Notices
C5 General General C5 Corvette and C5 Z06 Discussion not covered in Tech

Switchback LED DRL owners step inside [Pics]

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 7, 2009 | 11:34 AM
  #1  
jdmvette's Avatar
jdmvette
Thread Starter
Night Owl for life
Supporting Lifetime
20 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
Shutterbug
Top Answer: 5
 
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 24,722
Likes: 4,562
From: Bugs Bunny should'a made a left turn here
Default Switchback LED DRL owners step inside [Pics]

I have had the original 20 LED switchbacks for a couple of years now and I have loved how they look. There have been advances by the switchback manufacturer and they now offer switchbacks with 30 and 48 LEDs.

Recently I have started to notice that when I turned on my lights and the switchbacks turned white, I was getting a strobe effect. Upon investigating further, I came to realize that the strobe affect was actually due to quite a few of the white LEDs being out!

I checked out the other side and sure enough, I had several white spots that were not firing. An odd thing is that all the amber LEDs were working as normal.

After discovering the issue with the white being out, I decided to order a set of the 48 count switchbacks. Initially, I was worried that the 48s might be too tall to fit in the housing, but I have read that other forum members including my son, tbrent, use them without problems.

I have taken a couple of pics comparing the 20 LED switchback to the 48. You can see that the 48 is actually shorter in overall length than the 20 is.




I took more pics to show how the original 20 LED bulbs have burned out white LEDs. You can see the top is out along with a couple rows on the sides.





The new SMT 48 LED switchbacks went in without a hitch and they all fired up as they should.




These new bulbs are very bright, especially in a clear corner lense.



So the bottom line for all you other switchback guys out there is to check out your bulbs, your white ones may be burnt out too.

Reply
Old Mar 7, 2009 | 11:40 AM
  #2  
YELLOHHH's Avatar
YELLOHHH
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 6,725
Likes: 5
From: Colesville MD
Default

Reply
Old Mar 7, 2009 | 11:48 AM
  #3  
Nabors's Avatar
Nabors
6th Gear
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Union Grove Alabama
Default

I just replaced one for the same problem after 18 months.
Reply
Old Mar 7, 2009 | 12:33 PM
  #4  
JMc's Avatar
JMc
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 6,420
Likes: 5
From: "This is not a psychotic episode, but a cleansing moment of clarity."
Default

Good timing! I'm just getting ready to install a set. Now don't flame me please, but I'm not certain how the stock corner light housings are held in place in order to remove them and install the new black depo housings. I don't have ramps, so I'm removing the headlamp assemblies and will be getting to them through the top rather than from underneath. I'm going to be installing and HID kit in the fogs today (hopefully) as well.

Could I please get a link to the instructions for swapping out the corner housings?

Last edited by JMc; Mar 7, 2009 at 12:44 PM.
Reply
Old Mar 7, 2009 | 01:36 PM
  #5  
sneakelman's Avatar
sneakelman
Le Mans Master
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,383
Likes: 6
From: hagerstown md
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
Default

Originally Posted by YELLOHHH
Greg, keep that up and it will leave a mark.
Here's my 48 switchbacks. BRIGHT!

Reply
Old Mar 7, 2009 | 03:47 PM
  #6  
ColeTrain'sC5's Avatar
ColeTrain'sC5
Melting Slicks
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,172
Likes: 1
From: Sartell Minnesota
Default

does ANYBODY have a pic of the 48switchbanks in STOCK HOUSINGS? that's what i REALLY wanna see
Reply
Old Mar 7, 2009 | 03:51 PM
  #7  
JMc's Avatar
JMc
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 6,420
Likes: 5
From: "This is not a psychotic episode, but a cleansing moment of clarity."
Default

Kindly disregard my request above for the link for removing/replacing the corner housings. I had sent that post from my iphone and after getting back home I looked up the procedure.

I installed the flasher bypass harness and black depo housings and the switchback LED's. I accomplished this by removing the headlamps, since I'm also going to be installing HID fogs later today, hopefully (still waiting for the mail to arrive). This made access really terrific and the installation was a breeze.

I do have a question, though...

I was testing the switchbacks and right now when I turn on the parking lamps, the light up white as expected. But when the ignition is on, the DRL's are not functioning. The headlamps are still out and I am assuming that this is affecting the operation of the switchbacks, since the headlamp circuit is broken at the moment. Does this sound correct?
Reply
Old Mar 7, 2009 | 11:40 PM
  #8  
jdmvette's Avatar
jdmvette
Thread Starter
Night Owl for life
Supporting Lifetime
20 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
Shutterbug
Top Answer: 5
 
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 24,722
Likes: 4,562
From: Bugs Bunny should'a made a left turn here
Default

Originally Posted by JMc

I do have a question, though...

I was testing the switchbacks and right now when I turn on the parking lamps, the light up white as expected. But when the ignition is on, the DRL's are not functioning. The headlamps are still out and I am assuming that this is affecting the operation of the switchbacks, since the headlamp circuit is broken at the moment. Does this sound correct?
when you turn the ignition on and start the car, they will be off until you lower the handbrake.

at least, that's how it works on my car.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-1

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

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

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

 Michael S. Palmer
story-4

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

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

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

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

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

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

 Brett Foote
Old Mar 7, 2009 | 11:49 PM
  #9  
JMc's Avatar
JMc
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 6,420
Likes: 5
From: "This is not a psychotic episode, but a cleansing moment of clarity."
Default

Ah... That makes sense. Thank you.
Reply
Old Mar 8, 2009 | 01:25 AM
  #10  
Harley2Vette's Avatar
Harley2Vette
Racer
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 330
Likes: 1
From: loves park Illinois
Default

Hey Jdmvette, love your set-up. Do you know the overall length of the 48 led switchbacks you put in. I removed the stock bulb and it is 2 inch overall. There is a little room for length but not much. This mod I have to do because I have the Hid lows and fogs in the garage waiting to be put in. Thanks Tom
Reply
Old Mar 8, 2009 | 03:15 AM
  #11  
jdmvette's Avatar
jdmvette
Thread Starter
Night Owl for life
Supporting Lifetime
20 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
Shutterbug
Top Answer: 5
 
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 24,722
Likes: 4,562
From: Bugs Bunny should'a made a left turn here
Default

Originally Posted by Harley2Vette
Hey Jdmvette, love your set-up. Do you know the overall length of the 48 led switchbacks you put in. I removed the stock bulb and it is 2 inch overall. There is a little room for length but not much. This mod I have to do because I have the Hid lows and fogs in the garage waiting to be put in. Thanks Tom
no, i don't know the overall length of the bulbs but i can personally confirm that either style will fit in your corners.

you will like the look of these bulbs because the white matches a 6000k bulb very well.

Reply
Old Mar 8, 2009 | 04:06 AM
  #12  
NorCalVette Kid's Avatar
NorCalVette Kid
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,561
Likes: 1
From: Oakland Ca
St. Jude Donor '09
Default

Pic of my 48 Switchbacks and 6000k HID fogs.

Reply
Old Mar 8, 2009 | 08:30 AM
  #13  
Red Rochester's Avatar
Red Rochester
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
Veteran: Coast Guard
 
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 8,515
Likes: 255
From: Rochester New York
Default

Originally Posted by Nabors
I just replaced one for the same problem after 18 months.
Reply
Old Mar 8, 2009 | 10:37 AM
  #14  
ColeTrain'sC5's Avatar
ColeTrain'sC5
Melting Slicks
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,172
Likes: 1
From: Sartell Minnesota
Default

anybody have pics of switchbacks in stock housings? or could somebody throw on a stock housing and shoot a pic? i have stockers and don't want to buy switchbacks if they are gonna look dim on the stockers
Reply
Old Mar 8, 2009 | 01:33 PM
  #15  
Harley2Vette's Avatar
Harley2Vette
Racer
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 330
Likes: 1
From: loves park Illinois
Default

I e-mailed Tracy at xxxxxxxxxx about overal heights of the 3157 switchbacks. her response
Hi Tom

The 20 led SB is 56 mm tall

The 30 and 48 led SMT SB is 52 mm tall.

Thanks,
Tracy


My stock bulb is 50.8 mm tall so height shouldn't be an issue

Last edited by Tact; Mar 8, 2009 at 02:48 PM. Reason: Non supporting vendor
Reply
Old Mar 8, 2009 | 02:45 PM
  #16  
07silvervette17's Avatar
07silvervette17
Drifting
 
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,374
Likes: 1
From: premium smd led lights with lifetime warranty bc
Default

We also have these smd bulbs but ours are lifetime warranty!
Reply
Old Mar 8, 2009 | 02:46 PM
  #17  
ColeTrain'sC5's Avatar
ColeTrain'sC5
Melting Slicks
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,172
Likes: 1
From: Sartell Minnesota
Default

again, not to be impatient but does anybody have them in stock housings?
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Switchback LED DRL owners step inside [Pics]

Old Mar 8, 2009 | 04:01 PM
  #18  
FreddyG's Avatar
FreddyG
Le Mans Master
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 8,840
Likes: 43
From: State of Confusion.
Default

Originally Posted by sneakelman
Greg, keep that up and it will leave a mark.
Here's my 48 switchbacks. BRIGHT!

Those are Really bright! Do you have some type of fog/driving light on too or is that just the switchbacks?

Thanks for posting this up JDM!
Reply
Old Mar 8, 2009 | 04:38 PM
  #19  
JMc's Avatar
JMc
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 6,420
Likes: 5
From: "This is not a psychotic episode, but a cleansing moment of clarity."
Default

Just a guess, but I'm going to say those are 6000k HID fogs he's got in there...
Reply
Old Mar 8, 2009 | 04:41 PM
  #20  
JMc's Avatar
JMc
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 6,420
Likes: 5
From: "This is not a psychotic episode, but a cleansing moment of clarity."
Default

Originally Posted by NorCalVette Kid
Pic of my 48 Switchbacks and 6000k HID fogs.

That looks awesome. You're going to love theradioflyer's HID kit if you decide to pop for it.
Reply



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 07:04 PM.

story-0
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-1
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-2
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-3
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-4
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-5
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-6
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
story-7
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-8
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE