Any interest in LED tail lights?

[ArcherV20]

Interesting stuff, too bad there isn't much you can do in terms of S14 stuff. Unless you can think of something! Anyway - I was also curious about how long these EL lamps will last.

[Justin_K]

Any progess on this?

Well, it took a while bit I finally think I got a good circuit designed for the tail/brake light. I have the rest of the circuits done (sidemarker and blinker). Right now I'm waiting for the parts to arrive to start making it. Should have the boards made by wednesday if everything goes well. If everything goes completely perfect I hope to have the left side done and installed by the end of next week but don't hold me to it.

greatgonzer - That looks amazing, if I had an S13 I would buy one from you right now.

[greatgonzer]

Interesting stuff, too bad there isn't much you can do in terms of S14 stuff. Unless you can think of something! Anyway - I was also curious about how long these EL lamps will last.

Since there is no filament to burn out, these literally can last a lifetime (as long as you dont short them out). Thats why the "lamp" itself is fairly expensive. It is quite robust compared to bulbs. The weak link is the power inverter which will burn out from time to time. But that is fairly inexpensive and easy to replace. Overall this light should last the life of the car with only having to replace the inverter from time to time. Good stuff.

[greatgonzer]

greatgonzer - That looks amazing, if I had an S13 I would buy one from you right now.

Along these lines do you have any means to make these for the Z32 (300zx)? You would make a killing if you could manage to convert a pair of Z32 taillamps and or third brake lights. I do have an extra set of tail lights that I could send you if you want to use mine as ginny pigs and convert. Then I could show them off on all of my 300zx sites and get you a LOT of business. Right now clearcorners and latenight customs are making LED conversion for the 300zx, but they are WAY expensive. This could help you get lots of business... email me if interested.

[driftin2trance]

what type of LEDs are u using? super-flux LEDs? i already started on my tails but havent got around to finishing it, been sitting in my room for about a year now but i am at school now so cant really work on it. lol.

but that looks good.

[whiterps13]

Gonzer, Ive seen your work on tt.net, and was actually going to purchase the kit for my dads Z32. The car is long gone though.

Is there anyway to convert the 240sx sign without painting the whole center piece black? I think it looks too much like wanna-be type X lights, but like the look of the lighting. You got anymore pictures of s13 hatches??

[da40]

nice

[TRBOMOFO]

nice job

[nvrplzd240]

Is there anyway to convert the 240sx sign without painting the whole center piece black? I think it looks too much like wanna-be type X lights, but like the look of the lighting. You got anymore pictures of s13 hatches??

I'd like to know this also

I dont have the funds right now, but you will def. hear from me within the year (lol i know its a while) I want one!

[Jookmasta]

i agree, both gonzo's stuff looks good as well as that 3rd brake like LED thing....................focus more on the s13 coupe and you'll have my business lol.

[Justin_K]

what type of LEDs are u using? super-flux LEDs? i already started on my tails but havent got around to finishing it, been sitting in my room for about a year now but i am at school now so cant really work on it. lol.

but that looks good.

Sorry it took so long to get back to you. I'm not going to get into any details but I will say that I'm using 5mm LED's, superflux would drive up cost too much.

[yelnatsch517]

First off thanks for all of the replies. I'm glad to see you all like it, I wasn't expecting such a great response. Now to the questions.

Well, I checked out clearcorners site and I don't know what size LED's they use but I do use slightly more. They say they use 40 LED's and mine uses 48 which you can see each one in the pics.

I will begin working on the rest of the rear soon. It will take some time though, I'll let all of you know once that is finished and post pics and see what you guys think. Also, yes they do make amber led's and once I have the rear end finished I plan on moving to the front, eventually every housing will be converted.

I've never seen that before, looks interesting. I would like to say though that I am building everything. I design the circuit, make the PCB myself and all of the wires are soldered and sealed with shrink tubing. Designing the circuit is the main reason it will take time for the rest of the rear.

Thanks again and keep the feedback coming!

How are you designing the circuits and making the PCBs? I'm just a little curious since I find that kind of stuff quite intriguing.

[s14_sport]

i've been wanting these for a while now....full 3rd brake light and tail light LEDs....finish your project then contact me.

[Justin_K]

I just thought I would keep everyone updated on the progress. I've gotten a lot of the work done on it but one of the shipments took longer than expected to arrive. I'm hoping to have it done this weekend but we'll see. When it's done I'll start a new thread, but right now it's soldering time.

[greatgonzer]

Hey Justin: Right NOW there is discussion on one of the forums that I use concerning LED rear lights for the Z32! Get back with me and perhaps I can post something there about your lights. It is creating some buzz as we speak...Good opportunity for you. Like I said my spare rear tail lights are available if you need them to make your prototype with...

[ArcherV20]

Can't wait to see the finished product.

[IC3]

how long does it take u to convert the s14 3rd brake light to led's?please hit me with infos to [email protected] very interesting in it.

kyle

[Justin_K]

how long does it take u to convert the s14 3rd brake light to led's?please hit me with infos to [email protected] very interesting in it.

kyle

Since I do most of the work before I receive your light it would only take 2 days before I ship it back.

[Justin_K]

I said I'd be done this weekend but it took longer than I thought. Due to space restrictions I didn't see a feasible way to convert the rear sidemarker. But an LED bulb would do great, that's about all that the LED bulbs are good for, small enclosures. But I am very happy with the outcome of the rest of the rear. This time I won't set a deadline but I will say it will be done soon. Here's a teaser of the blinker until I get all of it worked out. Hope you like it!

[Jookmasta]

man u really have some skills there. should u ever decide to do an s13 coupe's rear lights, i would automatically become a customer for ya.

[superDorifto]

ive got my money put aside for a full set of s14 led rears, you just let me know when to send the cash, and where to send it to,....looks freaking great!!

[ArcherV20]

Very quality looking my friend. Can't wait to see the finished product. You're going to have a lot of demand for this kinda stuff, you should start taking orders now!

[Justin_K]

Thanks for the compliments guys. I thought I was done and tried the tail/brake and ran into a minor quirk in the design. It's an overall easy fix, plus it actually makes it easier to make. I'll have to undo about 1/2 of what I've already done so it will postpone the finished product for a while. Also, the redesign will actually save money which means it'll be cheaper than planned. I know it's taking longer than I said but trust me, it will be worth it. Thanks again!

[superDorifto]

any updates yet?

[ArcherV20]

Hell, I'm willing to wait, I'm broke, and he's making quality f'ing stuff. I don't want to rush something that already looks very promising. Keep this thread alive! :P

[whiterps13]

Once your done with the s14 tails, you better get started on s13 hatch tails. Give me a reason NOT to buy Type-X lights.

[DuaneG]

Get it all done and I'll be a buyer, if you're not too steep.

[s14tan]

If you can do the whole rear tail lamp assembly then I'd definatly be a buyer.

[CRyan]

Go ahead and mark me for some (of course, directly after the finished product and price)

I've been looking for a decent set of these for a while - with a better price tag then other companies.

They look great man - keep it up

[s13jus10]

oh no, you did not just resurrect this thread from over a year ago..