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Technical Shop => Electrical & Audio => Topic started by: Dakota on March 27, 2020, 06:29:27 PM

Title: Getting LED bulbs to fit in side marker light housings
Post by: Dakota on March 27, 2020, 06:29:27 PM
I had previously replaced the sockets in my front side marker lights (the originals were badly rusted).  I thought this would be a good place to try some amber LED bulbs to brighten things up a bit. Unfortunately, the diameter of the bulb base was a little too small so the bulb could move around with vibration, causing it to flicker.     My high tech solution was to wrap a 1/4" wide by 4" strip of blue painter's tape around the base, making sure to stay above the pins on the bulb.  They fit nice and snug now. 

The bulbs were from SuperbrightLEDs.com
Title: Re: Getting LED bulbs to fit in side marker light housings
Post by: Mr Lee on March 27, 2020, 06:48:20 PM
Pretty cool. Any chance we could get a photo at night?
Title: Re: Getting LED bulbs to fit in side marker light housings
Post by: Dakota on March 27, 2020, 06:57:38 PM
I'll put them on the car tomorrow.  "Night" will be in the garage with the lights off.   It's the best I can do at this point.
Title: Re: Getting LED bulbs to fit in side marker light housings
Post by: bc3j on March 27, 2020, 07:06:53 PM
I used the same bulbs as you and had the same issue too. Never thought of painters tape. I put a small piece of solder on the bulb tip. Tightened it right up.
Title: Re: Getting LED bulbs to fit in side marker light housings
Post by: JS29 on March 28, 2020, 06:01:33 AM
Solder was a good idea.   :idea:   I wonder about metal tape, to assure a good ground.   :alan2cents:
Title: Re: Getting LED bulbs to fit in side marker light housings
Post by: Shoooter on March 28, 2020, 07:51:08 AM
How much brighter than the originals are they
Title: Re: Getting LED bulbs to fit in side marker light housings
Post by: GoodysGotaCuda on March 28, 2020, 08:08:10 AM
What I have done is used a blank bulb sockets [ebay] and soldered on a strip LED. You'll get much improved light distribution.

Title: Re: Getting LED bulbs to fit in side marker light housings
Post by: Dakota on March 28, 2020, 04:59:59 PM
Quote from: Shoooter on March 28, 2020, 07:51:08 AM
How much brighter than the originals are they

I never had the original lights bulbs on before the car was taken apart, so I can't really give you anything specific.  Maybe someone else with "before" and "after" experience can comment. 
Title: Re: Getting LED bulbs to fit in side marker light housings
Post by: Dakota on March 28, 2020, 05:06:43 PM
Quote from: GoodysGotaCuda on March 28, 2020, 08:08:10 AM
What I have done is used a blank bulb sockets [ebay] and soldered on a strip LED. You'll get much improved light distribution.

That's really slick - an even better upgrade than the LED bulb.  On mine, the lens is really well lit by the bulb but then the intensity drops quickly. 
Title: Re: Getting LED bulbs to fit in side marker light housings
Post by: Katfish on March 28, 2020, 05:06:51 PM
Quote from: GoodysGotaCuda on March 28, 2020, 08:08:10 AM
What I have done is used a blank bulb sockets [ebay] and soldered on a strip LED. You'll get much improved light distribution.

Now that's a great idea!
Like the OP I replaced the side markers with LEDs.
As you can see in his pics, the light is focused and not diffused throughout the length of the lenses.
Putting a yellow LED strip would be much better.

Now, where do we find different colored strips.
Title: Re: Getting LED bulbs to fit in side marker light housings
Post by: Dakota on March 28, 2020, 05:28:17 PM
Quote from: Mr Lee on March 27, 2020, 06:48:20 PM
Pretty cool. Any chance we could get a photo at night?

This was with an overhead garage light on.  Without the overhead light, all my camera recorded was a fuzzy orange ball in pitch black. 
Title: Re: Getting LED bulbs to fit in side marker light housings
Post by: GoodysGotaCuda on March 29, 2020, 02:30:09 PM
Quote from: Katfish on March 28, 2020, 05:06:51 PM
Quote from: GoodysGotaCuda on March 28, 2020, 08:08:10 AM
What I have done is used a blank bulb sockets [ebay] and soldered on a strip LED. You'll get much improved light distribution.

Now that's a great idea!
Like the OP I replaced the side markers with LEDs.
As you can see in his pics, the light is focused and not diffused throughout the length of the lenses.
Putting a yellow LED strip would be much better.

Now, where do we find different colored strips.


Try eBay for the lights and sockets. I did the same thing for my dome light. It's a 3x3 led panel sitting within the dome light cap and a blank socket i soldered in. Works great!


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Title: Re: Getting LED bulbs to fit in side marker light housings
Post by: GoodysGotaCuda on March 29, 2020, 06:31:31 PM
This is the LED light I bought for the license plate light

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1PC-17cm-Universal-COB-Home-Car-LED-Flashlight-12V-DRL-Driving-Fog-Lights-Lamps/132398366460?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649
Title: Re: Getting LED bulbs to fit in side marker light housings
Post by: Mr Lee on March 31, 2020, 05:50:09 AM
Quote from: Dakota on March 28, 2020, 05:28:17 PM
Quote from: Mr Lee on March 27, 2020, 06:48:20 PM
Pretty cool. Any chance we could get a photo at night?

This was with an overhead garage light on.  Without the overhead light, all my camera recorded was a fuzzy orange ball in pitch black.
Wow. That looks way brighter than stock. Thanks for posting.  I may have to try that.  Looks great and will make you much more visible at night. 


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