LED Upgrade to Rear Rectangular Lights

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by Got the Bug

Patrick - Are the dimensions of the RED 1157-R45-T similar to the stock 1157 bulb?

I'm going to say that the LED bulb is just a hair smaller than the regular bulb. Here's a shot:

Originally Posted by dcdoug

Alright, I'm taking the plunge. Just ordered a pair. I have had comments that people can't see my brake lights that easily.

Today is overcast so I paid particular attention to the color, hue, and brightness of the lights. I would now honestly say that the Cobra's lights appear to be "normal," whereas before they seemed to be dim, as compared to the typical brake lights that are in front of you 99% of the time.

Originally Posted by dcdoug

Are there super bright, non-LED, replacements for the front blinkers too? I just have the standard 1157s in there now.

There are, and they are a little better than regular 1157s, and Bob P. recently posted link to one place that sells them. That post was in the last two weeks. Do you have reflectors on the inside of your trunk in your Cobra? Or can you literally just reach in and put your finger on the bulb?

[dcdoug]

Originally Posted by patrickt

There are, and they are a little better than regular 1157s, and Bob P. recently posted link to one place that sells them. That post was in the last two weeks. Do you have reflectors on the inside of your trunk in your Cobra? Or can you literally just reach in and put your finger on the bulb?

I'll look for the post.

The CSX cars do not have reflectors and the bulbs are not accessible via the trunk. But with a little effort you can reach up inside the rear wheel well and remove/replace the bulb fairly easily. They are just sitting there in the open in front of the brake light lens.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by dcdoug

The CSX cars do not have reflectors and the bulbs are not accessible via the trunk. But with a little effort you can reach up inside the rear wheel well and remove/replace the bulb fairly easily. They are just sitting there in the open in front of the brake light lens.

OK, the ERA lights are exposed in the back of the trunk. That's good for keeping them dry, but they can be damaged by stuff shifting around in your trunk (like a can of Fix 'o Flat). Plus the 1157 bulbs can get pretty darn hot and possibly catch a towel or paper on fire. To remedy that, and to increase the brightness of the rear lights, ERA sells these polished aluminum protectors, which work quite well. I'm guessing they would fit your CSX car too and they increase apparent brightness, ehhh I'm going to guess, about 25%. They would be very easy to fashion from my pic below.

[dcdoug]

Originally Posted by patrickt

To remedy that, and to increase the brightness of the rear lights, ERA sells these polished aluminum protectors, which work quite well. I'm guessing they would fit your CSX car too and they increase apparent brightness, ehhh I'm going to guess, about 25%. They would be very easy to fashion from my pic below.

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.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by dcdoug

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. 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]

Originally Posted by dcdoug

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.

[dcdoug]

Originally Posted by Got the Bug

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.