Best LED tail light option for '69-'74

[JoePfznik]

Can any one help me track down the best LED tail light retrofit product/method compatable with the bezel/housing for Airstreams in the 1969 to 1974 age range? Are there any of the many LED lighting threads that are specific to this situation? Will I be replacing just the light cluster or the lens as well?

John

[Lumatic]

Did you know if you repaint the inside of the can white and switch to a brighter bulb you can get a brighter tail light and still have the fiber optic indicator working?

[HowieE]

Tail lights are DOT approved as a system, bulb and lens. There are countless listings for replacement bulbs for the numbered bulb used in tail lights but that does not mean they are acceptable for that usage. The design of the fixture takes into consideration the placement of the filament with respect to the reflector to focus light on the lens thus creating the brightest possible light directed to the rear. Think of a lighthouse and the effect obtained there from such a small light source.

Look at this thread post 49, 51, and 54 for what I did to get the LED results and remain legal.
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f311...s-23544-4.html

[Lumatic]

Originally Posted by HowieE

There are countless listings for replacement bulbs for the numbered bulb used in tail lights but that does not mean they are acceptable for that usage.

It works, it's brighter, and I have used this for several years with no problems. To me that's more important than what the DOT says. I'm not sure I remember the bulb sizes but I think the original bulb is a 1157 I am only aware of one bighter bulb with the same base, I think a 2057.

No doubt LEDs are even better, but with a light bulb and a little white paint you are done.

[HowieE]

Originally Posted by Lumatic

No doubt LEDs are even better, but with a light bulb and a little white paint you are done.

His question and my post are directed at the usage of LEDs in conjunction with older lights. Yes you can increase the brightness of the existing fixture by increasing the reflectivity of the fixture but that was not the question.

[Aerowood]

I did them here #276

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f416...-26902-20.html

[Melody Ranch]

Quick and easy...
LED Pads : LEDs 4, Recreational Vehicles

[HowieE]

Originally Posted by Melody Ranch

Quick and easy...
LED Pads : LEDs 4, Recreational Vehicles

That is exactly what I am saying will not meet DOT requirements. If you live in a state where insurance companies are looking for a way out or lawyers are not looking for work that may work.

[reggiemon]

Here is a link to the company I used. They say which ones are DOT approved. I do not know if there is a size that will work for your requirements.
http://www.closertowholesale.com/
My link on my conversion but I know that it does not apply to your trailer.
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f447...emy-52497.html
Good luck on finding something!