LED lights???

Post by **stephenpolhill** » Wed Sep 23, 2009 12:35 pm

Hi there. I am interested in getting my sidelights, indicator flashers and rear lights changed to LED bulbs. I know there are a couple of companies that do this but they don't do the front Sidelights. Does anyone know how I can get an LED bulb into the standard sidelight socket?
Thanks
Steve

Post by **LouiseM** » Wed Sep 23, 2009 12:46 pm

Moved to 'electrical'

Post by **stephenpolhill** » Wed Sep 23, 2009 6:51 pm

Ah thanks, I must remember there are different sections!

Post by **MarkyB** » Wed Sep 23, 2009 7:27 pm

The indicator unit wont work properly with LEDs as they don't draw enough current to warm up the bi-metallic strip in the flasher unit.
The question that springs to mind is why are you planning to do it?

Post by **rayofleamington** » Wed Sep 23, 2009 8:12 pm

I've got LED lights on my trabi, to allow using the wrong coloured light lenses. It took me a while to find ones good enough, as the sidelights were festoon (like interior light). I eventually found good ones via ebay!
The indicators had to stay as incandescent to keep the flasher unit happy but I used yellow bulbs.

Post by **motherofgod** » Wed Sep 23, 2009 8:24 pm

MarkyB wrote:The indicator unit wont work properly with LEDs as they don't draw enough current to warm up the bi-metallic strip in the flasher unit.
The question that springs to mind is why are you planning to do it?

you need a LOAD RESISTOR(or similar can't remember!). in the circuit to make the led flash, I had them in my old minor. worked fine, still do I hope

James

Post by **bmcecosse** » Wed Sep 23, 2009 11:06 pm

Can't see the point of going to LEDs. It's hardly going to save any significant energy!

Post by **M25VAN** » Thu Sep 24, 2009 8:23 am

stephenpolhill,

There seems to be a bewildering choice of size and configuration of these LED bulbs. I do have them in my sidelights and they are easier to see for it, got them off ebay, I'll look up the seller if you want. Auto Electric Supplies, and probably others, sell LED bulbs now so it may be worth having a chat with them to ensure you get a suitable replacement rather than taking a chance on Ebay and getting something that isn't. I never got the stop/tail ones to work on the Van, ok on the bench but not in the Van. Probably down to the age of the wiring etc..

Post by **webbnuts** » Fri Sep 25, 2009 12:26 pm

I have been thinking of replacing all old bulbs with LEDs - mostly for the safety factor as I have a baby daughter who likes riding round with me. A set of bright LEDs are going to be easier to see than two ordinary bulbs, and they don't blow!

Post by **callyspoy** » Sun Sep 27, 2009 11:51 am

I've got LEDS in the rear lights on mine and the sidelights, they work well. i did have them in my rear indicators but they weren't bright enough during the day as i have clear lenses. i will be fitting amber lenses soon and going back to LED's.
i originally bought them for my old Supra which was a few years ago now, but i got them from this company, they had everything i wanted!
http://stores.shop.ebay.co.uk/ACEparts- ... QQ_armrsZ1

Post by **bmcecosse** » Mon Sep 28, 2009 12:38 am

Just add nice shiney 'plastic chrome' collars behind the standard bulbs - and scrub/wash the lenses properly with a tooth brush! Amazing the difference to the brilliance! And zero cost!