So I put some LEDs in my turn signals....

[84blazend]

I have a slow week ahead of me here at school (automotive technology), so I figured I would install some LEDs on my 84 Blazer.

the blazer

took the grille out

LEDs glued in

the final product

I don't think it turned out too bad. The lights are wired to a switch, so they don't come on if I turn the parking lights or headlights on.

I plan on upgrading to an 81-82 bumper with the parking lights right in the bumper as I will be installing some red LEDs there too.

How does it look?

 

[GotBoykins]

Kinda cool looking, you should do a detailed write up on this.

 

[RockinChevy]

Keep an eye on them when you use the turn signals.... I put them in my Blazer a couple of weeks ago then found out the blinker speed was way too slow. PLus they weren't really that bright...Kinda freaked me out, anybody wouldn't catch dead on if I was stopping or changing lanes.. I switched back to stock 1157s and 168s then my blinker speed went back to normal.. LEDs are cool for conserving the battery and etc but I think they suck...

 

[eclipse]

I think he just wired them seperate from his turn signals so it still uses the factory bulbs and the LEDs are just an added effect.

They look cool, nice job.... but just my opinion, but I'd leave the bumper you have. Never been a fan of those 81-82 bumpers

 

[84blazend]

eclipse - the lights are indeed wired seperate from the factory lights. I have them wired to a simple switch below the headlight switch that has a red LED that comes on when the lights are turned on.

 

[BKinzey]

If one does go with just LEDs I've read the blinker problem comes from the LEDs not drawing enough power for the flasher to read it properly. I'm not sure if you can use a different flasher but there is a way to wire up a resistor(?) so they use just enough for the flasher yet less than a bulb.

I think a search for "LED wiring" would get results.

 

[84blazend]

Bkinzey - you are right. one can buy some little things (can't think of the nam right now off the top of my head) that place a load on the circuit in order for the LEDs to function properly

 

[BadBob]

Cheap LEDs tend to be dimmer too. You almost have to wire a resistor in series with them to keep them from burning out.

 

[sandawgk5]

You can buy an "electronic" flasher that has a solid state timer in it and is not dependent on the current draw to make the blinkers flash. I have one on my K5 because it would falsh too fast with the old flasher and a trailer. The electronic flasher is aboot $12.

Ira

 

[imiceman44]

You can buy an "electronic" flasher that has a solid state timer in it and is not dependent on the current draw to make the blinkers flash. I have one on my K5 because it would falsh too fast with the old flasher and a trailer. The electronic flasher is aboot $12.

Ira

That is the right way to do it.
I did that when i wired my trailer light and it went too fast.
The LED are nice because they don't draw too much current, why would i want to add resistors to draw more current.

 

[blazinzuk]

I have leds for taillights plenty bright but you do have to use a mechnical style flasher I got mine for about 8 bucks you only have to get one the hazards work fine