Using the search feature most threads regarding this issue were a little outdated. For me, nothing can kill the look of a traditionally styled car or truck more than weird looking LED tail lights. Recently, I have noticed some LED replacements that mimic the physical look of the standard 1156/1156 bulbs and the marketing photos show a very bright light without the digital LED look. We all feel the need for adequate lighting, has anyone out there found LEDs without the hated digital pattern some seem to have?
If you want a brighter incandescent bulb than the 1157,try a 2357.It has 8 more candle power than a 1157.
I've used 2057s for tail/stop/turn lights … don't stand on the brake pedal for more than 15 - 20 seconds if your lenses are plastic.
I've done that on both my 48 and my 71 GMC after being stopped for dim tail lights on both. I'd think later model applications. I've never checked it out though. Some where between the 1157 and the ones that push in the plastic socket that you push in and turn from the back of the housing.
#1034 & #1157 have 32/3 candlepower..( 32 brake/3 taillight) # 2357 has 40/3 candle power # 3496 has 43/3 candlepower ... # 2357 & # 3496 are common motorcycle bulbs that have the same size globe & pin configuration as #1034 & #1157 but the brake light side is brighter .. Both are available at most auto parts stores ...Be careful with plastic lens clearance with both ...
Many of us have cars with hard to find original plastic lenses, so using the bulbs recommended above may not be a safe option. Which brings us back to the LED question once again. I have been painting the housings white for over 10 years now and it does make a big difference. Thanks for the input, it’s a great topic of discussion.
Following, I am using extra bright halogen bulbs on my '39 tail lights with blue dots. They are bright enough for me but they only last about 2-3 years. I'm looking something equally as bright in an LED.
I use the bright bulbs from Ron Francis that seem to work very well. I have glass lenses and panted the reflectors bright Chrysler white. Any one else use these?...…..
I've been cutting down old mylar backed cd's with aviation snips then reaming the center hole enough to go over the bulb socket. This make an excellent reflector instead of white paint or alum foil.
Lights like this just look wrong. A led bulb behind a factory lens, not so much. I have used Grote LED replacement bulbs on several different applications with good results when the correct flasher is used. https://www.grote.com/products/94811-4-replacement-led-bulb-white-bayonet-base/ https://www.grote.com/products/4489...lasher-flasher/?industrycat=&prodcat=flashers
A couple others have said it, but I will repeat. Painting the inside if the taillight housing with shiny white makes a BIG difference. Use a 1/2 inch brush with a long handle to reach in there. I did the small '37 Ford lights on mine and it really helped with standard 1157 bulbs. Phil
I use bright bulbs I bought from Bob Drake they might be made for Ron Francis. But they are a bright bulb, I don't know the candle power though.
I have melted the aftermarket plastic lenses in the '57-'72 Harley tail lights, when my mechanical brake light switch hung up. The license lens took the worst of it, and probably vented a lot of the heat when it melted. That was with 1157's. In regular use with the brighter bulbs, I suspect that the brakes are not held on as long as we do in a car.
If your looking to keep your lenses cool (and you get stuck in traffic a lot) and still have descent light LED is the only option.
More: https://secure.cougarpartscatalog.com/plasma2.html Here's a slow but good one for the back firing units, you need a good reflector on these.
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