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Brake Light Questions
Posted: Mon Oct 31, 2011 12:36 pm
by ng86
Hey guys, quick question..
I was attempting to take my brake light bulbs to some led ones but it didn't go to well. They were cheap so maybe that's why. Anyway does anyone have any ideas about how to change it to led without changing the entire brake light casing? Maybe some led strips? Would i need a ballast? Thanks!
Re: Brake Light Questions
Posted: Mon Oct 31, 2011 2:11 pm
by ragedigital
The main issue is that LEDs are not "appropriate" replacements for Headlights or Brake lights - meaning "they're illegal". They are not bright enough. If you do go down that route, buy some 3 or 5 watt LEDs and wire them in. Read the datasheet and factor the size resistor that you'll need.
darrin
Re: Brake Light Questions
Posted: Tue Nov 01, 2011 1:05 pm
by racerd14666
well yes and no, there are obviously cheap led's that wont work but there are 60+led bulbs that are more than bright enough and are a direct bolt in for the 1157 brake light bulb that require no resistors like these ones
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1157-2057-T25-6 ... 4aafcc5cc9
Re: Brake Light Questions
Posted: Tue Nov 01, 2011 1:21 pm
by ragedigital
racerd14666 wrote:well yes and no, there are obviously cheap led's that wont work but there are 60+led bulbs that are more than bright enough and are a direct bolt in for the 1157 brake light bulb that require no resistors like these ones
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1157-2057-T25-6 ... 4aafcc5cc9
While those will simulate an incandescent bulb with the LEDs all over the sides, they still don't provide the adequate brightness. I have a ton of those LEDs at home and use them for general purpose lighting (stairway, hall, etc.).
Look for a high power unit - SuperBrightLEDS.com has some available. Still, the incandescent will be cheaper, since those LED units are $17 a piece.
A DIY 3 or 5 watt LED with an appropriate reflector is blinding...