Author Topic: LED Tail Lights  (Read 2073 times)

Benz280

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LED Tail Lights
« on: May 01, 2020, 16:09:15 »
Does anyone have experience with replacing brake lights with LED ?
1971 280SL 4 Speed
1995 E320 Cab
1965 Shelby GT350

JamesL

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Re: LED Tail Lights
« Reply #1 on: May 01, 2020, 17:56:23 »
Several of us
Indicators are a challenge (relay voltage)
Rest are simple. Even I managed it
https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=22863.0
James L
Oct69 RHD 280 in DB906 with cognac leather

thelews

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Re: LED Tail Lights
« Reply #2 on: May 01, 2020, 19:28:03 »
Check out superbriteleds.com  look for the base you need and then watch the brightness ratings (lm).  Get the longest one that will fit in the space.  Remember, select the color of the lens for greatest brightness, red for red lens, amber for amber lens, etc.  They also have flashers that will operate the bulb, which you will need.  I haven't done my 113, but did do a Jaguar XKE.  Wow!
Enjoy some pictures at this link:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8292359@N06/sets/72157603240571101/show/

John - Wisconsin
1967 Early 250 SL Red/Caviar, Manual #1543
1961 190 SL 23K miles
1964 Porsche 356
1970 Porsche 911E
1991 BMW 318is
1966 Jaguar XKE
1971 Alfa Romeo GTV 1750

Jagbct42

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Re: LED Tail Lights
« Reply #3 on: May 19, 2020, 15:03:29 »
Brake lights were easy.  Hesitant to do the turn signals because of the fast flashing.  Does anyone know why the LEDs are marked "For off road use only"?

Chris Long

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Re: LED Tail Lights
« Reply #4 on: May 19, 2020, 15:13:19 »
https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=30927.0

Probably because the LED are not DOT approved.
1970 280sl 4-Speed Horizon Blue

JamesL

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Re: LED Tail Lights
« Reply #5 on: May 19, 2020, 15:16:03 »
There's been debate (online) in the UK about this so I called my insurer and told them exactly what I was doing and whose lights I was buying. They were fine with it. I figured brighter rear lights (in particular brake lights) was a good thing.

Sidelights and Headlights are halogen. Indicators are stock. Parking, fog, brake and rear lights are all LED now
James L
Oct69 RHD 280 in DB906 with cognac leather