C3 General General C3 Corvette Discussion not covered in Tech
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

LED Tail Lights

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 18, 2011 | 08:41 PM
  #1  
68vetteman's Avatar
68vetteman
Thread Starter
Racer
15 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 284
Likes: 6
From: Palm PA
Default LED Tail Lights

I bought some LED tail lights for my 68 and they are BRIGHT. I won't post a link for the lights but if you "google" autolumination you will get there. Not being sure what lights I wanted I ordered 3 types. #1 Matrix II LED bulbs, little brighter than stock and fiber optics worked. #2 SMT Spider Lights W/ 40 LED's, had star pattern in tail light lens but fiber optics not that bright. #3 Eagle Eye Tower W/ 11 Super high Power LED's, tail light lens very bright and fiber optics are bright. With 4 LED tail lights and regular bulbs for the front turn signals a standard flasher "Not heavy duty" works great. If you go all LEDs front and rear an electronic flasher is needed. I can give the part # if anybody wants it. Now for the bad stuff: I used the Eagle Eye LEDs. 3 bulbs went right in, the 4th one had to be "coaxed a little". These bulbs in the front are hard to get in but with a little filing I got the bulbs in. In other years it might be harder or easier remember this is a 68. I have a video, LEDs are on driver side, regular bulbs on passenger side.http://s258.photobucket.com/albums/h...TailLights.mp4
Reply
Old Apr 18, 2011 | 09:11 PM
  #2  
terry82's Avatar
terry82
Le Mans Master
25 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,664
Likes: 162
From: columbia city in
Default

i liked your video .i would like to do the just the rear lights in my 82 .if i change just the back 2[left and right] would i still have to use the new flasher or will my old one work?i would like later on to change to both on each side lighting but i am trying to think of what to do for the back up lights.
Reply
Old Apr 18, 2011 | 09:25 PM
  #3  
Denpo's Avatar
Denpo
Drifting
Supporting Member
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,626
Likes: 140
From: Kanuckistan
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Default

Very interesting side by side comparison, you can realize how slower are regular bulb when compared to led.
Check those I'm currently making :






Reply
Old Apr 18, 2011 | 09:45 PM
  #4  
68vetteman's Avatar
68vetteman
Thread Starter
Racer
15 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 284
Likes: 6
From: Palm PA
Default

Originally Posted by terry82
i liked your video .i would like to do the just the rear lights in my 82 .if i change just the back 2[left and right] would i still have to use the new flasher or will my old one work?i would like later on to change to both on each side lighting but i am trying to think of what to do for the back up lights.
I had all 4 LED tail lights working with the stock flasher. I have a standard flasher not "heavy duty" style. Don't forget that there might be 2 flashers on your car. One for the turn signals and a seperate one for the "4" ways but if you are just replacing the 2 outer lights your flashers should work fine. Can't help with the back up lights in the tail light lens but you might be able to figure something out.
68 Vetteman
Reply
Old Apr 18, 2011 | 10:05 PM
  #5  
terry82's Avatar
terry82
Le Mans Master
25 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,664
Likes: 162
From: columbia city in
Default

so far i like the back up lights from a 69 camaro
Reply
Old Apr 18, 2011 | 10:07 PM
  #6  
68vetteman's Avatar
68vetteman
Thread Starter
Racer
15 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 284
Likes: 6
From: Palm PA
Default

Originally Posted by Denpo
Very interesting side by side comparison, you can realize how slower are regular bulb when compared to led.
Check those I'm currently making :






If you put a regular bulb and a LED on the same side you can see a big difference in how fast the LEDs light up. Your lenses look like they will be super bright also. I don't know what year your lenses are for but Eckler's has a simular design for their tail lights. I was thinking of buying them but I didn't think the fiber optics would work.
68 Vetteman
Reply
Old Apr 18, 2011 | 10:18 PM
  #7  
68vetteman's Avatar
68vetteman
Thread Starter
Racer
15 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 284
Likes: 6
From: Palm PA
Default

Originally Posted by terry82
so far i like the back up lights from a 69 camaro
Back up lights on a 68 are easy. They are mounted on the panel below the bumpers and not in the tail lights.
68 Vetteman
Reply
Old Apr 18, 2011 | 11:38 PM
  #8  
ptroxx's Avatar
ptroxx
Race Director
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 14,062
Likes: 602
From: Henderson Nv-Rohnert Park/Sonoma C o. ca/born in NY Rockaway Beach.
Default

so wondering out of all the lights what did you use and where ?
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Apr 19, 2011 | 12:17 AM
  #9  
Denpo's Avatar
Denpo
Drifting
Supporting Member
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,626
Likes: 140
From: Kanuckistan
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Default

Originally Posted by 68vetteman
If you put a regular bulb and a LED on the same side you can see a big difference in how fast the LEDs light up. Your lenses look like they will be super bright also. I don't know what year your lenses are for but Eckler's has a simular design for their tail lights. I was thinking of buying them but I didn't think the fiber optics would work.
68 Vetteman
I think those lenses are aftermarket bubble lens for 68-72.
I'm not sure because I bought them on the cheap on ebay, and they will end up in a '76 with a '80 rear bumper. Basically I'm doing the whole tail light : led housing and mounting plate.
For the fiberoptic, you could still cheat, and add another led, pointing in the fiber and powered by the same circuit as the other leds.
Reply
Old Apr 19, 2011 | 09:29 AM
  #10  
jackson's Avatar
jackson
Le Mans Master
 
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 7,739
Likes: 630
From: Unreconstructed, South Carolina
Default

Seems to me most rear lamps w/ incandescent bulb are bright enough.

I dunno about the above LED in a C3, but I've seen (in-person) some LED rear lamps that are too bright ... some create Quite a glare ... Not good for an approaching driver attempting to judge distance.
Reply
Old Apr 19, 2011 | 10:06 AM
  #11  
qwank's Avatar
qwank
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 61
From: Southern NH
Default

Originally Posted by 68vetteman
Back up lights on a 68 are easy. They are mounted on the panel below the bumpers and not in the tail lights.
68 Vetteman
only with the Rally Sport option
Reply
Old Apr 19, 2011 | 10:48 AM
  #12  
SteveG75's Avatar
SteveG75
Race Director
Veteran: Navy
25 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 10,045
Likes: 675
From: FL
Default

Originally Posted by jackson
Seems to me most rear lamps w/ incandescent bulb are bright enough.

I dunno about the above LED in a C3, but I've seen (in-person) some LED rear lamps that are too bright ... some create Quite a glare ... Not good for an approaching driver attempting to judge distance.
Just installed 4 spider LED's in my bubble lights. IMHO, there is no such thing as too bright. My bright yellow Corvette with 4 tailights got rear ended two months after paint by a driver not paying attention. Brighter is better.
Reply
Old Apr 19, 2011 | 10:54 AM
  #13  
ptroxx's Avatar
ptroxx
Race Director
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 14,062
Likes: 602
From: Henderson Nv-Rohnert Park/Sonoma C o. ca/born in NY Rockaway Beach.
Default

Originally Posted by SteveG75
Just installed 4 spider LED's in my bubble lights. IMHO, there is no such thing as too bright. My bright yellow Corvette with 4 tailights got rear ended two months after paint by a driver not paying attention. Brighter is better.
can we see a pic of them installed and on..thanks
Reply
Old Apr 19, 2011 | 10:57 AM
  #14  
Denpo's Avatar
Denpo
Drifting
Supporting Member
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,626
Likes: 140
From: Kanuckistan
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Default

Originally Posted by SteveG75
Just installed 4 spider LED's in my bubble lights. IMHO, there is no such thing as too bright. My bright yellow Corvette with 4 tailights got rear ended two months after paint by a driver not paying attention. Brighter is better.
Reply
Old Apr 19, 2011 | 11:23 AM
  #15  
SteveG75's Avatar
SteveG75
Race Director
Veteran: Navy
25 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 10,045
Likes: 675
From: FL
Default

Originally Posted by ptroxx
can we see a pic of them installed and on..thanks
Sorry for the poor quality of pics, car is in the dark garage and it was pretty sunny. Bulbs are actually very bright. BTW, reverse lights under the bumper.

No lights on:


Brake lights (you can see the pattern):
Reply
Old Apr 19, 2011 | 12:02 PM
  #16  
ptroxx's Avatar
ptroxx
Race Director
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 14,062
Likes: 602
From: Henderson Nv-Rohnert Park/Sonoma C o. ca/born in NY Rockaway Beach.
Default

Originally Posted by SteveG75
Sorry for the poor quality of pics, car is in the dark garage and it was pretty sunny. Bulbs are actually very bright. BTW, reverse lights under the bumper.

No lights on:


Brake lights (you can see the pattern):
cool, that gives me a good idea on those for sure... thanks..
Reply
Old Apr 19, 2011 | 08:56 PM
  #17  
68vetteman's Avatar
68vetteman
Thread Starter
Racer
15 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 284
Likes: 6
From: Palm PA
Default

Originally Posted by ptroxx
so wondering out of all the lights what did you use and where ?
I used the Eagle Eye Tower LEDs, 4 in the rear for tail lights and 2 amber in the front. I also used LEDs for the courtsey and the lights in the front kick panels.
68 Vetteman
Reply
Old Apr 19, 2011 | 09:08 PM
  #18  
68vetteman's Avatar
68vetteman
Thread Starter
Racer
15 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 284
Likes: 6
From: Palm PA
Default

Originally Posted by SteveG75
Just installed 4 spider LED's in my bubble lights. IMHO, there is no such thing as too bright. My bright yellow Corvette with 4 tailights got rear ended two months after paint by a driver not paying attention. Brighter is better.
This is one of the reasons I went with brighter. In the daylight the lenses on the 68 aren't that bright. In the video I have they look like there is a lot of glare but that was just my camera. In my opinion if my car got rear ended and the driver sad "I didn't see you" I would insist to the responding officer that he tear up their license because they must be legally blind.
68 Vetteman
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To LED Tail Lights





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 06:32 AM.

story-0
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-8
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-9
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE