LED replacement for '64 Auto-Lamp 7" taillight

[Globie64]

Hey- I thought I saw a post about someone who had replaced older tail lights with LED units but cannot track it down- forgive me if I'm duplicating another thread. My '64 Globetrotter has the Auto-Lamp 7" tail lights and needs new lenses. I'd love to replace it with the same kind, but the Auto-Lamp lenses are rarer than hen's teeth. I like the idea of using LEDs and have found these. Questions: am I correct in assuming that a modern turn/stop/tail fixture will be an okay swap for the old one? Is it bad to swap out a wedding-cake tail lamp for the flat, modern LED? I kind of like it, the size is the same, they're kind of over-sized scale on the back of the trailer, but the flat shape is more minimal. I use LEDs in my work and really like how they function. Thanks

[Globie64]

oops, this is what I'm thinking of using: Grote 53422 7" Red Turn LED Lamp, and the wedding cake type is like the existing, except not sunburned and cracked.

[Globie64]

ugh, shown together, the LED is pretty ugly compared to the old one.

[Beaker63]

Globie,
I mounted the LED base into my original tail lenses. When I turned them on, the lenses made this crazy starburst pattern. I figured this would attract a lot of attention from those that patrol our highways. I switched them back to 12V.
Tim

[Globie64]

Beaker- you mean you switched back to the incandescent lamping?

[overlander64]

Greetings Globie64!

Originally Posted by Globie64

Hey- I thought I saw a post about someone who had replaced older tail lights with LED units but cannot track it down- forgive me if I'm duplicating another thread. My '64 Globetrotter has the Auto-Lamp 7" tail lights and needs new lenses. I'd love to replace it with the same kind, but the Auto-Lamp lenses are rarer than hen's teeth. I like the idea of using LEDs and have found these. Questions: am I correct in assuming that a modern turn/stop/tail fixture will be an okay swap for the old one? Is it bad to swap out a wedding-cake tail lamp for the flat, modern LED? I kind of like it, the size is the same, they're kind of over-sized scale on the back of the trailer, but the flat shape is more minimal. I use LEDs in my work and really like how they function. Thanks

You may find the following threads to be helpful in your search for alternatives:

• Replacement taillights for mid-60's and earlier
• Vintage Tail Light Blasphemy
• Bargman No.99 Lens Reproduction

I applied the technique described in the Vintage Tail Light Blasphemy thread on my 1964 Overlander and have been very happy with the results. The only issue that I had was with establishing a good ground upon initial instaqllation, and have only had one minor issue with that ground since then.

Good luck with your project!

Kevin

[Globie64]

Thanks for the leads Kevin- it helps to have the incandescent option from Optronics.

Peter

[Beaker63]

Globie,
Yes I switched back to the incandescent bulbs. I wasn't ready to give up the original lenses. I have to look at the threads Overlander located, might be hope yet.
Tim

[Globie64]

OK, well I ordered the incandescent Optitron lights but will keep my eyes open for NOS Auto-Lamp lenses.. I like that they're kind of rare and unusual. The new ones are kind of cool and simple, school bus lights.