Cobra Make, Engine: ERA #732, 428FE (447 CID), TKO600, Solid Flat Tappet Cam, Tons of Aluminum
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Originally Posted by dcdoug
I'll see how it looks when I get the LEDs in without the reflectors. Right now I have standard 1157s with no reflectors, so I'm thinking it's going to be a big improvement and probably enough.
I also ordered the double filament 1157 replacements to add brightness to the front flashers as well. Ron Francis Wiring had them and was referenced in one of the threads on this subject.
Now that I think about it, I don't think you'll need reflectors. My brake lights looked just fine this morning and I just realized that I am holding the reflectors in my hand. I'll put them back on though for the safety/protection factor. LEDs don't get hot too, that's another nice thing.
I'll see how it looks when I get the LEDs in without the reflectors. Right now I have standard 1157s with no reflectors, so I'm thinking it's going to be a big improvement and probably enough.
I also ordered the double filament 1157 replacements to add brightness to the front flashers as well. Ron Francis Wiring had them and was referenced in one of the threads on this subject.
It's been reported before that installing LEDs on all four corners with a standard blinker may push it beyond its limits. You'll know soon enough after installing them.
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Doug
No stop signs, speed limit - Nobody's gonna slow me down - Like a wheel, gonna spin it
...
Will the LED's in just the rear lights overload the system?
The problem isn't overloading. The LEDs draw less current than the standard bulbs. Some flashers need a certain amount of load current to work, so having LEDs might require a different type of flasher.
Cobra Make, Engine: CSX 6022, navy blue, period correct 427 SO
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Got the Bug
It's been reported before that installing LEDs on all four corners with a standard blinker may push it beyond its limits. You'll know soon enough after installing them.
I am only installing LEDs in the rear for that reason. I am staying with standard filament 1157 bulbs in the front, just upgrading to brighter ones with double filaments.
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Cobra Make, Engine: CSX 6022, navy blue, period correct 427 SO
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RodKnock
OK, I'm kinda interested. Without having to access my garage, can someone tell me how I get to my rear bulbs in my Kirkham?
If you can't access them from the trunk like the ERAs, then I would guess that your set up is the same as a CSX. You can lay on your back and look up and see them as they aren't covered by anything. The easiest way to remove them is to kneel by the back corner of the car, reach up and feel the bulb and "unscrew" them. Make sure they are cool before you do that.
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“There are only three sports: bullfighting, motor racing, and mountaineering; all the rest are merely games.”
Cobra Make, Engine: ERA #732, 428FE (447 CID), TKO600, Solid Flat Tappet Cam, Tons of Aluminum
Posts: 22,005
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dcdoug
If you can't access them from the trunk like the ERAs, then I would guess that your set up is the same as a CSX. You can lay on your back and look up and see them as they aren't covered by anything. The easiest way to remove them is to kneel by the back corner of the car, reach up and feel the bulb and "unscrew" them. Make sure they are cool before you do that.
I believe Kirkhams require the use of a SawzAll on the rear quarter panel in order to change the bulb.
The problem isn't overloading. The LEDs draw less current than the standard bulbs. Some flashers need a certain amount of load current to work, so having LEDs might require a different type of flasher.
So, would it be prudent to do the LED upgrade to rear only and maybe possibly do the front like Doug plans to do? I kinda have an anti-Midas touch. Everything I touch breaks.
Cobra Make, Engine: ERA #732, 428FE (447 CID), TKO600, Solid Flat Tappet Cam, Tons of Aluminum
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RodKnock
Why is it that when I ask a technical question, Patrick always answers with Sawzall usage?
As an alternative to the SawzAll you can gently grasp the bulb while you simultaneously lift the entire car and rotate the car a quarter turn counter-clockwise.
Patrick can you bring your SawzAll or help me rotate my car so that I can install them?
Check your existing bulb configuration first. I recall when I gave the PNs to Dave Brown, his Kirkham used something different than the 1156/57. That may have changed in later cars.
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No stop signs, speed limit - Nobody's gonna slow me down - Like a wheel, gonna spin it
Last edited by Got the Bug; 07-29-2010 at 12:55 PM..
I hear they don't make them anymore, immediately stopped making them after I ordered them. So as any commodity in limited supply, they've gone up in price.
Doug, you da man. Dave has an early Kirkham, maybe 180-something. I have 539. I would like this to be an easy upgrade for my car.
I have this problem of other cars following me very closely when I drive my car. Often times, they're driving and taking pictures with their phone at the same time. So I get worried.
Cobra Make, Engine: ERA #732, 428FE (447 CID), TKO600, Solid Flat Tappet Cam, Tons of Aluminum
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RodKnock
I have this problem of other cars following me very closely when I drive my car. Often times, they're driving and taking pictures with their phone at the same time. So I get worried.
With your new LED rear lights, you'll be able to flick your tail light switch up and they will politely back off believing it to be your brakes.