LED Third Brake Light (Homemade)

[Schnitzer318is]

Yep that is a crazy amount of 3 or 5mm LEDs. I'm going to try using like a third of that number with flux LEDs and 8mm LEDs. We'll see how it goes. I might have to do a couple of sets before I get it just the way I want it.

That pretty much is what I am doing with a set of Ebay tails I have for my early car.

All red, all LED...and I am trying to do sequential turnsignals.

Wewt!

Would be interested in seeing the sequentials that's for sure. Could possibly integrate the mustang sequential circuit that is readily available.

btw what did you think of those pics of the sytem?

[StereoInstaller1]

Fucking baller, that is what I think.

You guys will eventually shit yourselves in like 2011 when I get my damn ebay tails done.

It'll be so baller that baller won't even be used to describe it. It will be like "MegaBaller" or "Massballin" or "ultraball" or something. LEDs will jump right the fuck out of the package to be integrated in the circuits...oh yeah baby, when I get that shit done!

Working for yourself can suck sometimes.

Yeah, man, looks nice.

Luke

[BDSax]

Yep that is a crazy amount of 3 or 5mm LEDs. I'm going to try using like a third of that number with flux LEDs and 8mm LEDs. We'll see how it goes. I might have to do a couple of sets before I get it just the way I want it.



Would be interested in seeing the sequentials that's for sure. Could possibly integrate the mustang sequential circuit that is readily available.

btw what did you think of those pics of the sytem?

seeing this thread is inspiring me to try this again. what MCD LEDs would you going to use and what value resistor?

[AndrewBird]

Use this:

http://led.linear1.org/1led.wiz

Or, instead of using resistors for every LED, you could wire them in series instead of parallel. Since red LED's are usually around 2V, just wire 6 of them in series. Basically, the top row of LED's would be one chain and the bottom set would be the other.

[Schnitzer318is]

^I was thinking of doing series strings, but after reading a bunch on DIY ebay tails... it's suggested to use a resistor on each LED in order to try to achieve the same color/brightness from each LED. Also you don't have to worry about an entire string going out on you. More work, but that's ok... it's alot of work to do it either way.

If you buy the LEDs from ebay like I do they usually come with the resistors for each LED suitable for 12v.

[StereoInstaller1]

can I get a link for those ebay LEDs?

[Schnitzer318is]

can I get a link for those ebay LEDs?

Sure thing.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/50p-8mm-SUPER-BRIGHT-RED-LED-LAMP-45-000-mcd-WIDE-ANGLE_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33713QQihZ022QQitemZ350026584217QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

[AndrewBird]

^I was thinking of doing series strings, but after reading a bunch on DIY ebay tails... it's suggested to use a resistor on each LED in order to try to achieve the same color/brightness from each LED. Also you don't have to worry about an entire string going out on you. More work, but that's ok... it's alot of work to do it either way.

If you buy the LEDs from ebay like I do they usually come with the resistors for each LED suitable for 12v.

This is true. LED's in series can have different levels of brightness. If they come with the resistors, you might as well use them.

[cferb]

Wow, those tails look awesome! I assume there is some cutting going on in them to mount the LEDs

[Alpine003]

Bumping this as there is now a ready made alternative by Hella.

I just received mine the other day but haven't had a chance to hook it up. Based on the looks, it looks like the same LED's found in Police lights.

Hella makes it in 3 different slope angles. I'm not sure which one fits the best but I'm assuming the middle one?

I got mine used on the greymarket that was imported from Europe.

You might be able to find it from various US retailers though including Daniel Stern Lighting. http://www.danielsternlighting.com/p.../products.html

This is a worthwhile upgrade for me living in Chicago as there are many idiot drivers that just don't pay attention. I figure the quicker response and brightness of the LED's can potentially reduce the chance of a rear end accidents.

[Schnitzer318is]

Cool... anxiously awaiting pics...

[Gadea]

Sure thing.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/50p-8...spagenameZWDVW

that link is dead since the item´s auction ended over 90 days. I guess it shouldn´t be that hard to find another listing from the same provider, or even a different provider.

[838Kelli]

Fucking baller, that is what I think.

You guys will eventually shit yourselves in like 2011 when I get my damn ebay tails done.

It'll be so baller that baller won't even be used to describe it. It will be like "MegaBaller" or "Massballin" or "ultraball" or something. LEDs will jump right the fuck out of the package to be integrated in the circuits...oh yeah baby, when I get that shit done!


Luke

DO IT! I'll can I put my name on the list.

[Schnitzer318is]

Luke... better get on it. I just bought a set of smoked/red ebay tails... ;)

[phillye30fanboy]

Bumping an old thread. Got any information on how to do this, my 3rd brake light took a #@$#. IDK why, and I'd like to try this.