(since we're geeking out on hard disks and such)

It was only a matter of time; I was curious which of the majors would come up with them first. Looks like Truck-Lite:

single-emitter 4" round turn and stop/tail lamps — the stop function takes 3.5w, which is roughly 1/8 the power consumed by an ordinary P21W incandescent stop lamp bulb.

(also 2-emitter 4" round rear fog lamps)

These meet international ECE regulations; doesn't look like they're certified to the US SAE/DOT regs. Minimum intensity is higher for the stop and turn functions in SAE/DOT, but visibility angles are wider in ECE. So it's probably only a matter of a little more time before DOT versions of these become available. There's been a big kerfuffle about LED 4" round lamps not meeting the DOT's minimum requirements for effective projected luminous lens area, because of the dark gaps in amongst the emitters. This single-emitter device, depending on optic design, may solve the problem (or may aggravate it). I want to see them all in person, but I'll be especially interested to look at the rear fog, which would meet DOT stop lamp photometrics. I can't tell from the images on the site whether EPLLA would be a problem or not.

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

Well the hard disc thing was so far from my comprehension that it didn't even register...

This I can at least follow (more or less)

By the time I get back to the states and am ready to upgrade the lighting on my '72 Dart we'll have some really cool stuff to use, right Dan!?

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Rob

I’m Mater
The Kentucky Poser

OOOWWWHHHH BACK FOUL BEAST !!!!!!
Frank

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Scrapple: Because a mind is a terrible thing to waste.
73 Duster - Race Car
66 Dart Wagon - DD
178" FED
82 D150
All Slant powered

Hey Dan, do you see any problem bolting the 4" trailer light in place of a factory 63 Dart tail light? It will physically fit in the hole, it almost bolts up perfect. Lights on the back of a 63 are tiny as you know, so would like to be as visible as possible. (having just been rearended recently)

I was thinking about these
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/d ... mber=94795

Who would I look for as a reputable non-china manufacturer for that type of light? What should it cost? Most importantly, do you see a problem?

I was also going to ask you would the replacement led's possibly work in the front turn signals of a 63 Dart? I was figuring since the led array would be about the same size as the lens, it might work in this application.

Thanks for all of your knowledge Dan, anytime you talk about lights I seem to learn something new.


TopHat

Functionally? No, as long as they're mounted such that they're not shrouded by the sheetmetal. You may want to try mounting these behind the lenses (in place of the original reflector & bulb socket) to maintain the stock appearance.
Mmm...not so much, they're actually fairly large.
If you're trying to improve your safety, leave this Chinese garbage (at least Harbor Freight are consistent... ) on the shelf and buy something with some quality to it.
For a project like this what you describe, my first preference would probably be Peterson's #417:


My second preference would likely be the Truck-Lite Signal-State #4050. For this what you're trying to do, you'd be better off with the highest possible emitter count.

Sourcing, you'll have to mouse around. I'd recommend using the Peterson website's dealer locator function (Truck-Lite has one on their site, too), then if nothing else you can call the regional sales manager and find a source. Alternatively, figure out which exact unit you want (flange mount or grommet mount), copy down the part number, and get in the yellow pages to find some truck parts dealers. Ask if they carry Peterson lights and toss the P/N at them.

You will need to run an electronic flasher because the low current draw of the LED units will spoil the flash rate with an ordinary flasher. I recommend an Ideal number EL-12C; this is the one in the smoked transparent plastic can, about $10 at the parts store.
So-called "LED bulbs" never ever work safely, no matter what size and shape the lamp they're put into. Don't use them. (there's also no reason to prefer LEDs in the front turn signals).

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

Having mocked up an assembly today similar to this what (I assume) you have in mind, stock taillamp lens with 4" round LED unit behind it, I am changing my vote: Don't do it. I didn't have a '63 Dart lens to try out, but none of the (new, name-brand) 4" round LED units I tried gave even minimally adequate/safe amounts of light. If you're thinking to mount them externally without the original lens, then OK, but other than that, I'd say clean the lenses, refurbish the reflectors, put in the better bulbs, make sure the feeds and grounds are in good shape, and call it good.

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.