Turn-Stop LED Mod w/HarborFrt @ $15ea

[Sav'h Steve]

I have a 20 year old Excella and want it to be seen better from rear for changing lanes - stopping.

Finally getting around to updating to LED rear lights. Bought HarborFreight 95974 kit for $30 with 2 tail and 2 marker lights (on sale now).

Had to cut off corners as some others have done so it'd fit. Narrowed width down also with jig saw. Found it needs to be more stable. So I saw 4 screw holes on the back and thought to use 7/8" screws to hold it off the back 'reflector' - I think it will steady it fine vs. gluing it to the lens it's self. Others have ideas?

I know a few have changed the center of the lens to more accurately reflect the LEDs. I don't want to go to that trouble as I understand the reg lens works OK.

However I do see the difference from my 20 yr old lens and new (which won't fit). So have any of you found a way more than cleaning it up to clear up the old lens - like possibly polishing the lens (haven't tried).

Vintage Trailer does have Monarch 9074 lens for a reasonable price ($24 for 4). I can do that and may. Any difference noted by users?

Steve in Savannah

[Mexray]

Steve, I've seen those LED trailer lights @ Harbor Freight - and they might be adaptable...

If you have the same tail/stop/backup lights that we have, here's a link to what I did to modify to LED lights - and they are BRIGHT at night, I mean REALLY bright! They show much better during daylight hours when compared with the old incandescent bulbs!

Check out the pic's on my link here: http://www.airforums.com/forums/f173...-as-42187.html

I had previously changed all the marker lights to LED units that I got from Vintage Trailer supply...you can also usually find them at truck accessory stores that sell chrome stuff and lights to truckers...

Good luck...Ray

[Sav'h Steve]

Ray,

I had read your posts and thought about the *excess bin* at truck stops. Didn't think I'd be as lucky to find some.

Did you retain the old Monarch lens or adapt/use the truck lens. If using the original Monarch, did you do anything to clear up the lens?

Steve

[Sav'h Steve]

I've read that one approach was to hot glue the LED to the lens.

How much better is that from bracing it in?

Steve

[Fyrzowt]

You can clean cloudy headlight lenses with rubbing compound followed by polish, I would assume that the same can be done for tailights.

[crispyboy]

I cleaned up some Monarch lenses with 3M Plastic polish and cleaner.

Amazon.com: 3M Plastic Polish Combo with Plastic Cleaner and Plastic Polish: Automotive

[Mexray]

Steve, if you read the link I posted above, I note how I modified the 'trucker's' front, fender mounted type, turn signal's red LED units to fit into the AS's tail/stop alum casting...

I removed the original Monarch type lenses and the buckets behind that held the bulb sockets - then remounted the modified LED light units - they worked quite well...

I've looked at several LED truck light unit Mfgrs/suppliers that carry that 4 inch square type turn signal unit, but haven't found any that will sell only a 'replacement' red LED light unit - they want you to buy the entire unit only...

I was just lucky that the guy I check out in town had some 'warranty' complete units that he let me cannibalize to get four good red LED units - I gave him back the leftover pcs...I think he charged me $20 total for the lights I used, a great deal!

I stopped by his place a couple of months later to see if I could get another 'set' for a buddy to modify, but the guy decided to send the old stuff back to his supplier for some 'warranty' replacements, and wouldn't consider saving any in the future - he of course would sell me complete units for about $35 each, as I recall!

As time goes by, perhaps one of the 'trucker' LED light mfgr's will supply only the replacement LED light units...one would have to check on the Net with Grote, TruckLite, etc., etc. to see - maybe find the model of the unit and send them an email to see if they'd supply the light unit only....

Ray

[6PackCharlie]

Has anyone gotten these upgrade led tail lights? I have a 1995 Excella with Bargman tail light (84 series). I think these will work, but are pretty expensive $38.29 each so for 4 I am looking at $153 plus dollars. A triple is $74 (2 red with a backup). Looks like they would be pretty easy to change out.

Charles

LED Tail Light Upgrade Kits for Bargman 84/86 Series

[2airishuman]

hi charlie, yes.

here are a couple of threads with extensive pics of them and a slightly different version too...

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f37/...ion-17847.html

they are available from the a/s factory store.

and here's one with franken-ledz brewed at home...

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f311...hts-23544.html

cheers
2air'

[Myrtle lynn]

Originally Posted by Mexray

Steve, I've seen those LED trailer lights @ Harbor Freight - and they might be adaptable...

If you have the same tail/stop/backup lights that we have, here's a link to what I did to modify to LED lights - and they are BRIGHT at night, I mean REALLY bright! They show much better during daylight hours when compared with the old incandescent bulbs!

Check out the pic's on my link here: http://www.airforums.com/forums/f173...-as-42187.html

I had previously changed all the marker lights to LED units that I got from Vintage Trailer supply...you can also usually find them at truck accessory stores that sell chrome stuff and lights to truckers...

Good luck...Ray

I tried those for my 87 they didn't work. I guess mine were different. I am about to post my change over.