The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Electrical Bay led tail lamps 1953

Has anybody tried using these, and if so who is the best one to get them from? In addition, tell me all about your experience with the installation and performance.

Spencer

6v or 12v?

do a search . this has been talked about many times.

Sorry. When I did, I came up with somebody that died who invented LSD and some other stuff about them. I was just wanting to know about the real world experience and performance with them. I regret waisting your time that it took you to respond.

Spencer

I bought mine from Speedway. The only thing I needed was a new flasher. I have a 12 volt system. Definitely improves the rear brake lights and turn signals. Lots brighter and safer!!!

Mine came from Technostalgia. I also had to change the flasher, but I have LEDs in the front, too. As coach-frank said, much brighter.

I was trying to post a search for led lights but it wouldn't link. aggieranch: go up near the top of this subject(near active topic) and you'll find the word "search" click on it and type in LED and you see hundreds of posts on the Stovebolt web site about led lights. Good luck. I used the 12 volt rear lights and I'm happy with them. Leds might look better but I was trying to keep the fire truck similar to the way it came in 1951. Besides I also have license plate lights on both rear lights so my running boards have light at night.

I've already converted to 12V. Is it worth going with LED. It's a safety concern. I'm going through some LED searches right now.

Spencer

I feel the 12volt bulbs were bright and could be seen. However others will likely feel otherwise. However the 6volt bulbs were dim... Just my 2 cents...

i have two sets one in the bedroll and one under the tailgate and i love them. anything that helps let people to know my intention in the rear is great. if you notice the newer big rigs all have leds. ron

I have had mine for a couple of years and love em. Way brighter!! I was always afraid of someone running into the back of me with the old 21 watt tailights. 12v, easy hookup and I didn't need to change flashers because I have regular signals up front.

Can this be done with a 6 volt system?

I'm running a 12v system, no turn signals. I changed out the 1157 incandescents for LEDs (~$15) and LOVE them. I never thought about my visibility much until I entered a parking lot and a guy stopped and said, "Nice truck, but I couldn't see you from behind until I was practically on top of you." If someone who actually likes old trucks couldn't see me, then what about someone driving a POS while text-messaging?

I bought some off-the-shelf pair of red LEDs at AutoZone. Installation was nothing more than what you'd do if you changed out incandescents. The LEDs are much brighter, and don't look appreciably different. For concourse restorations, I understand why someone would keep the incandescents. For drivers, I can't understand NOT using LEDs. They are that good.

(To see what mine look like as driving lights and as brake lights, click on the YouTube video link below. There is a 2 second clip in the video that shows the LED tail lights.)

Bill

I have planned on led brake lights. I want to place them in a vertical position on the back of the rear stake pockets if I can find something that will fit there.
All you guys that insist on remaining original with your 4:11 rear ends and driving -55 down the toll road are just asking for trouble. Originality is great but in my opinion safe trumps original.
I think if one insists on originality it would be good to hook a light set on the back of the tailgate, something 3 or 4 inches high and 24" wide, while driving the speedways of America.
Just my 2 cents...

Technostalgia,very bright.I love them

I'll be using Led's in mine... The last thing I want is some knucklehead rearending my 'Bolt'.
I bought the complete lense arrangment for my '50' and I'm very impressed! They're really bright!
I understand the concours guys,but for driving on todays roads I think you need all the help you can get!

great stuff auggi

jb50, i don't think it will be a knucklehead .... they are WAY MORE expensive than your truck http://www.classic-bikes.com/html/bilder/bikes/07knucklehead_gr.jpg

Jockbolter:
Where did you get your LEDs?

Try http://www.truckandcarshop.com/ If I remember correctly the left hand one was about $30 it comes with the license plate light, and the right about $20 approx.
They fit right into the original units or repop units.
They come as a sealed lens arrangment with the LED's set into an epoxy resin. Hope this helps!
Sorry for the delay in replying.
Jock.
Sorry If I offended any Harley fans! I couldn't print what I really call tailgaters! :mad: