AMC Eagle Den Forum

i was just wondering if any1 would be interested in custom made led brake lights and possibly turn signals. can even make them display logos and text. am currently in the process of making some for my eagle wagon when they are complete i will post pics. i think i will b able to make them for cheaper than u can buy them for most vehicles. probably about half the cost of ordering them from a catalog r online store. :o

I would be very interested in seeing some pictures once you have completed the first set.

maybe get with Mavericke too.  I think he was working on some kind of wholesale deal.

I think it would be awesome if you did flat red side marker. for the sx/4 that has the amc emblem behind the lense in leds.

OK guys here it goes, im ordering some tail lights to convert. my friend who has a double degree in electronics is helping me with this project. we r going to etch r own boards and everything. so we r building this from the ground up. as soon as we receive the rest of the parts needed, we will begin assembling it. so as soon as completed we will post picks and a video of how it looks and works. please feel free to give any input u may hav for designs or other possible lights we could change to L.E.D. i was thinking if the brake lights spelling AMC r something around those lines. but first we r going to make just some really bright tail lights. thank you for any input and  your time

Quote from: Eagle1 on June 02, 2010, 09:02:14 PM
OK guys here it goes, im ordering some tail lights to convert. my friend who has a double degree in electronics is helping me with this project. we r going to etch r own boards and everything. so we r building this from the ground up. as soon as we receive the rest of the parts needed, we will begin assembling it. so as soon as completed we will post picks and a video of how it looks and works. please feel free to give any input u may hav for designs or other possible lights we could change to L.E.D. i was thinking if the brake lights spelling AMC r something around those lines. but first we r going to make just some really bright tail lights. thank you for any input and  your time

I think going that far would be cool, but illegal in wv.

As mentioned, the round rear marker lights for SX/4's, Kammbacks and Spirits would be really nice.

i would love to try the side marked idea but will need a side marker to mock something up. so if any1 has a spare they can donate to the cause or want to sell so i can try to make it plz let me know.

Quote from: ericarmstrong on June 02, 2010, 09:08:58 PM

Quote from: Eagle1 on June 02, 2010, 09:02:14 PM
OK guys here it goes, im ordering some tail lights to convert. my friend who has a double degree in electronics is helping me with this project. we r going to etch r own boards and everything. so we r building this from the ground up. as soon as we receive the rest of the parts needed, we will begin assembling it. so as soon as completed we will post picks and a video of how it looks and works. please feel free to give any input u may hav for designs or other possible lights we could change to L.E.D. i was thinking if the brake lights spelling AMC r something around those lines. but first we r going to make just some really bright tail lights. thank you for any input and  your time

I think going that far would be cool, but illegal in wv.

Ericarmstrong, do you mean L.E.D. lights are illegal in WV?

I think he meant the tail lights spelling out AMC was Illegal.

By the way, I love the Idea and would most definitely, depending on the cost and how well off I am when completed. I'd also be very interested in some SX/4 LED tail lights. back up lights and all.

Yeah the spelling would be a pull me over flag, but as far as led lights I would like to see the whole car done except the headligts.

I have a side marker I could loan you.  I forget which side it is for.  AMC put their logo on them, so they became side specific.

Hey all, I am Eagle1's partner in crime, and electrical design guy! I have been looking at all the postings and very surprised at the response. First, I would like to say, great site. Second I would have to say that the production of a Red LED tail light model are in the works I will actually be uploading images of the 3D board layout once I have it into the PCB CAD program.

The LED's themselves will be High power LED's that consume about 150mA which a normal LED is 25mA. The LED I have picked for this application will also have a viewing angle of about 170 degrees. I have already tested the circuit virtually and it will  only consume a maximum of about 5 amps depending on the amount of LED's used at this point it was 4.55A for 30 LED's

The goal with this project is to create an LED circuit that can be placed into the existing assemblies and leaving the outside looking stock as well as making it plug and play with no modifications or cutting. Having Eagle1 on my side we are utilizing his Eagle as the test subject.

If anyone can provide dimensions (or pictures!) of the inside assemblies for different or various light assemblies and models this will aid in creating of the board (Please dimensions in Metric) as the only aspect missing is the ability to have dimensions for the board and test fit into assemblies.

Dimensions of the inner assemblies (and Pictures!) are needed for each light assembly. (Please dimensions in Metric)

BTW when we say tail lights I am talking the whole assembly Reverse lights and all, because the way they are built seems to be that that is how they will have to be modified.

Reverse lights are going to blind the people behind you, I have found some massively high power LED's that will blow any incandescent bulb away.

Me an Eagle1 are working hard and actually are very excited about this and will be providing pictures and updates as soon as we are able.

;D ;D
-WolfMan

Do you need tail light assemblies as I have a spare set. depending on where you are there may be members close to you as they are not rare. No metal to rust. They will be cheaper to ship if they are closer to you.

Definitely, we actually need mainly the tail light assemblies, or the side marker lights. Basically whatever everyone is interested in. Personally I really am excited about the tail lights, as the reverse lights and turn signals are going to be fun!

Hey,
WolfMan came over with schematics, 3D views, and LAN pattern layouts for my 80 Eagle Side Marker lights. As soon as we get the round ones in the mail, the board layout for that will be complete as well.

The next step is to dip a board and purchase the components and create a working prototype!!

WolfMan will post a 3D view of the board layout later tonight.
:o

 I have a spare set of SX/4 tail lights for dimensional purposes only.As llong as they don't get chopped up,you could borrow them.

I also have some sx/4 tail lights, I'll send them to you if you send them back converted  ;D.

Here is a 3D view of the board! Remember it is a representation! this is a working board and a working everything seen in the 3D view.

Enjoy!

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4032/4681287794_d945cf5d2a_b.jpg)

And the backside
(http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1284/4680654769_25b6bfd8af_b.jpg)

This board is surface mount for parts only, the only traces on the back are grounds and it should be no more than about 4mm high or thick whichever you would like to say. Also it will go into existing stock holes, we only modify the marker assembly itself no fender cutting or anything and am current searching for a connect so no splicing will be needed. :o

;D
p.s. Tail lights are more than welcome to be sent and we will send back so we can get dimensions for all models! However, if you would like an upgrade as soon as the boards are ready to be built and assembled for consumer purposes I will be glad to convert them for you!

(we have to do some fun bashing tests first!!! mud and water and what not before I even sell them to anyone, let alone just give them away. A couple tests we are going to run is an endurance test, water tests, and high voltage and current testing, within the simulator the hand picked parts are performing to better than expected values!!!! 50mA LEDS in the side marker!!! total 390mA input to the board, with a parallel design that prevents no more than two from going out if that even ever happens and limited the current draw!!

If you have questions or comments please PM me I will be posting more, as the next to come are the turn signals in the front of the same 1980 Year One eagle sedan! Sorry folks no other lights to mock up yet, but we are due to receive a set of Sx/4 rear round side markers, and I believe a set of tail lights to mock up with.

Awesome, I would really like to buy a set of SX/4 tail lights and side marker lights when you finish them up.

I'm curious now, because tail lights for these car's can't be bought, what is your plan for install?? are you going to build a "kit" for the average shade tree guy to install it?? or are you having all the tail lights sent to you so you could upgrade them, or a combination of both??

Like I said, unless the price is ridiculous, count me in for a set of SX/4 tail lights and side marker lights.

It will be actually a combination of both, some sets are serviceable and some, such as the side markers you see above will have to be sent in.

Here is what we were thinking, simply buy a set we have made and send us your old set thats in good condition like a core charge refund  ;D This would be for the non-serviceables only the others would be a kit, or you could send us your assembly and we could put it in. However, you would like. It all depends on the ease and serviceability of the assemblies in question and of course what you would prefer.

Also, sorry didnt note previously price will not be ridiculous! I have seen sets online that are just the board for just serviceable assemblies for 200-280 dollars!! thats insane! Now we will be offering custom designs which might be more than the average, however, price will not be set for a little while until after prototyping is complete, however, doing some early math I think everyone will be happy!

Yeah, wow... way further than my mind can fathom. I don't have that sort of education so construct circuit boards and everything, lol... I can't wait to see what you can do. Some clear taillight housings with LED's would be great.... same with the front turn signals.

As of right now, I can outfit every bulb in an Eagle with LED's for about $85. I don't do any heavy modification though... as we mentioned in the previous thread, I just pop in the bulbs and the resistor and whamo! it's done. If you can take it to the next step... awesom... I can't wait to see it!

Is there room behind the lights for a circut board, or is the board intended to be placed behind the bulb insert hole?

There is plenty of room and this is not any conventional LED bulb replacement. We will be doing custom designs and lighting withtn the lights.

The board posted above is literally only about 3.6mm thick the LED's are 2mm tall and the board about 1.6mm thick other than that there is plenty of room inside of the tale marker lights.

We are working on gathering all parts necessary for assemble there is about a 4 week factory lead time on the LED's we are utilizing.

I will post more as I get them, the next images to come are the boards for the front turn signals on the 80 Eagle they will be a two piece design, one side for running lights and the other for the turn signal.

WolfMan and Eagle1, just wondering if there anything new on the LED taillights?

This is the 1st time I've read this thread, or I would have put in a request/suggestion back in June: is it possible to make the turn signal bulbs sequential? I'm not sure how many bulbs are in each light, but I've always liked how the inner bulb lights first, then the 2nd (middle) and then the outside bulb for each blink on cars such as the mustang or cougar... not sure it's feasible with these taillights, though.

Good thought Jerry... Van, glad you brought this thread up to the top again, I had forgotten about it.

I hadn't forgotten , just waiting to see what might come to light on it. ::)

Quote from: Mechanic on June 03, 2010, 12:51:20 AM
I think he meant the tail lights spelling out AMC was Illegal.

By the way, I love the Idea and would most definitely, depending on the cost and how well off I am when completed. I'd also be very interested in some SX/4 LED tail lights. back up lights and all.

I don't see why not, on the Dodge rams their tail lights have the RAM symbol, and spell 'Ram'.  Well, I saw one yesterday like that.   Not that I'd want a set, but it would be pretty cool

Actually, what I want is a LED scrolling word signs, so I can mount on the back of the car, and when someone does something stupid, it wll say 'Idiot' or 'moron' or 'watch where yer going' or 'did you BUY yer license?'  etc.

Ya know, stuff like that.

Quote from: Whuntmore on October 29, 2010, 07:20:37 PM
Actually, what I want is a LED scrolling word signs, so I can mount on the back of the car, and when someone does something stupid, it wll say 'Idiot' or 'moron' or 'watch where yer going' or 'did you BUY yer license?'  etc.

Haha!  I've always wanted to do that too.

I would like

Quote from: wagoneerhauler on October 29, 2010, 07:37:47 PM

Quote from: Whuntmore on October 29, 2010, 07:20:37 PM
Actually, what I want is a LED scrolling word signs, so I can mount on the back of the car, and when someone does something stupid, it wll say 'Idiot' or 'moron' or 'watch where yer going' or 'did you BUY yer license?'  etc.

Haha!  I've always wanted to do that too.

I would like to have them on all 4 sides that say
"Hang up and drive".

Quote from: JSK on September 26, 2010, 12:12:52 PM
is it possible to make the turn signal bulbs sequential? I'm not sure how many bulbs are in each light, but I've always liked how the inner bulb lights first, then the 2nd (middle) and then the outside bulb for each blink on cars such as the mustang or cougar... not sure it's feasible with these taillights, though.

I don't know if its possible either and I'm really in the dark since I don't have a wagon, but you can check out this web site for a device to make turn signals sequential.  AFter you go to this link, click on Sequential Turn Signals on the left side, and there is a universal kit available.  I want to add this option to my TBird.  Mine is a 64, they didn't add the sequential feature until 1965.

http://www.webelectricproducts.com/products.htm

The tail lights on the cars wrap around to the side.  Is it possible to add an LED to the side of this to make a rear side marker light??  Also, there is another post here on the nest showing how to mod the front marker lights to make them flash.  Would it be possible, if the rear side marker light was feasible, to make it flash as well???  

How are things generally proceeding on this project??  Are there any indications as to the price yet?  

Really interested!!!

I have installed high output Halogen H-4 bulbs in my car.  What would be needed to mod them up to LED's??  How much would something like that cost??  I would love to have LED's in the front that look like stock lights.

Cheers

Hey this is my first time reading this topic, seems like a brilliant idea...  Any updates on this?

I think I missed this thread before!

There is some contention on the sequential lights - I remember hearing years ago they were illegal. The Wikipedia article (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automotive_lighting#Sequential_turn_signals) really doesn't help the matter.

I am a big fan of LED lights for cars. They use less electricity and light up faster then regular bulbs.

Quote from: Whuntmore on October 29, 2010, 07:20:37 PM
Actually, what I want is a LED scrolling word signs, so I can mount on the back of the car, and when someone does something stupid, it wll say 'Idiot' or 'moron' or 'watch where yer going' or 'did you BUY yer license?'  etc.

Ya know, stuff like that.

Oh, and they make LED car signs: http://www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/car/d138/ (http://www.thinkgeek.com/gadgets/car/d138/)

Sequential tail light are standard on new mustangs.

Sequential lights were also standard on the late 60's Cougars.

BUMP!

I want life in this thread.... I want LED Tail lights TOO as I have found materials (Lexan) that can be used as lenses and are extremely durable and are able to be used to vaccum form as lenses or even lens covers if you have a red plastic primary lens AND I have a way of insulating them for a low cost (RTV Silicon!) once wired in and everything you put the RTV Silicon into the bucket light box (The support for the circuit board and the LED's connections up to the bottom of the bulb) this would keep moisture and any leaks from causing damage to the sensitive electronics There is also a tutorial for vacuum forming lexan FYI. SO PLEASE BRING THIS THREAD BACK TO LIFE! as a side not I have some Ideas for single piece style modern headlights if interested on the pitstop under my thread "New member has crazy idea" (I think) I have a build sheet, some lousy mockups and some ideas that would fit this thread if you were to bring it back PLEASE!?

Sequential taillights were also on the 64-66 T-Bird.  I found some for 259.00 per side, to much for me.

They're not sequential or anything, but you can always go with something like this:

http://www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&biw=1239&bih=791&q=LED+replacement+for+tail+lights&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=16289256575831957544&sa=X&ei=JcOdTZm9PMS5tgezrcXnBA&ved=0CI8BEPMCMAk#

Quote from: eaglesx4 on April 07, 2011, 09:55:03 AM
Sequential taillights were also on the 64-66 T-Bird.  I found some for 259.00 per side, to much for me.

Hey eaglesx4 if you look up above at response #32, I included a link to convert your turn signals to be sequential for $69.  Oh, and the 65 TBirds were the first to have sequential turn signals, wasn't included in the 64 models.  Good luck!

Has anyone heard anything more about this L.E.D. tail light project?  I e-mailed WolfMan at the address in his profile, and I sent both Eagle1 & WolfMan pm's, but I haven't heard anything back yet.  Any news from anyone?

Cheers

It would be just as easy to get the lights that fit in the old style bulb sockets. I tried them a few years ago and they were dull but they may have improved by now

I think I will actually spend the effort to build my own personal set, Not like it's impossible, just hard with limited funds, But where there is a will there is a way... now if only I could find Dollar Williams, I would be set.

Quote from: milliard431 on November 21, 2011, 07:09:20 PM
It would be just as easy to get the lights that fit in the old style bulb sockets. I tried them a few years ago and they were dull but they may have improved by now

Everything I've heard and the few newer ones I've tried are still weak. Doing it OEM style with lots of LEDs still seems to be the best way, or get a Luxeon Star and a good heatsink, but even that wouldn't replace brake lights.