[BigE]

Here is a little video I put together showing some LED options as well as how to solve the signal flashing speed problem.

 

[ForteLX+]

This is great, so an amber 1157 LED would replace the front corners?

 

[BigE]

This is great, so an amber 1157 LED would replace the front corners?

Yes, but you might consider a "Switchback" LED, I have a couple on order. They are white when the parking lights are on and turn amber when you signal, should look pretty cool. I'll post some pictures when they arrive, about 2 weeks.

 

[jakeabbott]

I bought the same 19 led 1157 lamps and then decided installing a resistor was too much of a pain in the ass.

 

[jsz3us]

Where are you ordering the LED's from. If ebay, do you have a favorite seller?
Also would I need 2 of the NAPA electronic resistors for left and right sides? What if I only want LED in rear, would that NAPA resistor work properly?

 

[BigE]

Where are you ordering the LED's from. If ebay, do you have a favorite seller?
Also would I need 2 of the NAPA electronic resistors for left and right sides? What if I only want LED in rear, would that NAPA resistor work properly?

I did buy some LED's from ebay, some were good, however the 1157 tail/brake light ones didn't work very well. The difference in brightness between the brake light on and off wasn't enough to be safe. I ended up taking them apart end replacing the internal resistor so that the difference in intensity was better.

I got my first batch of LEDs from ebay, can't remember the seller but he was from Hong Kong with free shipping. Now I order my LEDs from either SuperBright (a sponsor here) Super Bright LEDs ? LED Lights, Bulbs, and Accessories or AutoLumination www.autolumination.com Tail Light Brake Light Turn Signal LED Bulbs

As far as the Load Resistor goes, don't let yourself get confused between the flasher and load resistor. If you want to replace the flasher (recommended) you just need one, no matter how many LED signal lights you install. If you go the resistor route, you need 1 for each the left and right signals. Depending if you install just rear led signals or both front and rear on each side will determine what size of resistor you need. 6 ohm for 1 light, 3 ohm for 2.

The Electronic Flasher unit I bought at NAPA is a model EP-34 made by Tridon. It says LED 2-6 lamps right on the unit. I'm sure you can pick up the equivalent unit at any major auto parts store. (Pep Boys, Autozone, etc.) Its a standard Japanese 3 connector electronic flasher, just confirm the connections and it needs to be about 1" square, the round ones won't fit in the connector housing. Make sure you specify Electronic or LED Flasher Unit, not a standard thermal unit.

oooLOAD
oo00L

o|B oooE|
+12V GND

Viewed from the bottom.

Just a note... when you go to remove the flasher from the car, the first time you try to remove it it will be very tight. Just sueeze in the clips and wiggle the unit back and forth as you pull it from the socket.

 

[ForteLX+]

Yes, but you might consider a "Switchback" LED, I have a couple on order. They are white when the parking lights are on and turn amber when you signal, should look pretty cool. I'll post some pictures when they arrive, about 2 weeks.

Ill have to see if Lordco has those.

 

[BigE]

Switchback LEDs White/Amber or White/Red

Tail Lights LED Flashing

 

[displacement4me]

Thanks blackwatch and BigE ! I didn't want to do LED's all around because of tieing in load resistors. I'll be putting together a list of what I need with the flasher now. Can't wait !

And BigE, did you get that 5-star bulb in yet shown in your video?

 

[BigE]

And BigE, did you get that 5-star bulb in yet shown in your video?

Here's a video of the LEDs in action. I will try again later when it's a bit darker.

 

[krawphish]

can you post a link to the first vid? can see embedded vids for some reason. Thanks

 

[jsz3us]

BigE I am in your debt for this info! Thanks! Did you get White or Red? I read that you are supposed to get the same color as the lens of the housing.

 

[BigE]

can you post a link to the first vid? can see embedded vids for some reason. Thanks

Click on the title in the red banner at the top of the Youtube image, that will link you to the movie on Youtube.

BigE I am in your debt for this info! Thanks! Did you get White or Red? I read that you are supposed to get the same color as the lens of the housing.

Yes, you are correct, the LED and lens need to be the same color, eg. red LED behind a red lens, amber LED behind an amber lens although any color will work behind a clear lens. The reason for this has to due with the spectrum of light produced by LEDs which is very narrow compared to regular bulbs.

BTW. I bought red LEDs.

 

[jsz3us]

BigE, In your opinion, what is the best set of LED's that you bought? I like the spider, but I want to utilize the reflector in the housing. Your opinion?

 

[BigE]

BigE, In your opinion, what is the best set of LED's that you bought? I like the spider, but I want to utilize the reflector in the housing. Your opinion?

Actually, there are 2 LEDs on the back of each arm of the spider that shine on the reflector. That's 30 LEDs facing forward and 10 rearwards.

But back to your question, I haven't made up my mind on the spider lights yet so if I had to say which is the best way to go right now, it would say the largest tower (most LEDs) you can fit. Avoid the ones from China/Hong Kong and look at a US supplier. Like I said before, someone like www.superbrightleds.com or www.autolumination.com and look for something like one of these:

 

[BigE]

So here is another video of the LEDs in operation and some close ups of the LEDs installed. I think I'll be going back to the tower LED instead of the Spider type. The spider would probably look better in a larger/rounder tail light.

And a shot of my interior LEDs.

 

[jsz3us]

Are the 2 red lights on the trunk a stock 1156 and you put 1157 in? Did you put LED front turn signals as well?

Thanks in advanced.

 

[BigE]

Are the 2 red lights on the trunk a stock 1156 and you put 1157 in? Did you put LED front turn signals as well?

Thanks in advanced.

The stock bulbs in the trunk are actually 1157s except that only one half of them is used. The socket is set up for an 1157 bulb, it's just missing one contact.

ForteSX2.4 put together a how-to on adding the contact and connecting them to work with the brake lights...
http://www.forteforums.com/forums/forte-koup-general-discussion/49-brake-light-mod-koup.html

The "Switch Back" LEDs are on order for the front turn signals.

 

[jsz3us]

Where are you getting the switchback leds from? So the electric flasher will work with led's in rear lights and regular bulbs in front lights?

 

[BigE]

Where are you getting the switchback leds from? So the electric flasher will work with led's in rear lights and regular bulbs in front lights?

The electronic flasher will work with any combination lights/LEDs since it's "electronic" and not a thermal flasher.

I'm getting my switchbacks from www.autolumination.com.