LEDs

[Gormley]

I run a 1971 Minor van and am aware how insignificant the rear lights are in modern traffic. I wondered about fitting LED bulbs instead of conventional ones to brighten up the lights. Has anyone else done this and, if so, where did you buy the bits and pieces? Looking on the internet, the majority of suppliers seem to be in Hong Kong and I don't want to get involved with that. Would be grateful for any information. [frame][/frame]

[bmcecosse]

Just put plastic 'chrome' reflectors behind the bulbs - the LED ones are hopeless - the ones that fit are not bright - the ones that are bright don't fit.

[PAULJ]

Hi, I fitted LED's to mine I cant remember where I got them from other than it was ebay. Ive had a look and all I can find are these. Mine are 1.5" they fit a saloon ok. These bigger ones may fit your van, I read somewhere that you need red LED's as white ones dont show through red lenses or something like that.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/LARGE-LED-bulb-Ta ... 335dce9667

[MarkyB]

Some drivers wont see you even if you have a flashing yellow beacon on top of you vehicle.

The ones who are awake, are expecting something at eye level, not easy to achieve on a van but there you go.

[simmitc]

For brighter lamps use halogen bulbs. Available from here:

http://www.norbsa02.freeuk.com/

Many people fit halogen headlamps to get more light, but you can also do the same with side lamps etc. Highly recommended supplier.

[bmcecosse]

Interesting link - I'm not sure it's legal to have 35 watt stop lamps. I bet they are BRIGHT !

[polo2k]

its probably worth making sure that what you have already in working correctly. I would go through all appropriate connections, clean and check the resistance. all that muck in a bundle of connectors aint good for output.

[Alec]

Hello Gormley,

the suggestion about checking the connections is a good one, a small loss of voltage gives a significant loss of light. The other thing is to remove the lenses and thoroughly clean them.
The standard lights should not be dim.

Alec

[bmcecosse]

But as above - are GREATLY enhanced if you make a chrome reflector to sit behind the bulb. Also make sure nice new bulbs - not 40 year olds with smoke black glass envelope! BTW - LED's can't be used in the flashers - unless you fit an 'electronic' flasher unit.

[Declan_Burns]

For brighter lamps use halogen bulbs. Available from here:

http://www.norbsa02.freeuk.com/

Many people fit halogen headlamps to get more light, but you can also do the same with side lamps etc. Highly recommended supplier.

Agreed,
I installed the 20W halogen bulbs on my rear indicators this week. They are a lot brighter. I had tried the LED's and wasn't impressed at all.

[polo2k]

if anyone fits bulbs that change the flash rate it can be corrected in most cases. all you need to do is use a multi meter to find out the resistance (in Ohms) of the standard bulb, then find the resistance of the new one (eg LED) and then subtract the lower one (LED) from the other. you can then buy a resistor from maplins for about 5p similar to this value. basically once it is installed in series with the bulb it will allow the flasher unit to see the same total load.

[phurn]

tbf you wouldnt need to replace the flasher unit for led's you could get away with using a simple comparitor circuit. My understanding is that these older units use an analogue wave form to flash the bulb. runnign that through a comparitor would produce the square wave an led system prefers, and would leave a piece of original kit in place.