Putting lights in suburban bumper. Help...? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Hazieview · 10-02-2007, 08:39 AM

Hey guys I'm kind of new to the board and I recently purchased an '81 chevy truck. I put a "wrap around" suburban bumper on the back with the ruber molding on it. I was thinking about removing the rubber molding and replacing it with LED lights. LMC sells some LED lights that look like rope lights. I was thinking about running the lights where the holes are that use to hold the rubber. I may possibly have to make the holes longer width wise but I dont know if it is even legal because I would be removing the tail lights as well if I do this. Here is a picture to help show you what I mean.

So could I run these LEDs I'm talking about in my bumper with out tail lights and it still be legal (I live in Texas by the way"

Also the bumper is chrome so making the holes wider may be a problem. Any help you could give me would be great. THANKS!

**old Rusty C10** · 10-02-2007, 09:13 AM

ive seen it done around here . most states say the total area of the stop lights must be so many square inches you have to determmine i the length times the width of the lights you wanna put on will equal that amount of area
I dont know where you live but if youre driving your truck on the street id want as much brake light showing as possible so the idiot behind you has no problem knowing you are stopping and dont slam you in the rear

copperchevy · 10-02-2007, 12:58 PM

The only problem is that the leds might not be bright enough. I've seen similar kits installed between the bumper and tailgate and they are not to bright and the leds seem to burn out after awhile. I would get some leds from www.customclassic.com, also in texas and install them from behind flush with the bumper. Their lights are very bright and they make several sizes to choose from.

Yankeelights · 10-02-2007, 09:54 PM

When purchasing LED vehicle lights, make sure that they're either "surge protected" or "regulated." Most novelty LED lights are krap-ola with under-designed circuitry and poorly cooled LEDs. Vehicle power accessories like power windows, relays and door lock solenoids can cause voltage spikes which wear on LEDs.

~ Dave

10-02-2007, 08:39 AM	#1
Hazieview Building Dreams out of Dimes! Join Date: May 2005 Location: Bonham, Tx Posts: 892	Putting lights in suburban bumper. Help...? Hey guys I'm kind of new to the board and I recently purchased an '81 chevy truck. I put a "wrap around" suburban bumper on the back with the ruber molding on it. I was thinking about removing the rubber molding and replacing it with LED lights. LMC sells some LED lights that look like rope lights. I was thinking about running the lights where the holes are that use to hold the rubber. I may possibly have to make the holes longer width wise but I dont know if it is even legal because I would be removing the tail lights as well if I do this. Here is a picture to help show you what I mean. So could I run these LEDs I'm talking about in my bumper with out tail lights and it still be legal (I live in Texas by the way" Also the bumper is chrome so making the holes wider may be a problem. Any help you could give me would be great. THANKS!

10-02-2007, 09:13 AM	#2
old Rusty C10 Robert Olson Transport Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: recent transplant to NC USA Posts: 20,313	Re: Putting lights in suburban bumper. Help...? ive seen it done around here . most states say the total area of the stop lights must be so many square inches you have to determmine i the length times the width of the lights you wanna put on will equal that amount of area I dont know where you live but if youre driving your truck on the street id want as much brake light showing as possible so the idiot behind you has no problem knowing you are stopping and dont slam you in the rear __________________ Bob 1951 International running on a squarebody chassis "If a man's worth is judged by the people he associates himself with, then i am the richest man in the world knowing some of the fine people of this board" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...t.php?f=25&a=9 (you can review the site rules here!) PM Me for your vehicle/parts hauling needs in the North East US or see my Facebook page Robert Olson Transport Live each day to the fullest.. you never know when fate is going to pull the rug out from under you... I hate cancer!!

10-02-2007, 12:58 PM	#3
copperchevy Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Tyler, Texas Posts: 220	Re: Putting lights in suburban bumper. Help...? The only problem is that the leds might not be bright enough. I've seen similar kits installed between the bumper and tailgate and they are not to bright and the leds seem to burn out after awhile. I would get some leds from www.customclassic.com, also in texas and install them from behind flush with the bumper. Their lights are very bright and they make several sizes to choose from. __________________ Mexican

10-02-2007, 09:54 PM	#4
Yankeelights Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: NW Pennsylvania Posts: 92	Re: Putting lights in suburban bumper. Help...? When purchasing LED vehicle lights, make sure that they're either "surge protected" or "regulated." Most novelty LED lights are krap-ola with under-designed circuitry and poorly cooled LEDs. Vehicle power accessories like power windows, relays and door lock solenoids can cause voltage spikes which wear on LEDs. ~ Dave



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