The Ford Barn

Pilotdave · 06-23-2015, 06:46 PM

I just installed LED tail light units in our Tudor. These are made by United Pacific and came with the all-red lenses and LED's mounted behind them - they plug into the existing sockets.

They are fine except the lenses are formed a bit too large to fit into the openings in the metal bezels. I spent quite a few minutes filing and grinding those openings before the bezels would fit over the lenses. The bezels fit fine with the glass lenses that came with the tail light units.

I'm wondering if I got some bad parts or if others run into the same problem. If the latter, has anyone talked with United Pacific about it? Interestingly, the back of the package includes this: "Easy installation, fits existing bezel and housing."

Thanks.
Dave

Del in NE Ohio · 06-23-2015, 06:58 PM

To use the LED lenses (United Pacific) in original or authentic repo trim rings, you will have to enlarge the opening a little (I used a dremel tool) Snyders catalog makes note of this needed modification and also lists a new trim ring made just to accommodate these LED lenses. From a safety/visibility standpoint, those lenses are well worth the effort

Pilotdave · 06-23-2015, 08:15 PM

Del, I agree with the safety point completely. I wore out a couple of grinding stones enlarging the bezels. Thanks for the tip about the updated bezels available from Snyders.

modelAtony · 06-23-2015, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pilotdave

Del, I agree with the safety point completely. I wore out a couple of grinding stones enlarging the bezels. Thanks for the tip about the updated bezels available from Snyders.

the led unit is the best thing you will buy.

CarlG · 06-23-2015, 10:14 PM

Several years ago when I bought my LED units, I bought an extra set of bezels. Only problem was that they were the same as the ones I already had. Didn't know about the ones from Snyder's. Anyway, my thought was that I could dremel the ones I bought on eBay & still have the unaltered ones to go along with the glass lenses if I ever wanted to go back.

However, after having the LED's, don't think I would ever go back.

Tom from Drippin' · 06-25-2015, 12:10 PM

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I had the same problem when replacing tail lights on both the Vicky & Roadster.
Contacted Steve at Bert's, at first he recommended the "file method"...But I needed to do four. Bert's has replacement bezels that fit, so I ordered 4 and they fit perfectly. Saved the originals for if I ever go back (doubtful).

06-23-2015, 06:46 PM	#1
Pilotdave Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Grafton, MA Posts: 1,226	Tail Light Bezel Fit I just installed LED tail light units in our Tudor. These are made by United Pacific and came with the all-red lenses and LED's mounted behind them - they plug into the existing sockets. They are fine except the lenses are formed a bit too large to fit into the openings in the metal bezels. I spent quite a few minutes filing and grinding those openings before the bezels would fit over the lenses. The bezels fit fine with the glass lenses that came with the tail light units. I'm wondering if I got some bad parts or if others run into the same problem. If the latter, has anyone talked with United Pacific about it? Interestingly, the back of the package includes this: "Easy installation, fits existing bezel and housing." Thanks. Dave

06-23-2015, 06:58 PM	#2
Del in NE Ohio Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Columbiana,OH Posts: 461	Re: Tail Light Bezel Fit To use the LED lenses (United Pacific) in original or authentic repo trim rings, you will have to enlarge the opening a little (I used a dremel tool) Snyders catalog makes note of this needed modification and also lists a new trim ring made just to accommodate these LED lenses. From a safety/visibility standpoint, those lenses are well worth the effort

06-23-2015, 08:15 PM	#3
Pilotdave Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Grafton, MA Posts: 1,226	Re: Tail Light Bezel Fit Del, I agree with the safety point completely. I wore out a couple of grinding stones enlarging the bezels. Thanks for the tip about the updated bezels available from Snyders.

06-23-2015, 10:14 PM	#5
CarlG Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Anchorage, Alaska Posts: 9,115	Re: Tail Light Bezel Fit Several years ago when I bought my LED units, I bought an extra set of bezels. Only problem was that they were the same as the ones I already had. Didn't know about the ones from Snyder's. Anyway, my thought was that I could dremel the ones I bought on eBay & still have the unaltered ones to go along with the glass lenses if I ever wanted to go back. However, after having the LED's, don't think I would ever go back. __________________ Alaskan A's Antique Auto Mushers of Alaska Model A Ford Club of America Model A Restorers Club Antique Automobile Club of America Mullins Owner's Club

06-25-2015, 12:10 PM	#6
Tom from Drippin' Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Dripping Springs, Texas Posts: 286	Re: Tail Light Bezel Fit Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I had the same problem when replacing tail lights on both the Vicky & Roadster. Contacted Steve at Bert's, at first he recommended the "file method"...But I needed to do four. Bert's has replacement bezels that fit, so I ordered 4 and they fit perfectly. Saved the originals for if I ever go back (doubtful). __________________ The pursuit of excellence is healthy and rewarding. The pursuit of perfection is frustrating, neurotic and a terrible waste of time.