Discussion Forum - Northstar Chevelle Club

jim larson · 2K+ Club

Does John still sell the LED tail light kits?

jim larson · 2K+ Club

Thanks John, I was looking at some the other day. They just plug into the 1157 bulb receptical and attach to the lense using clear silicone.

http://www.mattsclassicbowties.com/contents/en-us/d735.html This the kit for a 66 that I was looking at. Looks to be a simple installation; but maybe not as good a lighting option?

-- Edited by jim larson on Friday 28th of December 2012 05:25:54 PM

bowtie · Secretary

EKLED stopped doing business a while back I believe. I'm sure John will give a for sure answer when he can.

John D · 2K+ Club

Phased it out. Back when NOBODY made stuff for early Chevelles it was quite lucrative. When there are 2 or 3 choices available now, and they can design, build, market for less than I can buy components... you get the picture.

"Digi-Tails" is a near copy of what I was making 8 years ago. Dakota Digital (the instrument cluster people) also offer them.

John D · 2K+ Club

Like I said, practically the same... almost too similiar if you ask me.

jim larson · 2K+ Club

John, are those from Matts or Dakota digital? I looked at a you-tube video on installing the digi-tail and that looked complicated and something about sequencial and non-sequencial that I didn't understand. I think the ones from Matts just install with a little clear silicone, no drilling or wiring. Also I see there are some bulbs that are led that just plug in for about $15 each. Any opinions on those?

John D · 2K+ Club

I don't recall who's offering that was. A sequential unit in a '66 wouldn't do too much - too small - I'd go with the standard version (whoever you may choose). Also count on needing an electronic flasher as well. I've got a few left.

IMO you wouldn't be happy with the LED "bulb replacements". For them to work well, there needs to be a large area & distance from the unit to the lens for the light to disperse effectively. Using one in a '66 you'd wind up with a single, 1" dia. "hot spot", not a spread out "array" of light. Chances are they wouldn't fit either, clearance is tight.

jim larson · 2K+ Club

John D wrote:
. Also count on needing an electronic flasher as well. I've got a few left.

What is with the electronic flasher? Is it something that needs to be added on or just a safty feature?

Thanks

John D · 2K+ Club

The original signal flashers are "thermal". The load drawn by the regular bulbs (an amp or 3) heats a bi-metal strip, which bends - breaks contact - cools - makes contact - repeat, in turn flashing the lamps on & off.
(Ever see a "weekend warrior" pulling a trailer, and use the turnsignals... blinkblinkblinkblinkblinkblinkblinkblink instead of blink.......blink.......blink.......? It is because the load is much greater (trailer lights) and the flasher unit heats up faster)

By installing LEDs you'll cut the circuit load in 1/2, and the thermal flasher may not "see" enough load to heat and cycle properly, or take a VERY long time to cycle.
An electronic flasher is really a timing circuit & relay in the can. It flashes at a constant rate regardless of load.

dashboard · 2K+ Club

Jim, what are the dimensions of your tail light lens?

jim larson · 2K+ Club

dashboard wrote:
Jim, what are the dimensions of your tail light lens?

The tail light housing contains both the back-up lens and the stop/bliker lense. The tail light/blinker area looks to be about 1 3/4" H and about 6" L and in the shape of the photos John attached.

Chris R · 2K+ Club

Im in the market for a set as well and plan to get my set from a guy that sets up at Back to the 50's, but danged if I cant remember what the name of his company is, he isnt a big popular name. He obviously caters to the street rod industry but has several 1960's era muscle car products as well. He had every year chevelle LED kit from 67 and up. I asked why no 66 and he said they work on so many products that its on the list for the future designs, however, he had more requests for 66 that summer at other shows that he is planning to have them out next year. So we shall see if he has them this year. He sets up in the grandstand.