Rear LEDs

[GDVibes]

Hello all, I bought an 05' Base Vibe October 13, 2010 with 83k miles on the dash. I've owned the car for just over a year now, and I love it! Just recently passed 112k, with virtually no problems. I've only done a few minor mods to the car. Cosmo CAI, LED dome lights, aftermarket stereo, and a 14% tint. I've only had minor problems with the car. PCM module recall (done ), and the MAF dying when I installed the CAI. My most recent problem are the lights. They're still bright, but at night it's difficult to see behind me without rolling down the windows. I tend to back into my driveway, and into parking spots often to help save wear and tear. I was wondering if anybody can recommend any brighter lights for the rear lamps? I'm undecided on whether or not I want to give LEDs a shot back there, or to just get some Silverstar Ultras from the store and pop em' in there. Strapped a bit on cash, but I'm willing to drop $ for strong lighting. I don't believe I've seen LEDs in a vehicle to date (mostly seen HIDs and halogens), but I do like the LED domes, which is why I'm considering them for the rear.Any recommendations would be great Thanks in advance, Joe

Attached files

[Serj22]

The problem with an LED as a reverse light (I think) would be getting it to flood the area. There's just a simple reflector on there, it may make a straight light beam rather than a wide beam. The tail lights work ok because they don't actually project light, it just bounces off the reflectors inside and lights the plastic up. I'm penciling around with an idea for putting small fog lights inside the rear window facing out (much like the 3rd brake) with a housing to keep the light flood outside the car. The problem would be finding lamps small enough. Or even just getting a full light rack on top of the car, with a switch on the rear set that activate it with the reverse lamps.

[GDVibes]

Quote, originally posted by Serj22 »The problem with an LED as a reverse light (I think) would be getting it to flood the area. There's just a simple reflector on there, it may make a straight light beam rather than a wide beam. The tail lights work ok because they don't actually project light, it just bounces off the reflectors inside and lights the plastic up. I'm penciling around with an idea for putting small fog lights inside the rear window facing out (much like the 3rd brake) with a housing to keep the light flood outside the car. The problem would be finding lamps small enough. Or even just getting a full light rack on top of the car, with a switch on the rear set that activate it with the reverse lamps.One of my main concerns was just that. Straight or wide beams. I'm trying to gather what I can about the possibilties before I jump into it. I don't like returning things, as then that's just an unnecessary hassle if it could have been avoided Though that sounds like a good idea, -adding- lights. It's crossed my mind numerous times about going to Advanced Auto, or even walmart, and buying a set of fog lights and splicing them into the wiring for the reverse lights. I'm generally new to modding vehicles, so I'm not entirely sure how well that idea will work.Trying to rule out options within the stock housing first, lol.Though I am keeping the brake/turn signals as halogen bulbs. At least for now.I know silverstar bulbs don't exactly have the best reputation, but do you think they would be noticeably brighter back there over the stock (I think) bulbs?I did clean up the lenses, which seems to have helped a bit, but not quite enough.

[beemerphile1]

Quote, originally posted by GDVibes »I've only done a few minor mods to the car...a 14% tint....at night it's difficult to see behind me without rolling down the windows...Maybe the above quotes are related?

[GDVibes]

Quote, originally posted by beemerphile1 »Maybe the above quotes are related? I know, LOL.I didn't get the tint entirely for looks, though. Where I work, employees are required to park in the side lot, which is basically a massive parking lot that we share with about 5 other stores.A few employees have had their cars broken into, and considering that I often need to leave some equipment in the car that costs a good penny, I opted for a windshield sun reflector and the tint on the windows. The car came with a nice alarm system, and trust me - it gets used, haha..I personally felt, and still do, that it gives me a bit more peace of mind that somebody can't just glance into the car and and know they'll leave with heavy pockets.. That particular peace of mind is worth more to me then the cost of upgrading the rear lights . Whether this be while I'm in work, or running into walmart.Living in a high tourist area.. The more peace of mind I have with my car, the better

[Wolfman213]

Serj22 nailed it as far as the LED not flooding the area. I had an exrtemely bright LED for my reverse lamps and it was ok, but I switched to SilverStar and the output is much greater. At least with these SilverStars not being ran nonstop like a headlight, I would imagine they will last for quite a while. I'm one that doesn't car for old incandascent lamps and prefer to change over bulbs as much as possible, but this is one that I'm more in favor of a SilverStar than an LED.

[GDVibes]

Quote, originally posted by Wolfman213 »Serj22 nailed it as far as the LED not flooding the area. I had an exrtemely bright LED for my reverse lamps and it was ok, but I switched to SilverStar and the output is much greater. At least with these SilverStars not being ran nonstop like a headlight, I would imagine they will last for quite a while. I'm one that doesn't car for old incandascent lamps and prefer to change over bulbs as much as possible, but this is one that I'm more in favor of a SilverStar than an LED.If that's that's the case for LEDs, for vehicle purposes, it sounds like they're really only good for looks.I did notice that with my LED domes, there's a few dark patches where there used to be light. Noticeably brighter, but worse distribution. Guess it's a trade off.I don't have to worry about non-stop running though. At least partially. DRL and Auto light delete thanks to the good folks here They only get about 10 minutes of use total per day, so they weren't exactly in the thought process when I got the tint, LOL.Sounds, to me, like a solid option is to give the SSUs a shot. If they're not much brighter, then preventative maintenance.If anything, do ya'll think buying some cheapo fogs from walmart or something will be able to be wired straight into the reverse lights? A simple cut and splice on each side by the bulb?Regardless, thanks for the quick info folks! Once again, GenVibe has come through with flying colors!

[KITT222]

You could also try Oznium LED flood lightshttp://www.oznium.com/high-int...light

[GDVibes]

Quote, originally posted by KITT222 »You could also try Oznium LED flood lightshttp://www.oznium.com/high-int...lightVery interesting site. Good prices too, it seems. Now I'm wishing I had found that site before I bought my led domes, haha. Though I can't complain. Found two domes for $12 with free shipping.Ebay LED DomesI'm liking those flood lights though. Main thing that concerns me is the heat. Operating temperature of 120-140*. May email them for some better shots off the ground, and to find out just how long their definition of "constant running" is.Thanks, Kitt

[KITT222]

Quote, originally posted by GDVibes »Very interesting site. Good prices too, it seems. Now I'm wishing I had found that site before I bought my led domes, haha. Though I can't complain. Found two domes for $12 with free shipping.Ebay LED DomesI'm liking those flood lights though. Main thing that concerns me is the heat. Operating temperature of 120-140*. May email them for some better shots off the ground, and to find out just how long their definition of "constant running" is.Thanks, Kitt I got a similar deal on all three of my dome lights, except with mine they were plates of LEDs and they were wired to the plugs. I had to reverse the polarity of the one for the map light though. I blew a fuse doing so Unless you're backing up constantly I doubt they'd get too hot. You could also try their LED spot lights too. I'm always happy to help!

[Wolfman213]

This issue with the floods from Oznium is that one LED isn't going to get the coverage that you are looking for. LED can be used for brake lights or turn signals and be plenty bright and have good coverage; that being said, multiple LEDs are being used in order to achieve this. Single LEDs are meant more for focused light, especially bulb based. The spread isn't that great, maybe 120 degrees depending. For your reverse lights, def stay away from LED. I love the looks of them, but I can see so much better with the SilverStars compared to the LEDs I had back there.

[GDVibes]

Sorry on my late reply, got backed up at work! Kitt: I'd recommend the lights in the eBay link I posted. Had both of the LEDs polarity backwards when I installed, but didn't blow anything. I did notice that it was a bit of a tight fit.I think I might go with Wolfman on this one though. Onces the money gets around, I think I'm going to just go ahead and drop in some SilverStars.Though I'm still toying with the idea of splicing in fog lights in the rear. But still.. Just not entirely sure about the power allowance. I think it might be alright though.. Wouldn't hurt to try it

[dragon64]

I recently installed a 15W HID conversion kit in my '09. They do flood a larger area brighter that standard bulbs. It's all P'nP but had to hardwire the ballast to a dirtect 12V source due to the OE wiring couldn't handle the current draw. This is a test/ demo unit from another import/ distribution company and was in a generic box so don't know what name it will be branded under yet. Also have tried a 35W ballast as well with good results.