LED tails? (Update: LED reverse lights installed!)

E28 technical advice asked and given! Troubleshooting, modifications and more.
Galahad
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Re: LED tails? (Update: LED reverse lights installed!)

Post by Galahad »

I've been thinking about this for a few weeks now, actually. I've figured out most of it, big thing I'm still working out is a mount system. If anyone has ideas (good or otherwise) I'm open to hearing them
e28Sean
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Re: LED tails? (Update: LED reverse lights installed!)

Post by e28Sean »

Galahad wrote: May 18, 2023 6:52 PM I've been thinking about this for a few weeks now, actually. I've figured out most of it, big thing I'm still working out is a mount system. If anyone has ideas (good or otherwise) I'm open to hearing them
I'm excited to see what you've come up with!
Galahad
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Re: LED tails? (Update: LED reverse lights installed!)

Post by Galahad »

e28Sean wrote: May 18, 2023 8:17 PM I'm excited to see what you've come up with!
Full circuit board replacement, avoid the current power distribution system entirely. I've done some preliminary testing and I should have decent beam pattern and I have a good idea what sort of LED setup I need. I have a couple mounting ideas but I'm not super happy with any of them right now - as much as I'd be willing to use hot glue on my car, that's not exactly a great solution for customers.
Shawn D.
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Re: LED tails? (Update: LED reverse lights installed!)

Post by Shawn D. »

Hmm... competition for my LEDs which I haven't produced in ages! I need to get back in production, then!
e28Sean
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Re: LED tails? (Update: LED reverse lights installed!)

Post by e28Sean »

Would this be a full taillamp assembly replacement? I ask because I'm running clear lenses, and although I would love to try out a nice all LED solution, I really like this look.

Image
Galahad
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Re: LED tails? (Update: LED reverse lights installed!)

Post by Galahad »

e28Sean wrote: May 23, 2023 9:39 AM Would this be a full taillamp assembly replacement? I ask because I'm running clear lenses, and although I would love to try out a nice all LED solution, I really like this look.

Image
This would be an attachment for the rear of the existing housing, I'm planning on using colored LEDs so you could keep the clears. I'm not a fan of them on chrome but I like the look on shadowline housings.
Shawn D. wrote: May 23, 2023 3:52 AM Hmm... competition for my LEDs which I haven't produced in ages! I need to get back in production, then!
haha, I'd seen old threads about that - I liked the solution but want to go in a slightly different direction. If you do end up making more I can suggest places to get them made if you're interested.
e28Sean
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Re: LED tails? (Update: LED reverse lights installed!)

Post by e28Sean »

Galahad wrote: May 23, 2023 10:28 AM This would be an attachment for the rear of the existing housing, I'm planning on using colored LEDs so you could keep the clears. I'm not a fan of them on chrome but I like the look on shadowline housings.
I'm intrigued... Looking forward to seeing more.
Machtig
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Re: LED tails? (Update: LED reverse lights installed!)

Post by Machtig »

Reviving this thread. Other than an LED specific flasher to correct hyper flash has anyone running LEDs had any issues with triggering lamp or brake light warnings?
Shawn D.
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Re: LED tails? (Update: LED reverse lights installed!)

Post by Shawn D. »

Machtig wrote: Sep 27, 2023 3:49 PM Reviving this thread. Other than an LED specific flasher to correct hyper flash has anyone running LEDs had any issues with triggering lamp or brake light warnings?
Yes, it's been discussed in multiple threads. Here's one (please do not complain about the missing photos; if you do, it'll be clear you didn't go through the entire thread): viewtopic.php?t=145409
Machtig
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Re: LED tails? (Update: LED reverse lights installed!)

Post by Machtig »

thank you sir 👍🏻 , missed that one.
e28Sean
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Re: LED tails? (Update: LED reverse lights installed!)

Post by e28Sean »

Galahad wrote: May 23, 2023 10:28 AM
e28Sean wrote: May 23, 2023 9:39 AM Would this be a full taillamp assembly replacement? I ask because I'm running clear lenses, and although I would love to try out a nice all LED solution, I really like this look.
This would be an attachment for the rear of the existing housing, I'm planning on using colored LEDs so you could keep the clears. I'm not a fan of them on chrome but I like the look on shadowline housings.
Shawn D. wrote: May 23, 2023 3:52 AM Hmm... competition for my LEDs which I haven't produced in ages! I need to get back in production, then!
haha, I'd seen old threads about that - I liked the solution but want to go in a slightly different direction. If you do end up making more I can suggest places to get them made if you're interested.
Galahad Any updates? Did anything ever come of this? I'd love an update, if there is one. With Shawn D no longer doing his LED shenanigans, someone's got to carry the torch.
Galahad
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Re: LED tails? (Update: LED reverse lights installed!)

Post by Galahad »

e28Sean wrote: Feb 22, 2024 7:22 PM

Galahad Any updates? Did anything ever come of this? I'd love an update, if there is one. With Shawn D no longer doing his LED shenanigans, someone's got to carry the torch.
This is still a project I'm working on, and I've solved most of the electrical hurdles. Progress has been a bit slow, I've been prioritizing the E3/E9 and 2002 fuse box products. I haven't come up with a way to mount the circuit board to the existing housing that I'm happy with - trying to not have "hot glue" as the official solution. Feel free to suggest ideas if you have any.

I'm considering redoing the check relay circuit as part of the kit to keep the panel lights acting correctly, depends on exactly how I implement things.
Philo
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Re: LED tails? (Update: LED reverse lights installed!)

Post by Philo »

Money in hand waiting.. Please, please please..
Galahad
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Re: LED tails? (Update: LED reverse lights installed!)

Post by Galahad »

Philo wrote: Feb 26, 2024 12:04 PM Money in hand waiting.. Please, please please..
noted ;)
Badger
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Re: LED tails? (Update: LED reverse lights installed!)

Post by Badger »

I would purchase a set also
blackmamba
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Re: LED tails? (Update: LED reverse lights installed!)

Post by blackmamba »

Hello Galahad

What about something like these to secure the board to the inside of the light, https://www.ezlok.com/for-plastic. These are pretty commonly used by most vehicle manufacturers on tail lights & other applications, they just require small holes to be made then you insert them with heat or possibly some glue if that’s easier, then you use small threaded screws/bolts to attach your piece! Something like this would also work, a bit simpler but also effective I’m sure https://www.amazon.com/Moicstiy-Expansi ... 3e120f2a69. These also would work https://www.digikey.com/en/products/det ... riEALw_wcB
Galahad
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Re: LED tails? (Update: LED reverse lights installed!)

Post by Galahad »

Thread inserts are an option I've considered, I'm trying to figure out how much modification to the existing housing is reasonable for a customer to need to do. I don't want to make new lenses unless I have to, the development costs would be quite high.

I finished my PhD and am going full time with HGL, so this should be coming back up as a real project relatively soon.
e28Sean
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Re: LED tails? (Update: LED reverse lights installed!)

Post by e28Sean »

If I can offer my opinion on that.... I think most of us are reasonably handy, what with owning cars that are now several decades old. I'd think that anything that could be done with basic tools (electric drill, screwdriver, wrench/socket set, etc.. ) would be generally acceptable.
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