I'll see how it looks when I get the LEDs in without the reflectors. Right now I have standard 1157s with no reflectors, so I'm thinking it's going to be a big improvement and probably enough.
I also ordered the double filament 1157 replacements to add brightness to the front flashers as well. Ron Francis Wiring had them and was referenced in one of the threads on this subject.
Now that I think about it, I don't think you'll need reflectors. My brake lights looked just fine this morning and I just realized that I am holding the reflectors in my hand.:p I'll put them back on though for the safety/protection factor. LEDs don't get hot too, that's another nice thing.
Got the Bug
07-29-2010 09:50 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by dcdoug
(Post 1067793)
I'll see how it looks when I get the LEDs in without the reflectors. Right now I have standard 1157s with no reflectors, so I'm thinking it's going to be a big improvement and probably enough.
I also ordered the double filament 1157 replacements to add brightness to the front flashers as well. Ron Francis Wiring had them and was referenced in one of the threads on this subject.
It's been reported before that installing LEDs on all four corners with a standard blinker may push it beyond its limits. You'll know soon enough after installing them. :)
RodKnock
07-29-2010 10:53 AM
OK, I'm kinda interested. Without having to access my garage, can someone tell me how I get to my rear bulbs in my Kirkham?
Will the LED's in just the rear lights overload the system?
Finally, Patrick posts a thread that I'm actually interested in.
patrickt
07-29-2010 11:14 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by RodKnock
(Post 1067799)
Will the LED's in just the rear lights overload the system?
LEDs actually use less power than do the original filament type bulbs.;)
Quote:
Originally Posted by RodKnock
(Post 1067799)
Finally, Patrick posts a thread that I'm actually interested in.
Well I knew the "man-hands" post would catch your attention.:p
strictlypersonl
07-29-2010 11:15 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by RodKnock
(Post 1067799)
...
Will the LED's in just the rear lights overload the system?
The problem isn't overloading. The LEDs draw less current than the standard bulbs. Some flashers need a certain amount of load current to work, so having LEDs might require a different type of flasher.
dcdoug
07-29-2010 11:16 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Got the Bug
(Post 1067795)
It's been reported before that installing LEDs on all four corners with a standard blinker may push it beyond its limits. You'll know soon enough after installing them. :)
I am only installing LEDs in the rear for that reason. I am staying with standard filament 1157 bulbs in the front, just upgrading to brighter ones with double filaments.
dcdoug
07-29-2010 11:21 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by RodKnock
(Post 1067799)
OK, I'm kinda interested. Without having to access my garage, can someone tell me how I get to my rear bulbs in my Kirkham?
If you can't access them from the trunk like the ERAs, then I would guess that your set up is the same as a CSX. You can lay on your back and look up and see them as they aren't covered by anything. The easiest way to remove them is to kneel by the back corner of the car, reach up and feel the bulb and "unscrew" them. Make sure they are cool before you do that. %/
patrickt
07-29-2010 11:25 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by dcdoug
(Post 1067807)
If you can't access them from the trunk like the ERAs, then I would guess that your set up is the same as a CSX. You can lay on your back and look up and see them as they aren't covered by anything. The easiest way to remove them is to kneel by the back corner of the car, reach up and feel the bulb and "unscrew" them. Make sure they are cool before you do that. %/
I believe Kirkhams require the use of a SawzAll on the rear quarter panel in order to change the bulb.:cool:
RodKnock
07-29-2010 11:51 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by dcdoug
(Post 1067807)
Make sure they are cool before you do that. %/
I may be dumb, but not that dumb. :LOL:
Why is it that when I ask a technical question, Patrick always answers with Sawzall usage? :p
RodKnock
07-29-2010 11:53 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by strictlypersonl
(Post 1067805)
The problem isn't overloading. The LEDs draw less current than the standard bulbs. Some flashers need a certain amount of load current to work, so having LEDs might require a different type of flasher.
So, would it be prudent to do the LED upgrade to rear only and maybe possibly do the front like Doug plans to do? I kinda have an anti-Midas touch. Everything I touch breaks. :LOL:
patrickt
07-29-2010 11:56 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by RodKnock
(Post 1067813)
Why is it that when I ask a technical question, Patrick always answers with Sawzall usage? :p
As an alternative to the SawzAll you can gently grasp the bulb while you simultaneously lift the entire car and rotate the car a quarter turn counter-clockwise.:cool:
RodKnock
07-29-2010 11:56 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by patrickt
(Post 1067775)
Oh, the "man-hands" episode? That was a riot....:LOL:
Here it is:
dcdoug
07-29-2010 11:57 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by RodKnock
(Post 1067813)
I may be dumb, but not that dumb. :LOL:
Since you can't see them when you do it that way, it's all feel and it's easier than you think to find out they aren't cool yet. :cool:
RodKnock
07-29-2010 12:39 PM
OK, I ordered a set.
Patrick can you bring your SawzAll or help me rotate my car so that I can install them?
Got the Bug
07-29-2010 12:49 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by RodKnock
(Post 1067825)
OK, I ordered a set.
Patrick can you bring your SawzAll or help me rotate my car so that I can install them?
Check your existing bulb configuration first. I recall when I gave the PNs to Dave Brown, his Kirkham used something different than the 1156/57. That may have changed in later cars.
RodKnock
07-29-2010 12:59 PM
Too late. I ordered them.
If I can't use them, then I'll offer them here to those with 1157's.
Got the Bug
07-29-2010 01:10 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by RodKnock
(Post 1067828)
Too late. I ordered them.
If I can't use them, then I'll offer them here to those with 1157's.
I'll hold off ordering some (my existing LEDs are ok). If they don't work for your application, I'll just buy them from you.
RodKnock
07-29-2010 01:23 PM
I hear they don't make them anymore, immediately stopped making them after I ordered them. So as any commodity in limited supply, they've gone up in price. :LOL:
Doug, you da man. Dave has an early Kirkham, maybe 180-something. I have 539. I would like this to be an easy upgrade for my car.
I have this problem of other cars following me very closely when I drive my car. Often times, they're driving and taking pictures with their phone at the same time. :mad: So I get worried.
ERA Chas
07-29-2010 01:45 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by RodKnock
(Post 1067833)
I have this problem of other cars following me very closely...
Dude-you're driving a 600HP car WAY TOO SLOW!:(
-Uhh, do they ask YOU if that's James Bonds's car??
patrickt
07-29-2010 02:25 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by RodKnock
(Post 1067833)
I have this problem of other cars following me very closely when I drive my car. Often times, they're driving and taking pictures with their phone at the same time. :mad: So I get worried.
With your new LED rear lights, you'll be able to flick your tail light switch up and they will politely back off believing it to be your brakes.;)
