The Ford Barn

19Fordy · 07-09-2018, 09:29 AM

I converted my 40 to 12V years ago and am still using incandescent bulbs. Time to update.

Any recommendations for the best and brightest red LED bulb that will plug in using the stock tail light socket? Wiring is stock without directional signals.

Thanks. JIM

TJ · 07-09-2018, 11:30 AM

I personally don't think those LED bulbs work that good with the stock tail lamp lens. The ones that work the best are the LED's that are one unit that includes the lens. I believe that some of those do come with the plug to go into your socket.

40cpe · 07-09-2018, 11:37 AM

United Pacific . http://www.uapac.com/antique/lightin...-assembly.html

Ken/Alabama · 07-09-2018, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 19Fordy

I converted my 40 to 12V years ago and am still using incandescent bulbs. Time to update.

Any recommendations for the best and brightest red LED bulb that will plug in using the stock tail light socket? Wiring is stock without directional signals.

Thanks. JIM

I use 32 Ford headlight bulbs in my tailights . They are available in 6&12 volt. I did install a relay to prevent burning out the brake light switch.

coolcoupe · 07-09-2018, 06:45 PM

Ken,are saying that the 32 headlight bulb's fit into the taillight socket ? Moe

fordor41 · 07-09-2018, 10:46 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

I tried LED bulbs and went to, United Pacific Ind., LED's built in the lens of my '41. FAR better brightness compared to led LED bulbs thru a stock glass lens. The U.P. lens fit my housings perfectly. I checked U.P. website and they have '40 lens but couldn't find a price. I think I paid about $65/set but was 8-10 yrs ago. They're still going strong.
.

40cpe · 07-10-2018, 07:48 AM

Amazon has them for $58.46 EACH

woodiewagon46 · 07-10-2018, 10:07 AM

I also have the United Pacific tail lights in my '46. I was following my son one day when he was using the car and I couldn't get over how bright they were.

drolston · 07-10-2018, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fordor41

I tried LED bulbs and went to, United Pacific Ind., LED's built in the lens of my '41. FAR better brightness compared to led LED bulbs thru a stock glass lens. The U.P. lens fit my housings perfectly. I checked U.P. website and they have '40 lens but couldn't find a price. I think I paid about $65/set but was 8-10 yrs ago. They're still going strong.
.

Ditto the easy fit and very bright UP LED tail lights in my 12v '41.

Krylon32 · 07-10-2018, 10:30 AM

I have United Pacific LED lights on both my deuce 5 window ( 46/48s in the back panel) and my deuce pu (37s on the side of the box) Both are much brighter than the stock style lights on my other 3 deuces. I am going to convert my other cars to LEDs.

MuskegonFlatheadFan · 07-10-2018, 10:34 AM

I am using the "Super-Brite" bulbs in my coupe. Mainly based on price, as they are only about $5 each and available at most swap meets. I do like the look of the original lenses too. I did remove the blue-dots, that I had because the LED's were shinning through them all the time. These are noticeably brighter than the1157's. I am at 12v also.
https://www.superbrightleds.com/more...iABEgKDQPD_BwE

Ken/Alabama · 07-10-2018, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coolcoupe

Ken,are saying that the 32 headlight bulb's fit into the taillight socket ? Moe

Yes,They will in a 40, not sure about other applications. The 40 bucket is deep enough and the lens will clear the bulb. The 32 bulb doesn't have the flange like the 33-39 have so it will fit most all the sockets,clearance will be the determining factor.

Admiral · 07-10-2018, 01:43 PM

Don't waste your time (or money) on LED bulbs. They're far too directional and only illuminate a small portion of a tail-light reflector, which is less than ideal. I went with the equilivent version of this https://www.macsautoparts.com/ford_m...t-or-left.html on my '36 and couldn't be happier. They're SERIOUSLY BRIGHT and come on IMMEDIATELY, unlike incandescent bulbs, which take fractions of a second longer to reach full brightness. For added safety I also added a Brake Lighter center high-mounted stop lamp http://jandlenterprise.com/products/brakelighter.htm. I HIGHLY recommend adding one of these as well if you haven't done so. They're equally bright and come on quickly, plus they're mounted higher up in a spot modern motorists are more accustomed to looking (nobody's looking down at ankle level where the old Ford tail lights are mounted). I even set up the Brake Lighter to flash with my turn signals, another safety benefit.

Automotive Stud · 07-11-2018, 10:46 AM

LED lights are seriously ugly in early Fords. I've been using these extra candlepower 1157's with great results! Much brighter than a regular 1157 https://www.summitracing.com/parts/upd-a1071

40cpe · 07-11-2018, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Automotive Stud

LED lights are seriously ugly in early Fords. I've been using these extra candlepower 1157's with great results! Much brighter than a regular 1157 https://www.summitracing.com/parts/upd-a1071

Summit's listing on the bulbs is 50/3 candlepower. I looked up the rating on a standard 1157 as 31.9/3. It appears from these numbers that the extra brightness in in the brake/turn circuit with the running light being virtually the same.

Drbrown · 07-12-2018, 12:49 AM

Personally I use the "extra bright" standard bulbs front and rear. I also have the small thin LED strip light on the inside of my rear window which shows brake and directions sold by name Brakelighter by J & L Enterprises in CT at (860) 916-3582. Easy to install, removable, inconspicuous and effective.
.

Steves46 · 07-12-2018, 05:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 40cpe

Summit's listing on the bulbs is 50/3 candlepower. I looked up the rating on a standard 1157 as 31.9/3. It appears from these numbers that the extra brightness in in the brake/turn circuit with the running light being virtually the same.

That is the issue I had. You could hardly notice a difference between the running and brake lights when the brake pedal was pushed. Maybe a resistor installed in the running light wire would help?

19Fordy · 07-12-2018, 07:02 AM

Would brightness be more with a red bulb or a clear bulb when using a red tail light lense?

51 MERC-CT · 07-12-2018, 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 19Fordy

Would brightness be more with a red bulb or a clear bulb when using a red tail light lense?

Seriously doubt it.
Generally colored bulbs are used behind clear lenses such as the yellow bulbs I have behind my clear lens front parking/signal lights.

TJ · 07-12-2018, 08:46 AM

It helps if you paint the inside of the taillight housing with either white or silver paint.

07-09-2018, 09:29 AM	#1
19Fordy Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Coral Springs FL Posts: 10,950	LED Tail Light bulb QUESTION I converted my 40 to 12V years ago and am still using incandescent bulbs. Time to update. Any recommendations for the best and brightest red LED bulb that will plug in using the stock tail light socket? Wiring is stock without directional signals. Thanks. JIM

07-09-2018, 11:30 AM	#2
TJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Napa,California Posts: 6,037	Re: LED Tail Light bulb QUESTION I personally don't think those LED bulbs work that good with the stock tail lamp lens. The ones that work the best are the LED's that are one unit that includes the lens. I believe that some of those do come with the plug to go into your socket.

07-09-2018, 11:37 AM	#3
40cpe Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Star, MS Posts: 4,024	Re: LED Tail Light bulb QUESTION United Pacific . http://www.uapac.com/antique/lightin...-assembly.html

07-09-2018, 06:45 PM	#5
coolcoupe Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: ontario,Canada Posts: 451	Re: LED Tail Light bulb QUESTION Ken,are saying that the 32 headlight bulb's fit into the taillight socket ? Moe

07-09-2018, 10:46 PM	#6
fordor41 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: elmira,ny Posts: 1,518	Re: LED Tail Light bulb QUESTION Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I tried LED bulbs and went to, United Pacific Ind., LED's built in the lens of my '41. FAR better brightness compared to led LED bulbs thru a stock glass lens. The U.P. lens fit my housings perfectly. I checked U.P. website and they have '40 lens but couldn't find a price. I think I paid about $65/set but was 8-10 yrs ago. They're still going strong. . Last edited by fordor41; 07-09-2018 at 10:53 PM.

07-10-2018, 07:48 AM	#7
40cpe Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Star, MS Posts: 4,024	Re: LED Tail Light bulb QUESTION Amazon has them for $58.46 EACH

07-10-2018, 10:07 AM	#8
woodiewagon46 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Long Island,NY Posts: 1,555	Re: LED Tail Light bulb QUESTION I also have the United Pacific tail lights in my '46. I was following my son one day when he was using the car and I couldn't get over how bright they were.

07-10-2018, 10:30 AM	#10
Krylon32 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 4,489	Re: LED Tail Light bulb QUESTION I have United Pacific LED lights on both my deuce 5 window ( 46/48s in the back panel) and my deuce pu (37s on the side of the box) Both are much brighter than the stock style lights on my other 3 deuces. I am going to convert my other cars to LEDs.

07-10-2018, 10:34 AM	#11
MuskegonFlatheadFan Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Muskegon, MI Posts: 252	Re: LED Tail Light bulb QUESTION I am using the "Super-Brite" bulbs in my coupe. Mainly based on price, as they are only about $5 each and available at most swap meets. I do like the look of the original lenses too. I did remove the blue-dots, that I had because the LED's were shinning through them all the time. These are noticeably brighter than the1157's. I am at 12v also. https://www.superbrightleds.com/more...iABEgKDQPD_BwE

07-10-2018, 01:43 PM	#13
Admiral Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Oakland County, Michigan Posts: 562	Re: LED Tail Light bulb QUESTION Don't waste your time (or money) on LED bulbs. They're far too directional and only illuminate a small portion of a tail-light reflector, which is less than ideal. I went with the equilivent version of this https://www.macsautoparts.com/ford_m...t-or-left.html on my '36 and couldn't be happier. They're SERIOUSLY BRIGHT and come on IMMEDIATELY, unlike incandescent bulbs, which take fractions of a second longer to reach full brightness. For added safety I also added a Brake Lighter center high-mounted stop lamp http://jandlenterprise.com/products/brakelighter.htm. I HIGHLY recommend adding one of these as well if you haven't done so. They're equally bright and come on quickly, plus they're mounted higher up in a spot modern motorists are more accustomed to looking (nobody's looking down at ankle level where the old Ford tail lights are mounted). I even set up the Brake Lighter to flash with my turn signals, another safety benefit.

07-11-2018, 10:46 AM	#14
Automotive Stud Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: New Jersey Posts: 832	Re: LED Tail Light bulb QUESTION LED lights are seriously ugly in early Fords. I've been using these extra candlepower 1157's with great results! Much brighter than a regular 1157 https://www.summitracing.com/parts/upd-a1071

07-12-2018, 12:49 AM	#16
Drbrown Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Glens Falls NY Posts: 1,267	Re: LED Tail Light bulb QUESTION Personally I use the "extra bright" standard bulbs front and rear. I also have the small thin LED strip light on the inside of my rear window which shows brake and directions sold by name Brakelighter by J & L Enterprises in CT at (860) 916-3582. Easy to install, removable, inconspicuous and effective. .

07-12-2018, 07:02 AM	#18
19Fordy Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Coral Springs FL Posts: 10,950	Re: LED Tail Light bulb QUESTION Would brightness be more with a red bulb or a clear bulb when using a red tail light lense?

07-12-2018, 08:46 AM	#20
TJ Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Napa,California Posts: 6,037	Re: LED Tail Light bulb QUESTION It helps if you paint the inside of the taillight housing with either white or silver paint.