Everyone knows how the OEM CHMSL / third brake light is subject to melting from the heat of the bulb. I have a new one and would like to avoid melting it. Has anyone tried to adapt an LED panel to the stock housing? I'm not looking for the dotted or pixelated look. I would prefer many smaller LEDs. I'm also not sure which ones would be the brightest and also would clear or red work better?
These guys will have bulbs that will not look pixelated. SuperbrightLEDS
I just dremeled off the bubble/bulge on mine. Replaced the deformed, but somehow still working, bulb. The compartment for the brake light bulb has no vent. Now it does. Bad original design. Ironically, the cargo lights compartments are vented.
Why would changing to a CMSL LED unit have any effect on the Cruise or Lockup?
Some report issues with those since there is no resistance on that circuit. I suspect if it is true, it would only be a problem if the tail/brake lights are also converted to LED.
These guys will have bulbs that will not look pixelated. SuperbrightLEDS
I just dremeled off the bubble/bulge on mine. Replaced the deformed, but somehow still working, bulb. The compartment for the brake light bulb has no vent. Now it does. Bad original design. Ironically, the cargo lights compartments are vented.
After trying what was supposed to be one of the best LED bulbs along with a few others, I'm not convinced they provide enough illumination for adequate visibility especially during the day. I think a panel is the best solution.
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