41 replies to this topic

[Thorsteenster]

I was looking at a motorcycle forum, http://www.customfig...splay.php?f=293 and a few guys were making their own LED arrays for running/break lights.
Here's a couple specific topics:
http://www.customfig...ead.php?t=49345
http://www.customfig...ead.php?t=47676

Could be kinda cool to have a symbol, or pattern behind the stock break lens.
Anyone tried this before?

[cheapwagon]

Yea I made lights for years for me and my Harley friends. At one point I was making about $2k a month on eBay selling custom brake lights. I am close so let me know if you want anything made.

[Thorsteenster]

Damn, i found this thread but the pics are gone......
http://volvospeed.co...__fromsearch__1

Thanks, I was hoping to see some examples and toying with something on my own.
If you have any pics of your work though, I'd like to see em.

[cheapwagon]

Well my suggestion would be to get on HIDplanet.com and go into the LED sub-forum and read up. Everything is there.

Here is video someone posted with a light I built. The LED's are in the shape of a "V" for "VRod" and it had a clear lens with integrated turn signals.


Basically all you need is a little perf board, superflux LEDs, solder, wire and resistors. All can be had from Radio Shack though I recommend getting the LED's from eBay.

[VulVer]

Do you think you could make LEDs to custom fit in the s70 tail light for the break lights and the night time running lights? I use to own a mk2 gti and I had LEDs that filled the tail lights it looked really nice but I have never seen it done on the s70s and I think they would look really nice let me know what you think thanks.

Do you think you could make LEDs to custom fit in the s70 tail light for the break lights and the night time running lights? I use to own a mk2 gti and I had LEDs that filled the tail lights it looked really nice but I have never seen it done on the s70s and I think they would look really nice let me know what you think thanks.

[Thorsteenster]

I can wire LED's, I was looking for Volvo specific mods though to get some ideas for patterns etc.

Looks like Philips makes the Superflux, they also make Luxeon Rebel, have you heard of/tried these?

And what's the legality safety inspection standpoint on these, is there a certain lumens or something they have to hit?

[cheapwagon]

I made a basic 3rd brake light for my wagon that had 55 J Bin Red-Orange LEDs. It was stupid bright but that was what I was going for. I never had an issue with inspection here in Va. I have used Rebels but they are over-kill and pricey to use but you would only need to use a couple of them in each lens. You can also get the Cree P4's for a great replacement for the Phillips S-flux. I am assuming that the S70 are going to be much easier to cut up and insert boards over my wagon tail. I ruined a set of V70 uppers just trying to separate the lens. Something to also think about is defluting the lens clear red if you actually want to see the LEDs individually.

BTW here is a link to a members 850 and 5mm round LEDs. Just to give you an idea.

http://www.hidplanet...highlight=volvo

[bdimag]

you'd want superflux because of the much greater viewing angle... I actually have some document (from Phillips?) printed out at home talking about DOT specs or something for LED taillights... how the lights have to be viewable from the sides, and other stuff like that.

trying to search google for it but it's been a while and I have no idea what it was called. not at home for 2 weeks.


I am planning to make them for my 240... I want to design/create the controller myself and add in some custom things, like a signal to tell my carpc when something is out, etc... I have a controller from an Accord or something, for brake/running lights, and it's a lot more than just a bunch resistors. need to study it, duplicate, and modify.

[bdimag]

i dunno i can't find it... but here's some fun if you care: http://www.ledcar.co...erFlux LEDs.pdf

[the most modern GLT]

has anyone been able to open the rear light housing up. like separate lenses from body?

['93 Dave]

the most modern GLT, on 20 December 2011 - 01:22 AM, said:

has anyone been able to open the rear light housing up. like separate lenses from body?

i had an 850 so everything i did was for them. but if u can find my old threads, i had quite a few of them as far as led work goes and hacking up the taillights and running a pwm to 'dim' the lights

[Che'_Moderator]

Thorsteenster, on 19 December 2011 - 07:49 PM, said:

And what's the legality safety inspection standpoint on these, is there a certain lumens or something they have to hit?

Federal laws make it illegal

[cheapwagon]

Che, on 20 December 2011 - 05:26 PM, said:

Federal laws make it illegal

True but as long as "red" light is transmitted through a DOT lens you are not going to have any issues with State safety inspections.

[Serge]

cheapwagon, on 20 December 2011 - 05:29 PM, said:

True but as long as "red" light is transmitted through a DOT lens you are not going to have any issues with State safety inspections.

I think Chuck is referring to the fact that any modification to lights makes it illegal. So for instance, even if a proper headlight or tail light retrofit passes DOT tests and performs right, the act of modifying the light makes it not legal?

Either way, if done right, you should be fine. As long as you are not putting in tiny drop-in LED replacements that do not illuminate the assembly at all.

[devolv]

[Serge]

luke_jones, on 20 December 2011 - 07:31 PM, said:

I need to locate a set of upper tails for my 850 wagon, and then I will be creating my own led tails. Separating them should be pretty easy, havent done the tails yet...but the front turn signals separated very easily once I warmed them up with my heat gun. They popped right open after that.

Separating is a PITA. They are not glued with butyl adhesives like headlights (which you can heat and separate). They are similar to the front turn signals in these cars; they fuse the two pieces of plastic together using either heat or high frequency welding. If you find a way to separate them, please let me know, because I'm delaying my tail light retro (PWM controller done, PCB cut, SuperFlux LEDs ready, etc) because I don't want to cut things up just yet.

[Serge]

luke_jones, on 20 December 2011 - 11:13 PM, said:

After succesfully separating my front signals and inspecting the lower tails I will take the same approach I used before and report back. I evenly applied heat to my front turns and when I split the seam with a utility knife they popped open. I have a set of lower tails...I will do it and report back with pics. Then someone should send me uppers so I can create my full custom set.

You separated the front turn signals? PICS!