Hey guys I was wondering if it is possible to convert the rear taillights to LEDs. If anyone has done this could you please assist me in getting the information as far as parts, labor, and things like that. Sorry if this is a repost but i did a search and couldnt find anything about this.

 

I've never seen or heard people talk about LED taillights on F-Body's. Maybe you should fabricate them and make some money

 

Can't recall if it was here or LS1, but a Trans Am owner has done it. They have it listed in their SIG as well. Sorry, can't help on the part aspect.

 

Why not just buy led bulbs?

www.superbrightleds.com

 

I would prefer to make the whole taillight LED made up of multiple bulbs not just one bulb.

 

That can be done.... how much you wanna $$....

I've made my own bulbs, and am making the 2nd generation of bulbs right now. But mine are only about 2" in diameter, 6 of them..

If you're talking about making your tail lights like the Caddi ones,

Can it be done? yes
Is it "easy"? that depends on your skill level
Will it be cheap? Depends what "cheap" is

If I were to make a set for someone else it'd probably cost atleast $200-$300. That's for mostly just parts, and LOTS of labor...

Here's my idea if you want to see what you can do with the Camaro Lights:

You'll need ~250-500 5mm Red LEDs, A Piece of material you can make a PCB out of large enough to fill the tail light, And I'd use a Piece of Acrylic to support all the LEDs, and balance the light out somewhat. Ontop of that you'll need a bunch of resistors to limit the current in the LEDs.

Setup your tail lights with 6 LEDs connected in Series, wire in a 100 ohm resistor in each string, and just repeat that over and over and over again. You've got a LOT of soldering to do.

That's probably something similar to what I may do for Gen 3 of my tail lights, Gen 2 is just a newely designed bulb with better LEDs in it.

 

My buddy Jason converted the entire taillight assembly of his 3rd gen to LEDs. He drilled tiny holes perfectly in the lens and the LEDS stick through the lens. He covered over them with blackouts. It looks similar to the Cadillac taillights. I can put you in touch with him if you want..

 

My old 95 Trans Am now has all LEDs for taillights

http://www.bfranker.badz28.com/misc/cleartails01.jpg
http://www.bfranker.badz28.com/misc/cleartails02.jpg
http://www.bfranker.badz28.com/misc/cleartails03.jpg
http://www.bfranker.badz28.com/misc/cleartails04.jpg
http://www.bfranker.badz28.com/misc/cleartails05.jpg
http://www.bfranker.badz28.com/misc/cleartails06.jpg

 

I found this particular website does exaclty what you're looking for..... but they're not cheap. Click on "Current Projects" to see all the different applications they've turned into LED tail lamps. I was considering having this done to my tail lights, but it's a bit pricey. Surely someone on this website can do it for us f-bods.....




http://www.clearcorners.com

 

Brent, I seem to remember seeing a write-up on how to do the led conversion somewhere, but I didn't see it on your 'how-to' site. Do you happen to know where it is?

BTW: sending you email on some vinyl graphics.

Fred

 

Brent do you have any night time shots?

 

Nope, I have no write-up on that. Basically, they are stock taillights that have been taken apart and the red plastic removed. After the red plastic was removed, all bulbs were replaced with LED bulbs from AutoZone. The outer most bulbs were not available in the LED style so the socket was changed out to the dual filament type sockets which allowed for not only the use of the LED style bulbs but also allowed the outer bulbs to now brighten when the brakes are applied (ran a couple extra wires).

I'll shoot you an email back about the graphics. Thanks!

 

Sorry, no night shots

 

That's what I wasn't sure about. I didn't know if they were 'pre-made' bulbs, or LED's that you bought and soldered together, etc. Thanks!

Fred

 

Well it's just a matter of how much time and/or money you want to invest.

I've done rear marker lights and a 3rd brake light for my 90 Formula, I think I may try the tail lights next(gonna take alot of LED's)

Here's a pic of my marker lights(anyone can email me if they want any more pics or info) BlueTPI@aol.com