Gauging interest: LED array reverse lights
Thread Starter
Supporting Vendor
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 8,550
Likes: 901
From: Republic of Texas
Gauging interest: LED array reverse lights
Gauging interest: LED array reverse lights
Reverse lights are some of the most neglected mandatory lights on any car. So far the only aftermarket solution has been replacing the incandescent bulb with an LED tower style bulb. Unfortunately, this doesn’t do much to increase output due to the reflector design.
I’m currently working on an LED array setup that would install inside OEM or aftermarket reverse light housings. Each LED array would consist of 120 SMD LEDs and pump out an astonishing 1680 Lumens. (more than an OEM headlight bulb) This would be an ideal solution for those with tinted reverse lights and if wired to an override switch would serve as a nice warning for tailgaters.
Right now the design calls for cutting open the reflector housing and re-sealing with the LED Array installed. They would function on the OEM reverse light circuit with no special relay harness required. The finished product should appear original on OEM lights and have a unique look on aftermarket housings.
Estimated cost for the setup would include 2 options:
a) Ship a reverse light assembly to me for modification - $200
b) DIY installation (I ship you the Arrays and you install them) - $120
Any interest?
Reverse lights are some of the most neglected mandatory lights on any car. So far the only aftermarket solution has been replacing the incandescent bulb with an LED tower style bulb. Unfortunately, this doesn’t do much to increase output due to the reflector design.
I’m currently working on an LED array setup that would install inside OEM or aftermarket reverse light housings. Each LED array would consist of 120 SMD LEDs and pump out an astonishing 1680 Lumens. (more than an OEM headlight bulb) This would be an ideal solution for those with tinted reverse lights and if wired to an override switch would serve as a nice warning for tailgaters.
Right now the design calls for cutting open the reflector housing and re-sealing with the LED Array installed. They would function on the OEM reverse light circuit with no special relay harness required. The finished product should appear original on OEM lights and have a unique look on aftermarket housings.
Estimated cost for the setup would include 2 options:
a) Ship a reverse light assembly to me for modification - $200
b) DIY installation (I ship you the Arrays and you install them) - $120
Any interest?
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 17,767
Likes: 3,694
From: The Sunshine State
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
Finalist 2020 C7 of the Year -- Modified
2020 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
C5 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
2018 C5 of Year Finalist
It sound like an interesting option. I currently have LED towers inside the Adjure crystal housing and it seems plenty bright. Would your solution have LED stips on each side frame similar to the corner "Audi" style configuration?
Thread Starter
Supporting Vendor
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 8,550
Likes: 901
From: Republic of Texas
Negative. The entire light housing would be a giant LED array. instead of a single point source of light, it would be a big rectangle of light.
Thread Starter
Supporting Vendor
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 8,550
Likes: 901
From: Republic of Texas
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 12,413
Likes: 502
From: Rio Rancho NM
The led's I have in their now are pretty freaking bright it lights up the driveway when I back out. I would pass just figured I would throw some other feedback your way. I am saving for the new light cannons!!!
Last edited by Chicago1; Nov 2, 2010 at 06:58 PM.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Pro
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 554
Likes: 12
From: southeast
The array idea sounds great - like the light would be an even, solid block. Don't know about that MUCH light though - that's pretty bright. Gotta save up for the rest of the car's lighting before the reverses though.
Definitely would consider it when it comes time - would love to see pics...
Definitely would consider it when it comes time - would love to see pics...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,400
Likes: 3
From: Sarasota Florida
Interesting concept George. 
The anti tailgater option reminds me of a guy I knew in high school that was so sick of people tailgating him at night that he hooked up an airplane landing light to his back bumper with a toggle switch. Unfortunately the first time he used it he lit up a cop.
The anti tailgater option reminds me of a guy I knew in high school that was so sick of people tailgating him at night that he hooked up an airplane landing light to his back bumper with a toggle switch. Unfortunately the first time he used it he lit up a cop.
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 368,319
Likes: 24,777
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '25
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
That does seem very bright, but perhaps that's not so bad. Would like to see some pics of the LEDs in action.
Thread Starter
Supporting Vendor
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 8,550
Likes: 901
From: Republic of Texas
Not sure yet, i think i have an old OEM housing i can tear apart.
I have a smaller LED array to gauge power I'll try to get pics of that tomorrow.
I have a smaller LED array to gauge power I'll try to get pics of that tomorrow.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 554
Likes: 12
From: southeast
