led tail lights - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

1969stepside · 10-01-2013, 11:16 PM

this might have been posted before but here is my question well two questions really first i am converting my 69's tail lights to led and i am using the 55-57 stainless steel step side tail lights what all will i have to do to make this conversion possible and will i need any extra parts or new flasher with a ground coming off it? i can post pics if needed of the lights. second i converted my gauges to the white faced ones that come form whitegauges.com and i am a little worried about the numbers not showing up what can i do there any info on either of these problem will be helpful

71meangreenc10 · 10-02-2013, 01:08 AM

I put LED's in the rear and have regular bulbs in the front. So far no issues, no flasher change required.

Smitty

jmorri34 · 10-02-2013, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 71meangreenc10

I put LED's in the rear and have regular bulbs in the front. So far no issues, no flasher change required.

Smitty

I agree, I did the back as well and left the fronts alone and all is well no flasher or anything!

1969stepside · 10-02-2013, 11:03 AM

i was at a car show and a guy said that if i didnt change it a ground-able flasher and ran regular bulbs that it would destroy my wiring harness

timski69gmc · 10-02-2013, 11:37 PM

I was wondering about that too. If I changed to front LEDs, and or rear bulbs. Changing to a low voltage flasher, would that still power the regular bulbs. So, it sounds like changing just the bulbs is okay?

jmorri34 · 10-03-2013, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by timski69gmc

I was wondering about that too. If I changed to front LEDs, and or rear bulbs. Changing to a low voltage flasher, would that still power the regular bulbs. So, it sounds like changing just the bulbs is okay?

I dont know this for sure, but from my understanding its this: I think we both did the same thing and just put LEDs in the rear and bulbs everywhere else and all worked well with regular flasher. I think where it changes is if you start adding LEDs to all the other lights and you get the voltage drop from all the other ones is where you get the problem with a regular flasher. I know that with leds in the rear it should work well and I would imagine if you add them to the front it may be ok but if your side markers flash and such and you LED all of them is where you will start having trouble flasher wise, maybe others will add in.

MSHax · 10-03-2013, 12:20 PM

I didn't have any issues with my LEDs and turn signals, but like a lot of other people here, I still have the standard bulb fronts. I actually went with LED side markers also. I wired them in so that that when the blinkers are on, the side marker will alternate with the blinker (long bed, gotta make sure people can see I'm turning when they're on the side of me).

I like the clean look of the LED

**Tom Vogel** · 10-04-2013, 09:46 AM

[QUOTE= I actually went with LED side markers also.

What LED side maker bulbs are those? They are bright!

1969stepside · 10-03-2013, 01:13 PM

that guy just freaked me out

1969stepside · 10-03-2013, 01:14 PM

maybe he wanted me to buy a 25.00 flasher

MSHax · 10-03-2013, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1969stepside

maybe he wanted me to buy a 25.00 flasher

It is needed if you replace front and rear because the amount of resistance will be much less than a standard incandescent bulb resulting in a super fast flashing, or no flash at all. But from experience of mine, and the others that replied, as long as either the front, or the rear is a standard bulb, the flash speed is still good.

sstaten69 · 10-03-2013, 11:11 PM

My son has led tail lights, fronts and has led bulbs on the side markers also. havent had any problems.. Works the same as before.

Sammy · 10-03-2013, 01:49 PM

I used 67-72 style in my GMC Step side. With 62 LED's per side in the rear with standard bulbs in the parking lights, markers. They were really slow when flashing until I traded out the flasher with an LED type. So guess it depends on the demand of your LED's etc..If the Lights you are using contain a lot of LED's as did mine you will notice a huge difference in the flash cycle.

timski69gmc · 10-04-2013, 12:14 AM

So, I guess the plan would be to try the bulbs, if it needs the flasher. then change it out. Easy!

1969stepside · 10-04-2013, 09:52 PM

i am just running led tails

greyno3 · 10-27-2013, 04:09 PM

Got mine from LMC. Front/Rear and side marker LED's. . Couldn't figure out why blinkers didn't work till I saw this post.

I just orderd a LED flasher. Do you need one for the emergency lights also?

timski69gmc · 10-27-2013, 09:44 PM

Those look great. Guess I should get mine ordered as well.
I was wondering about the emergency flasher as well. I would think it is needed too.

**70cst** · 10-28-2013, 12:49 AM

Great thread ...

Mayo · 11-13-2013, 08:10 PM

Did you have to hard wire those LED sidemarkers or do they plug into the existing sockets?

Andy4639 · 11-13-2013, 09:30 PM

I ran LED's in the rear for a few years before I did the sides and front. I just have put the flashers with grounds in the truck when I did all of the lights.

1969stepside · 01-12-2014, 08:33 PM

how did u ground the flasher andy?

Andy4639 · 01-13-2014, 09:56 AM

The flasher I used had the ground wire on it. I just grounded it to the closet bolt in the floor I could find.
Sorry for the late post didn't see it until now.

1969stepside · 01-24-2014, 07:10 PM

i just got a two prong electronic flasher with ground where should i buy led 194s

Andy4639 · 01-25-2014, 04:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1969stepside

i just got a two prong electronic flasher with ground where should i buy led 194s

You should be able to get them about any parts house.

http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/se...yword=194+bulb

1969stepside · 01-26-2014, 03:43 PM

ok what about super bright leds? where did you get yours? these are for my dash cluster

10-01-2013, 11:16 PM	#1
1969stepside Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Johnson City Tennessee Posts: 1,191	led tail lights this might have been posted before but here is my question well two questions really first i am converting my 69's tail lights to led and i am using the 55-57 stainless steel step side tail lights what all will i have to do to make this conversion possible and will i need any extra parts or new flasher with a ground coming off it? i can post pics if needed of the lights. second i converted my gauges to the white faced ones that come form whitegauges.com and i am a little worried about the numbers not showing up what can i do there any info on either of these problem will be helpful __________________ Greater love hath no man than to lay down his life for a friend. Members i Have met Earl Slick68 1969 Stepside Build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post4253546 Chevy Trucks the longest lasting most dependable trucks on the road

10-02-2013, 01:08 AM	#2
71meangreenc10 Its a Truck Thing...... Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Sierra Vista, Arizona Posts: 3,179	Re: led tail lights I put LED's in the rear and have regular bulbs in the front. So far no issues, no flasher change required. Smitty __________________ 71 C10 283/3SPD Full Resto 71 GMC 1500 Sierra Grande http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=518599 70 C10 Suburban Former military GSA truck. 72 Chevy Blazer 4X4, Sloppy Jo, Mountain Climber. Wife says no more trucks. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=707378 72 GMC 1 Ton Motor Home, wife said no more trucks until she saw this one. Gen 3 6.0/4L80E 4.10 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=761110 68 GMC Suburban was 3/4 ton, now 1/2.Wife shook her head 71 C30 Wrecker 71 C20 Scott-Bilt As weird as it gets..BB Cheyenne AC Truck 68 GMC Long Stepside. They keep following me home 69 C30 Former Motor Home, Flat Bed time 70 G20 Red-E-Kamp Conversion "I'm your Boogy Van"

10-02-2013, 11:03 AM	#4
1969stepside Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Johnson City Tennessee Posts: 1,191	Re: led tail lights i was at a car show and a guy said that if i didnt change it a ground-able flasher and ran regular bulbs that it would destroy my wiring harness __________________ Greater love hath no man than to lay down his life for a friend. Members i Have met Earl Slick68 1969 Stepside Build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post4253546 Chevy Trucks the longest lasting most dependable trucks on the road

10-02-2013, 11:37 PM	#5
timski69gmc Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Cranbrook, BC Posts: 253	Re: led tail lights I was wondering about that too. If I changed to front LEDs, and or rear bulbs. Changing to a low voltage flasher, would that still power the regular bulbs. So, it sounds like changing just the bulbs is okay?

10-03-2013, 12:20 PM	#7
MSHax Registered User Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Oakland, Ca. Posts: 135	Re: led tail lights I didn't have any issues with my LEDs and turn signals, but like a lot of other people here, I still have the standard bulb fronts. I actually went with LED side markers also. I wired them in so that that when the blinkers are on, the side marker will alternate with the blinker (long bed, gotta make sure people can see I'm turning when they're on the side of me). I like the clean look of the LED Attached Images __________________ I stopped adding up how much I spend on my builds, it only makes me doubt my sanity knowing I've spent more than 9 times it's original value new.

10-04-2013, 09:46 AM	#8
Tom Vogel 2WD Jimmy Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Davis County, Utah Posts: 2,565	Re: led tail lights [QUOTE= I actually went with LED side markers also. What LED side maker bulbs are those? They are bright!

10-03-2013, 01:13 PM	#9
1969stepside Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Johnson City Tennessee Posts: 1,191	Re: led tail lights that guy just freaked me out __________________ Greater love hath no man than to lay down his life for a friend. Members i Have met Earl Slick68 1969 Stepside Build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post4253546 Chevy Trucks the longest lasting most dependable trucks on the road

10-03-2013, 01:14 PM	#10
1969stepside Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Johnson City Tennessee Posts: 1,191	Re: led tail lights maybe he wanted me to buy a 25.00 flasher __________________ Greater love hath no man than to lay down his life for a friend. Members i Have met Earl Slick68 1969 Stepside Build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post4253546 Chevy Trucks the longest lasting most dependable trucks on the road

10-03-2013, 11:11 PM	#12
sstaten69 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Irondale, Missouri. Posts: 196	Re: led tail lights My son has led tail lights, fronts and has led bulbs on the side markers also. havent had any problems.. Works the same as before.

10-03-2013, 01:49 PM	#13
Sammy Registered User Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Bonne Terre, Mo Posts: 3,005	Re: led tail lights I used 67-72 style in my GMC Step side. With 62 LED's per side in the rear with standard bulbs in the parking lights, markers. They were really slow when flashing until I traded out the flasher with an LED type. So guess it depends on the demand of your LED's etc..If the Lights you are using contain a lot of LED's as did mine you will notice a huge difference in the flash cycle. __________________ '69 Chevy Long Fleet & '71 GMC Short Step & Project "ODD BALL" "You can wash a pig, soak it in most expensive perfume. In the end it is still just a pig." ODD BALL build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=478629"

10-04-2013, 12:14 AM	#14
timski69gmc Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Cranbrook, BC Posts: 253	Re: led tail lights So, I guess the plan would be to try the bulbs, if it needs the flasher. then change it out. Easy!

10-04-2013, 09:52 PM	#15
1969stepside Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Johnson City Tennessee Posts: 1,191	Re: led tail lights i am just running led tails __________________ Greater love hath no man than to lay down his life for a friend. Members i Have met Earl Slick68 1969 Stepside Build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post4253546 Chevy Trucks the longest lasting most dependable trucks on the road

10-27-2013, 04:09 PM	#16
greyno3 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Spokane,Washington Posts: 107	Re: led tail lights Got mine from LMC. Front/Rear and side marker LED's. . Couldn't figure out why blinkers didn't work till I saw this post. I just orderd a LED flasher. Do you need one for the emergency lights also? Attached Images

10-27-2013, 09:44 PM	#17
timski69gmc Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Cranbrook, BC Posts: 253	Re: led tail lights Those look great. Guess I should get mine ordered as well. I was wondering about the emergency flasher as well. I would think it is needed too.

10-28-2013, 12:49 AM	#18
70cst Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: New Madison, Ohio Posts: 21,375	Re: led tail lights Great thread ... __________________ A husband can be right...or...A husband can be happy. 67-72 Chevy and GMC Trucks...The Classic Truck for the Classic Folk. 1970 CST Two tone green, 402BB, 400 Automatic, Tach, Buckets, AC, AM-FM, Tilt, GM CB, GM 8 Tract, LWB, etc JOHN 17:3...The better side of "LIFE" Remember: Everyday is a good day...Some are just gooder!



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11-13-2013, 08:10 PM	#19
Mayo Cool Truck Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Bowie,MD Posts: 1,869	Re: led tail lights Did you have to hard wire those LED sidemarkers or do they plug into the existing sockets? __________________ 1968 Chevrolet C20 Longhorn "Cool Truck" 1937 Chevrolet Pickup - Project Looking for a patina'd 68 50th Anniversary longbed

11-13-2013, 09:30 PM	#20
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,945	Re: led tail lights I ran LED's in the rear for a few years before I did the sides and front. I just have put the flashers with grounds in the truck when I did all of the lights. Attached Images __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

01-12-2014, 08:33 PM	#21
1969stepside Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Johnson City Tennessee Posts: 1,191	Re: led tail lights how did u ground the flasher andy? __________________ Greater love hath no man than to lay down his life for a friend. Members i Have met Earl Slick68 1969 Stepside Build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post4253546 Chevy Trucks the longest lasting most dependable trucks on the road

01-13-2014, 09:56 AM	#22
Andy4639 Old member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Liberty, & Garden City S.C. , U.S. Posts: 19,945	Re: led tail lights The flasher I used had the ground wire on it. I just grounded it to the closet bolt in the floor I could find. Sorry for the late post didn't see it until now. __________________ 1971 LWB Custom, 6.0LS & 4L80E, Speedhut.com GPS speedometer & gauges with A/C. 20" Boss 338's Grey wheels 4 wheel disc brakes. My Driver Seeing the USA in a 71 Upstate SC GM Truck Club 2013,14 and 2016 Hot Rod Pour Tour http://upstategmtrucks.com/ Get out and drive the truck this summer and have some fun! It sucks not being able to hear! LWB trucks rule, if you don't think so measure your SWB! After talking to tech support at Air Lift I have found out that the kit I need is 60811. Per the measurements I gave them. Ride height of truck inside spring and inside diameter of springs.

01-24-2014, 07:10 PM	#23
1969stepside Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Johnson City Tennessee Posts: 1,191	Re: led tail lights i just got a two prong electronic flasher with ground where should i buy led 194s __________________ Greater love hath no man than to lay down his life for a friend. Members i Have met Earl Slick68 1969 Stepside Build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post4253546 Chevy Trucks the longest lasting most dependable trucks on the road

01-26-2014, 03:43 PM	#25
1969stepside Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Johnson City Tennessee Posts: 1,191	Re: led tail lights ok what about super bright leds? where did you get yours? these are for my dash cluster __________________ Greater love hath no man than to lay down his life for a friend. Members i Have met Earl Slick68 1969 Stepside Build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post4253546 Chevy Trucks the longest lasting most dependable trucks on the road

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