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Sun Apr 20, 2014 3:26 pm

Anybody put led's in their headlights or tail lights?

Sun Apr 20, 2014 4:31 pm

PapaG1954 wrote: Anybody put led's in their headlights or tail lights?

a few threads on this very subject:

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=582454&highlight=led+light

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=428596&highlight=led+headlights

Sun Apr 20, 2014 6:27 pm

headlights no, but working on taillights and 3rd brake light led system

Sun Apr 20, 2014 8:12 pm

I did install an LED tail light bulb, but the stock reflector is not designed for it, so it is not as effective as the stock bulb in a stock reflector.

Thu May 29, 2014 8:14 am

Check it out!
Anyone have a good feedback on this product from Graham,N.C. ?

http://www.cool-leds.com

Look under Products/VW's

Thu May 29, 2014 1:17 pm

Do you think they have built in resistance to make the blinker bi-metal contact blink?

Thu May 29, 2014 3:23 pm

I got a couple of LED strips off fleabay and straped them to the highest jailbar in the back window and wired each down to it's respective tail light housing on each side. Makes a very effective brake light and turn signal. I noticed right away the pucker factor that I always felt when looking in the rearview mirror of some ahole not paying attention went away. Can't fix stupid people but maybe can make them realize there are other people in the world.

Thu May 29, 2014 4:44 pm

I'm running these.

Santa put them in my stocking last Christmas.
They installed very easy and work great. Super bright and clear.

Good investment.

Be Great. 8)

Fri Jul 18, 2014 9:49 pm

I haven't installed yet, but I'm eyeing these 7" LED headlights... and considering these LEDs for taillights. I haven't decided if I'll go with the load resistor of the flasher, but the flasher is looking like the less expensive solution, since I'm also considering the front signal bulbs, too.

Sat Jul 19, 2014 12:23 am

that kit is ridiculously priced, I'd do a little more searching.

Sat Jul 19, 2014 4:27 am

lustig69 wrote: that kit is ridiculously priced, I'd do a little more searching.
Thanks. How much should it cost?

Sat Jul 19, 2014 9:06 am

I picked up a pair of H4 projectors with LED halos for $30, and then an HID kit for $30. If you do HID, use projectors. I found mine on Ebay, there are plenty of aftermarket 7" headlights.

Sat Jul 19, 2014 10:19 am

lustig69 wrote: I picked up a pair of H4 projectors with LED halos for $30, and then an HID kit for $30. If you do HID, use projectors. I found mine on Ebay, there are plenty of aftermarket 7" headlights.
That's awesome! Do you have details on your HID system posted somewhere? I'm curious about the hi-beam function. From what I understand, the $30 solutions don't include shutters, so the light patterns can be problematic for oncoming traffic.

If you have pics of the light pattern on a wall, that'd be helpful, too!

Sat Jul 19, 2014 12:14 pm

HIDs need projectors so they don't scatter the light. The Hi/low function is an actuated guard that will either reflect physically higher or lower. Hi/low is not bright and brighter. The hi/low kit I bought was $50 and I wish I got the kit without it. 5000k will fire purple and be bright white when its warm. Don't go over 5000k IMO. Every manufacture is different though:

http://www.ddmtuning.com/Products/DDM-HID-Kit-Slim-Ballast-35W-or-55W

I was able to shove the ballast into my headlight bucket, late model bug headlight buckets. I think splits have different sized buckets over the years. I don't know, I only have late model experience.

I'll find the headlights I used, they're probably still on ebay. I actually have an extra set I can take pictures of, but plan on using them for my truck. I'll get some night shots too, the pattern has served me well on and off road.

Sat Jul 19, 2014 12:26 pm

Also, looks like 58-63 need a work around on the wiring for H4
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=599147&highlight=headlight

They're funny looking:
(They don't fit out of the box)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/UNIVERSAL-7-ROUND-HALO-LED...1e8867add6

then there are these style:
(I can't say this will fit 100%)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Universal-7-Round-Chrome-R...mp;vxp=mtr

Sat Jul 19, 2014 12:29 pm

Man, I really appreciate the info! My 2015 Mazda6 has HIDs and it's ridiculous how good they work. They're using a projector and shutter/guard. Below is two light samples, and I'm trying my best to avoid the one on top.

The retrofit kits I've been finding - with the HID projector, lens housing, and shutter - run about the same price as the LED kit I posted. So thank you for sharing your research and experience.

Sat Jul 19, 2014 1:00 pm

Right when i got rid of my Early Bronco, one of the guys started doing these- www.hidprojectors.com Expensive, but you cant have them built anyway you want.

Sat Jul 19, 2014 1:12 pm

The ones I have aren't exactly like the bottom photo because they're still round reflectors. I think you have to use just the projectors to get a 'clean' line like that.

Sat Jul 19, 2014 7:06 pm

Jmsmrshl wrote: Right when i got rid of my Early Bronco, one of the guys started doing these- www.hidprojectors.com Expensive, but you can have them built anyway you want.
Thanks for the link! The price seems fair for custom.
lustig69 wrote: I think you have to use just the projectors to get a 'clean' line like that.
Yah. It looks like it. I think I'm going to switch directions and pursue Bi-xenon, projector-based HIDs.

Sat Jul 19, 2014 10:38 pm

Can anyone point me to a list or index of the bulb numbers (brake & rear signal=1157, etc.) for a 12v 57 bus?