My first build thread LED REVERSE LIGHTS!! - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

724x4a/cchevy · 02-25-2007, 11:18 PM

Ok, this is my first build thread, so bear with me. After seeing 68w/sbc406's build up of LED sidemarkers and reverse lights, I decided to build my own. I bought a lot of 100 led's off ebay for about 13 bucks give or take.... Because i dont know how to make these LED's blink yet, i decided to go simple and create a pair of reverse lights. I started by cutting a piece of translucent plastic (from a busted storage tote), I made a grid spaced 5mm apart. Then drilled out every other square. This is what it looked like when i was done.

After PM'ing 68w/sbc406, he suggested i wire the LED's up in series of four so that i wouldnt have to put a resistor on every single led. I think there are 28 or 32 led's in each reverse light so this idea came in really handy.

**FRENCHBLUE72** · 02-25-2007, 11:22 PM

I did not build mine but I have a set in my blazer..

724x4a/cchevy · 02-25-2007, 11:23 PM

After wiring up the rows of LED's in series, i tied each row into columns parallel. Thus each row gets the same voltage. I soldered them so that they met in the center row.

After i finished wiring the leds up, I busted a perfectly good light bulb and soldered the leads of speaker wire to the pos and neg leads. I filled the empty socket full of epoxy.

724x4a/cchevy · 02-25-2007, 11:26 PM

Then i soldered the bulb/speakerwire to the back of the LEDs and used hot glue to secure the soldering just like 68w/sbc406.

*72CSTC5* · 02-25-2007, 11:30 PM

Well, quit teasing us, we are waiting.

724x4a/cchevy · 02-25-2007, 11:30 PM

Then i put them in and tested them out!!! They are MUCH brighter than the originals. The only bad thing about this, you're only half done...........

724x4a/cchevy · 02-25-2007, 11:34 PM

And as far as the parking lights, I took the easy way out

I went to a swap meet in columbia MO last weekend and bought two 6inch oval amber trailer lights (only 5 bucks each!!!). They WORKED PERFECLY!!! Fit right into the factory lenses and looked great! I used pretty much the same process as the reverse lights, but i had to solder another wire to make it blink, and then swap the two positives since i got it wrong the first tim

724x4a/cchevy · 02-25-2007, 11:35 PM

If you have any other questions, just PM me and i will do what i can to answer them.
Justin

TierAngst · 02-26-2007, 12:11 AM

When do you start mass producing

franky69c10 · 02-26-2007, 12:15 AM

nice

724x4a/cchevy · 02-26-2007, 12:33 AM

thats just it, the only downside to these is the fact that they are kinda time consuming

the payoff is definately worth it though.

68w/sbc406 · 02-26-2007, 02:08 AM

lookin good. here is the diagram. i found diodes at a local electronics store that look liked what i needed. nothing specific. there isnt as big difference between the flashing as i would like so i would probably change the resistor values to 1500 ohms for parking lights and 750 for blinker. it should work, but i dont know since i havent done it. but if it does work it will give you a greater difference between park and blink.

Mrboson1 · 02-26-2007, 09:20 AM

nice work

SmokeShow · 02-26-2007, 09:46 AM

Thats amazing how well they work!! Be great to see some brake, running and turn signals done the same way. Sweet mod for sure!!

Good job.

C-ya

724x4a/cchevy · 02-26-2007, 11:47 AM

i bought 100 red leds last night

going to start working on brake lights before too long...prolly next weekend. Stay tuned!!

68w/sbc406 · 02-26-2007, 11:58 AM

i am probably going to buy ECEs version of the brake lights. 160 leds per side. the amount you would spend in LEDs to get 320 would only be 50 bucks cheaper, plus then you have to solder.

bouncytruck · 02-26-2007, 12:37 PM

I just put in the LED tail lights offered by musclerodz.com. They are great! Very bright and the LED's are part of the lens so the lens maximizes the light produced by the LEDs. At $49.00 pair, you can't beat the price.

724x4a/cchevy · 02-26-2007, 01:41 PM

This is my idea for brake lights. Instead of using all the lights as both turn and park, i split them up into rows of either turn or park. Im not sure how this will look, but im going to give it a shot.

724x4a/cchevy · 02-26-2007, 01:42 PM

looks like a freakin 2year old drew that.....

A lot of 100 red leds is only 7.50 About half the price as the white ones. I have a b-day comming up and i told one of my friends that's what they could get me for my b-day was some more red ones

im goin all out. prolly put 60 led's per side, im not sure probably more, i need to draw it out more to scale to know how many will fit. I may go with 10mm leds for these brake lights. They are about the same cost as 5mm and cover twice the surface area. I forgot to bring a housing assembly with me from home, and I dont have one here at the dorm to measure off

(college life)

68w/sbc406 · 02-26-2007, 08:23 PM

the width is the same (or close to) as the reverse lights. so you could stagger rows of 4 on the tail lights like you did on the reverse lights. you just have to find out how many rows will fit

now these are sexy

Spray-Bomb · 03-12-2007, 12:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 68w/sbc406

the width is the same (or close to) as the reverse lights. so you could stagger rows of 4 on the tail lights like you did on the reverse lights. you just have to find out how many rows will fit

now these are sexy

If I did did the math right, there are 192 L.E.D.s in each...WOW !!!!!!

Can I get a link to the site that sells them ?

68w/sbc406 · 03-12-2007, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spray-Bomb

If I did did the math right, there are 192 L.E.D.s in each...WOW !!!!!!

Can I get a link to the site that sells them ?

http://www.earlyclassic.com/home.aspx
3rd or 4th page of the new products. 8x20=160

724x4a/cchevy · 02-26-2007, 08:57 PM

holy cow is that musclerod's setup that he's selling for 50 bucks? dang that would be a helluva deal if it is. thats easily 40 bucks worth of LED's.

Musclerodz · 02-27-2007, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 724x4a/cchevy

holy cow is that musclerod's setup that he's selling for 50 bucks? dang that would be a helluva deal if it is. thats easily 40 bucks worth of LED's.

Yep, they are $49 plus shipping and I am selling the crap out of them

Mike

68w/sbc406 · 02-26-2007, 11:46 PM

no. those are from ECE $199.00

02-25-2007, 11:18 PM	#1
724x4a/cchevy Self-proclaimed LED man Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Harrisburg, Missouri Posts: 1,021	My first build thread LED REVERSE LIGHTS!! Ok, this is my first build thread, so bear with me. After seeing 68w/sbc406's build up of LED sidemarkers and reverse lights, I decided to build my own. I bought a lot of 100 led's off ebay for about 13 bucks give or take.... Because i dont know how to make these LED's blink yet, i decided to go simple and create a pair of reverse lights. I started by cutting a piece of translucent plastic (from a busted storage tote), I made a grid spaced 5mm apart. Then drilled out every other square. This is what it looked like when i was done. After PM'ing 68w/sbc406, he suggested i wire the LED's up in series of four so that i wouldnt have to put a resistor on every single led. I think there are 28 or 32 led's in each reverse light so this idea came in really handy. __________________ My LED Website My Photobucket Album of LED's Ask me about hand-made custom L.E.D brake and reverse lights. <- LINK I also do LED: -Third Brake/Cargo -Brake (truck and burb) -Reverse (truck and burb) -67-68 Front Turn Signals -69-70 Front Turn Signals -71-72 Front Turn Signals -GMC Front Turn Signals I can also do custom lights for other vehicles....i did a set for a AMC Gremlin once Norwood Survivor

02-25-2007, 11:22 PM	#2
FRENCHBLUE72 PROJECT 7DEUCE Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: GRANTS PASS OR Posts: 21,604	Re: My first build thread LED REVERSE LIGHTS!! I did not build mine but I have a set in my blazer.. __________________ GO BIG GREEN GO DUCKS MEMBER #6377 72 k-5 daily driver 6'' lift 35'' 350-350-205 slowly getting rust free. Project "7DEUCE" check out my build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=267665 Tim Powell..R.I.P EastSideLowlife..... R.I.P..

02-25-2007, 11:23 PM	#3
724x4a/cchevy Self-proclaimed LED man Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Harrisburg, Missouri Posts: 1,021	Re: My first build thread LED REVERSE LIGHTS!! After wiring up the rows of LED's in series, i tied each row into columns parallel. Thus each row gets the same voltage. I soldered them so that they met in the center row. After i finished wiring the leds up, I busted a perfectly good light bulb and soldered the leads of speaker wire to the pos and neg leads. I filled the empty socket full of epoxy. __________________ My LED Website My Photobucket Album of LED's Ask me about hand-made custom L.E.D brake and reverse lights. <- LINK I also do LED: -Third Brake/Cargo -Brake (truck and burb) -Reverse (truck and burb) -67-68 Front Turn Signals -69-70 Front Turn Signals -71-72 Front Turn Signals -GMC Front Turn Signals I can also do custom lights for other vehicles....i did a set for a AMC Gremlin once Norwood Survivor Last edited by 724x4a/cchevy; 02-25-2007 at 11:27 PM.

02-25-2007, 11:26 PM	#4
724x4a/cchevy Self-proclaimed LED man Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Harrisburg, Missouri Posts: 1,021	Re: My first build thread LED REVERSE LIGHTS!! Then i soldered the bulb/speakerwire to the back of the LEDs and used hot glue to secure the soldering just like 68w/sbc406. __________________ My LED Website My Photobucket Album of LED's Ask me about hand-made custom L.E.D brake and reverse lights. <- LINK I also do LED: -Third Brake/Cargo -Brake (truck and burb) -Reverse (truck and burb) -67-68 Front Turn Signals -69-70 Front Turn Signals -71-72 Front Turn Signals -GMC Front Turn Signals I can also do custom lights for other vehicles....i did a set for a AMC Gremlin once Norwood Survivor Last edited by 724x4a/cchevy; 02-25-2007 at 11:37 PM.

02-25-2007, 11:30 PM	#5
72CSTC5 Account Suspended Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Deer Park, Tx. Posts: 2,524	Re: My first build thread LED REVERSE LIGHTS!! Well, quit teasing us, we are waiting.

02-25-2007, 11:34 PM	#7
724x4a/cchevy Self-proclaimed LED man Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Harrisburg, Missouri Posts: 1,021	Re: My first build thread LED REVERSE LIGHTS!! And as far as the parking lights, I took the easy way out I went to a swap meet in columbia MO last weekend and bought two 6inch oval amber trailer lights (only 5 bucks each!!!). They WORKED PERFECLY!!! Fit right into the factory lenses and looked great! I used pretty much the same process as the reverse lights, but i had to solder another wire to make it blink, and then swap the two positives since i got it wrong the first tim __________________ My LED Website My Photobucket Album of LED's Ask me about hand-made custom L.E.D brake and reverse lights. <- LINK I also do LED: -Third Brake/Cargo -Brake (truck and burb) -Reverse (truck and burb) -67-68 Front Turn Signals -69-70 Front Turn Signals -71-72 Front Turn Signals -GMC Front Turn Signals I can also do custom lights for other vehicles....i did a set for a AMC Gremlin once Norwood Survivor Last edited by 724x4a/cchevy; 02-25-2007 at 11:36 PM.

02-25-2007, 11:35 PM	#8
724x4a/cchevy Self-proclaimed LED man Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Harrisburg, Missouri Posts: 1,021	Re: My first build thread LED REVERSE LIGHTS!! If you have any other questions, just PM me and i will do what i can to answer them. Justin __________________ My LED Website My Photobucket Album of LED's Ask me about hand-made custom L.E.D brake and reverse lights. <- LINK I also do LED: -Third Brake/Cargo -Brake (truck and burb) -Reverse (truck and burb) -67-68 Front Turn Signals -69-70 Front Turn Signals -71-72 Front Turn Signals -GMC Front Turn Signals I can also do custom lights for other vehicles....i did a set for a AMC Gremlin once Norwood Survivor

02-26-2007, 12:11 AM	#9
TierAngst Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: San Antonio Posts: 51	Re: My first build thread LED REVERSE LIGHTS!! When do you start mass producing

02-26-2007, 12:15 AM	#10
franky69c10 chevy runs deep Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: PHOENIX AZ Posts: 1,074	Re: My first build thread LED REVERSE LIGHTS!! nice

02-26-2007, 12:33 AM	#11
724x4a/cchevy Self-proclaimed LED man Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Harrisburg, Missouri Posts: 1,021	Re: My first build thread LED REVERSE LIGHTS!! thats just it, the only downside to these is the fact that they are kinda time consuming the payoff is definately worth it though. __________________ My LED Website My Photobucket Album of LED's Ask me about hand-made custom L.E.D brake and reverse lights. <- LINK I also do LED: -Third Brake/Cargo -Brake (truck and burb) -Reverse (truck and burb) -67-68 Front Turn Signals -69-70 Front Turn Signals -71-72 Front Turn Signals -GMC Front Turn Signals I can also do custom lights for other vehicles....i did a set for a AMC Gremlin once Norwood Survivor

02-26-2007, 02:08 AM	#12
68w/sbc406 Got Light Emitting Diode? Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Newberg, OR Posts: 2,485	Re: My first build thread LED REVERSE LIGHTS!! lookin good. here is the diagram. i found diodes at a local electronics store that look liked what i needed. nothing specific. there isnt as big difference between the flashing as i would like so i would probably change the resistor values to 1500 ohms for parking lights and 750 for blinker. it should work, but i dont know since i havent done it. but if it does work it will give you a greater difference between park and blink. __________________ 1968 1/2 ton 2wd lwb 6 lug disc and bags up front. Next c notch and rear bags '02 Chevy Silverado LT ext cab short bed 2WD 5/7 drop on 22's(the family car) 1993 Cherokee work ride/weekend wheeler

02-26-2007, 09:20 AM	#13
Mrboson1 Chevy 400 Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Dallas, Texas Posts: 142	Re: My first build thread LED REVERSE LIGHTS!! nice work __________________ 68 Chevy C-10 pickup

02-26-2007, 09:46 AM	#14
SmokeShow Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Kentucky Posts: 120	Re: My first build thread LED REVERSE LIGHTS!! Thats amazing how well they work!! Be great to see some brake, running and turn signals done the same way. Sweet mod for sure!! Good job. C-ya

02-26-2007, 11:47 AM	#15
724x4a/cchevy Self-proclaimed LED man Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Harrisburg, Missouri Posts: 1,021	Re: My first build thread LED REVERSE LIGHTS!! i bought 100 red leds last night going to start working on brake lights before too long...prolly next weekend. Stay tuned!! __________________ My LED Website My Photobucket Album of LED's Ask me about hand-made custom L.E.D brake and reverse lights. <- LINK I also do LED: -Third Brake/Cargo -Brake (truck and burb) -Reverse (truck and burb) -67-68 Front Turn Signals -69-70 Front Turn Signals -71-72 Front Turn Signals -GMC Front Turn Signals I can also do custom lights for other vehicles....i did a set for a AMC Gremlin once Norwood Survivor

02-26-2007, 11:58 AM	#16
68w/sbc406 Got Light Emitting Diode? Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Newberg, OR Posts: 2,485	Re: My first build thread LED REVERSE LIGHTS!! i am probably going to buy ECEs version of the brake lights. 160 leds per side. the amount you would spend in LEDs to get 320 would only be 50 bucks cheaper, plus then you have to solder. __________________ 1968 1/2 ton 2wd lwb 6 lug disc and bags up front. Next c notch and rear bags '02 Chevy Silverado LT ext cab short bed 2WD 5/7 drop on 22's(the family car) 1993 Cherokee work ride/weekend wheeler



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02-26-2007, 12:37 PM	#17
bouncytruck SKINNY TIRES RULE! Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Bothell, WA Posts: 11,049	Re: My first build thread LED REVERSE LIGHTS!! I just put in the LED tail lights offered by musclerodz.com. They are great! Very bright and the LED's are part of the lens so the lens maximizes the light produced by the LEDs. At $49.00 pair, you can't beat the price. __________________ bouncytruck 1972 K5 The Hauler 1994 K1500 Suburban The Daily2010 Kia Soul Wife's Ride2014 Fiat 500L Last edited by bouncytruck; 02-26-2007 at 12:38 PM.

02-26-2007, 01:41 PM	#18
724x4a/cchevy Self-proclaimed LED man Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Harrisburg, Missouri Posts: 1,021	Re: My first build thread LED REVERSE LIGHTS!! This is my idea for brake lights. Instead of using all the lights as both turn and park, i split them up into rows of either turn or park. Im not sure how this will look, but im going to give it a shot. __________________ My LED Website My Photobucket Album of LED's Ask me about hand-made custom L.E.D brake and reverse lights. <- LINK I also do LED: -Third Brake/Cargo -Brake (truck and burb) -Reverse (truck and burb) -67-68 Front Turn Signals -69-70 Front Turn Signals -71-72 Front Turn Signals -GMC Front Turn Signals I can also do custom lights for other vehicles....i did a set for a AMC Gremlin once Norwood Survivor

02-26-2007, 01:42 PM	#19
724x4a/cchevy Self-proclaimed LED man Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Harrisburg, Missouri Posts: 1,021	Re: My first build thread LED REVERSE LIGHTS!! looks like a freakin 2year old drew that..... A lot of 100 red leds is only 7.50 About half the price as the white ones. I have a b-day comming up and i told one of my friends that's what they could get me for my b-day was some more red ones im goin all out. prolly put 60 led's per side, im not sure probably more, i need to draw it out more to scale to know how many will fit. I may go with 10mm leds for these brake lights. They are about the same cost as 5mm and cover twice the surface area. I forgot to bring a housing assembly with me from home, and I dont have one here at the dorm to measure off (college life) __________________ My LED Website My Photobucket Album of LED's Ask me about hand-made custom L.E.D brake and reverse lights. <- LINK I also do LED: -Third Brake/Cargo -Brake (truck and burb) -Reverse (truck and burb) -67-68 Front Turn Signals -69-70 Front Turn Signals -71-72 Front Turn Signals -GMC Front Turn Signals I can also do custom lights for other vehicles....i did a set for a AMC Gremlin once Norwood Survivor Last edited by 724x4a/cchevy; 02-26-2007 at 01:46 PM.

02-26-2007, 08:23 PM	#20
68w/sbc406 Got Light Emitting Diode? Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Newberg, OR Posts: 2,485	Re: My first build thread LED REVERSE LIGHTS!! the width is the same (or close to) as the reverse lights. so you could stagger rows of 4 on the tail lights like you did on the reverse lights. you just have to find out how many rows will fit now these are sexy Attached Images __________________ 1968 1/2 ton 2wd lwb 6 lug disc and bags up front. Next c notch and rear bags '02 Chevy Silverado LT ext cab short bed 2WD 5/7 drop on 22's(the family car) 1993 Cherokee work ride/weekend wheeler Last edited by 68w/sbc406; 02-26-2007 at 08:28 PM.

02-26-2007, 08:57 PM	#23
724x4a/cchevy Self-proclaimed LED man Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Harrisburg, Missouri Posts: 1,021	Re: My first build thread LED REVERSE LIGHTS!! holy cow is that musclerod's setup that he's selling for 50 bucks? dang that would be a helluva deal if it is. thats easily 40 bucks worth of LED's. __________________ My LED Website My Photobucket Album of LED's Ask me about hand-made custom L.E.D brake and reverse lights. <- LINK I also do LED: -Third Brake/Cargo -Brake (truck and burb) -Reverse (truck and burb) -67-68 Front Turn Signals -69-70 Front Turn Signals -71-72 Front Turn Signals -GMC Front Turn Signals I can also do custom lights for other vehicles....i did a set for a AMC Gremlin once Norwood Survivor Last edited by 724x4a/cchevy; 02-26-2007 at 09:13 PM.

02-26-2007, 11:46 PM	#25
68w/sbc406 Got Light Emitting Diode? Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Newberg, OR Posts: 2,485	Re: My first build thread LED REVERSE LIGHTS!! no. those are from ECE $199.00 __________________ 1968 1/2 ton 2wd lwb 6 lug disc and bags up front. Next c notch and rear bags '02 Chevy Silverado LT ext cab short bed 2WD 5/7 drop on 22's(the family car) 1993 Cherokee work ride/weekend wheeler Last edited by 68w/sbc406; 02-26-2007 at 11:46 PM.

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