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Joined: May 2001
Posts: 1,907
W
'Bolter
'Bolter
W Offline
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 1,907
I modified my front turn signals to taken 2 1156 bulbs each. I gave up the parking lights for extra blinker brightness. At the time, I only found the type of LED shown in the 3rd picture with the LEDs embedded in globs of plastic. The behavior of opposing drivers tells me they worked OK but 3 of the LEDs have burned out and I'd still like them brighter.

The new LEDs are the little flat things that they pile on. I'd like them to point straight out and not to the side as much. These 2 links show possibilities. Should I go with total lumens? The one with fewer lumens has more LEDS pointing from the end.

1000 Lumen Bulb

650 Lumen Bulb (Link is for white but amber is available.)

Any advice or previous knowledge would be greatly appreciated.
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Blinker 1.jpg (52.46 KB, 145 downloads)
Blinker 2.jpg (45.22 KB, 146 downloads)
Blinker 3.jpg (41.34 KB, 143 downloads)

Last edited by Wally / Montana; 04/08/2020 10:09 PM.

1948 3/4-Ton 5-Window Flatbed Chevrolet

34 Years. Now with a '61 261, 848 head, Rochester Monojet carb, SM420 4-speed, 4.10 rear, dual reservoir MC, Bendix up front, 235/85R16 tires, 12-volt w/alternator, electric wipers and a modern radio in the glove box.
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 2,237
Moderator: Interiors, Texas Bolters, Name that Part
Moderator: Interiors, Texas Bolters, Name that Part
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 2,237
Why not just purchase upgraded complete kits that you just plug into your system. I did it and the cost roughly $100. Mins are bright. What kind of truck are you working on?

Chris

Joined: May 2001
Posts: 1,907
W
'Bolter
'Bolter
W Offline
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 1,907
I'd like to get brighter LEDs in the twin sockets I already have installed.

It's a '48 with PO homemade flatbed. The rear incandescent lights are attached to the frame under the bed. The shade makes them very visible and bright even on a sunny day. And they provide enough load so my old flasher works just fine. I have no problem with them.

I think the glass lenses on the front were not designed by an optical engineer. They were originally just parking lights and don't direct the light forward very well. Turn signals were optional in 1948 and cost an extra $27 but I think they were the fender mounts that I removed.

I have been using the dual old-fashioned LED lights shown above for several years but want to get brighter LEDs in there. I think I'll chose a $15 (or so) solution and spend the $85 elsewhere. I just needed info on the brightest ones directed as shown if anyone knows.

Thanks!


1948 3/4-Ton 5-Window Flatbed Chevrolet

34 Years. Now with a '61 261, 848 head, Rochester Monojet carb, SM420 4-speed, 4.10 rear, dual reservoir MC, Bendix up front, 235/85R16 tires, 12-volt w/alternator, electric wipers and a modern radio in the glove box.
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,624
B
Shop Shark
Shop Shark
B Offline
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,624
What color is your LEDs emitting? Led’s are not incandescent, which emit all frequency’s of visible light. If you choose to go with a “colored” emitting led and your lens are anything but clear, then the lens can act like a light filter like sunglasses.


Six volt guy living in a twelve volt world
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 1,907
W
'Bolter
'Bolter
W Offline
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 1,907
OK, currently:
--Tail/brake lamps are now incandescent 1157's. I know they aren't LED. They provide a sufficient load for the flasher when LEDs are used in front. I will keep the rear lamps.
--Front turn signal lamps are the now old-fashioned 1156 LEDs and are shown above in my initial post. Those are now installed. Those LEDs are embedded in globs of clear plastic. Some individuals have failed. They are not too bright.

All I wanted was new style 1156 LEDs that are very, very bright from the ends. I've ordered some to try and will pop them in when I get them. Thanks!


1948 3/4-Ton 5-Window Flatbed Chevrolet

34 Years. Now with a '61 261, 848 head, Rochester Monojet carb, SM420 4-speed, 4.10 rear, dual reservoir MC, Bendix up front, 235/85R16 tires, 12-volt w/alternator, electric wipers and a modern radio in the glove box.
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 4,509
J
Moderator, Electrical Bay
Moderator, Electrical Bay
J Offline
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 4,509
I converted mine to use the dual filament bulb about 30 years ago and added turn signals. I found if I painted the inside of the light housing a bright white the light seemed more visible than if it was painted silver...particularly at night. I've looked for led replacement bulbs, but I haven't seen any that put out more light than the old type.


~ Jon
1952 1/2 ton with 1959 235 | T5 with 3.07 rear end

Moderated by  Jon G, Rusty Rod 

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