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fastblackmerc
12-19-2006, 06:48 AM
I'm going to add 2 or 4 tail lights (LEDs) to the MM. Have one question. Since the lenses are red should I go with red LEDS or white LEDs?
magindat
12-19-2006, 08:04 AM
Red.
Since LED's only put out the specific wavelength of light, it has to match the lens. Its not like incandescant bulbs that put out all wavelengths and the lens filters. If you use white, the lens will almost completely filter (dim) the wavelength put out by the LED.
Black_Noise
12-19-2006, 03:19 PM
GO WHITE or it will look dim
rvaldez1
12-19-2006, 09:51 PM
Red.
Since LED's only put out the specific wavelength of light, it has to match the lens. Its not like incandescant bulbs that put out all wavelengths and the lens filters. If you use white, the lens will almost completely filter (dim) the wavelength put out by the LED.


GO WHITE or it will look dim
I would have to agree with magindat. LEDs are a little different than other bulbs.

READ ON. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LED
RR|Suki
12-19-2006, 09:56 PM
:stupid: yup yup, that's why alot of vehichles with LED just do a clear lense (that and i looks cool). but ya LED light works different than incandecent)
magindat
12-20-2006, 06:48 AM
GO WHITE or it will look dim

Honest. Use red. Been there - did that with white. White works AWESOME for reverse, almost invisible thru a red lens (esp during the day).
alarmguy
12-20-2006, 07:00 AM
Are these units that just replace the incandescent bulb or is rewiring necessary? Where can they be purchased? FLAPS?
fastblackmerc
12-20-2006, 07:11 AM
Are these units that just replace the incandescent bulb or is rewiring necessary? Where can they be purchased? FLAPS?
If you just replace the incandescant's with LEDs your lights will not work, been there, done that. There has to be a load, which the LEDs don't provide, for the LCM to work. You can add resistors to the sockets but that is more expensive and the resistors get hot. I am adding two more 3157 sockets per side and then adding the LED's to those sockets. I did the body-color painting of the tail and reverse lenses and wanted to increase the light output of both. Looks like I'll be ordering red 24-LED 3157's and white 24-LED 3156's
magindat
12-20-2006, 07:45 AM
If you just replace the incandescant's with LEDs your lights will not work, been there, done that. There has to be a load, which the LEDs don't provide, for the LCM to work. You can add resistors to the sockets but that is more expensive and the resistors get hot. I am adding two more 3157 sockets per side and then adding the LED's to those sockets. I did the body-color painting of the tail and reverse lenses and wanted to increase the light output of both. Looks like I'll be ordering red 24-LED 3157's and white 24-LED 3156's

I've made LED's work if you get a true dual intensity 3157 LED. However, due to less load, you get fast flash as if a bulb is out.
I ended up getting Silverstar turn signal bulbs for the rear. I also think I'll add sockets to the two blanks of the lower cluster.
Dennis Hotrauder did this to his and they look like they came that way.
When done, FBM's lights should look sequential bottom to top!
ckadiddle
12-20-2006, 10:27 AM
Honest. Use red. Been there - did that with white. White works AWESOME for reverse, almost invisible thru a red lens (esp during the day).
Hey Mag, I would love for reverse lights to be brighter. With my bad eyes and tint on the rear window, backing up at night is a crapshoot. Is there a source for an easy plug and play LED back uplight setup you can point me to?
magindat
12-20-2006, 11:13 AM
Hey Mag, I would love for reverse lights to be brighter. With my bad eyes and tint on the rear window, backing up at night is a crapshoot. Is there a source for an easy plug and play LED back uplight setup you can point me to?

Clyde,
I used the reds from these guys for some experimenting. I think the 3156 25-LED or the 3-watt Luxeon would be good for you.
Tell ya what, If you buy both to try, I'll buy the ones you don't like. I haven't seen the Luxeon 3W 3156 yet, but I've played with 1W Luxeons and they are freakin bright!!!!
Rich

http://www.superbrightleds.com/tail-brake-turn.html
DEFYANT
12-20-2006, 11:57 AM
I know this is about adding LEDs to the taillights. My approach to more light to the rear was little different. Did you see this:

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=16277&highlight=silver+shades
magindat
12-20-2006, 12:12 PM
I know this is about adding LEDs to the taillights. My approach to more light to the rear was little different. Did you see this:

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=16277&highlight=silver+shades

I think that's exactly what he's doing, but bottom bulbs R2B LEDs.
ckadiddle
12-20-2006, 12:26 PM
OK, now I gotta stick my head in the trunk tonight and see how my back up light assemblys are put together.... thanks guys!
magindat
12-20-2006, 01:59 PM
OK, now I gotta stick my head in the trunk tonight and see how my back up light assemblys are put together.... thanks guys!
You don't gotta take nuttin apart. Just look up and you'll see the twist-lock sockets.
ckadiddle
12-20-2006, 02:30 PM
You don't gotta take nuttin apart. Just look up and you'll see the twist-lock sockets.
Nice!! That's my kinda change.
fastblackmerc
12-20-2006, 03:48 PM
I think that's exactly what he's doing, but bottom bulbs R2B LEDs.

Exactly. Will be adding 2 more sockets per side and will populate those sockets with red LEDs. Just have to source the wedge-type sockets.
magindat
12-21-2006, 05:37 AM
Exactly. Will be adding 2 more sockets per side and will populate those sockets with red LEDs. Just have to source the wedge-type sockets.

LAPS or AutoZone has for about 8 bucks a piece. Make sure you get 3157 sockets with 3 wires and not 3156 with 2. Also can get from just about any ford or latemodel dodge from the junk yard.