Tail lights and superflux LED

[a1953mdl]

Hi,
I have read the tail light posts and am ready (I hope) to order some LEDs.

I am going to put the LEDs in the rear of a 59 VW (converted to 12v). The lens is red glass and is oval, about 2 5/16 X 3 3/4. The original metal tail light housing it fits in is a fair amount larger.





I am planning on making the board the same size and shape as the lens, and have it mounted about a 1/2 inch from the lens. This should keep the LEDS close enough to the lens for visability, but let air circulate around the LEDs for cooling. Is this a good thought?

I am planning on using 25 red superflux piranahs (in each taillight) from Best Hong Kong. I can mount the LEDS about 1/2 inch from each other.

Should this give me plenty bright lights and still not get too hot for the LEDs?

This car did not have turn signals in the rear originally. I haven't come up with my plan for how to have the turn signals and brake lights work at the same time. Any ideas? I will be using a "add on" turn switch mounted on the column.

This car will be  a daily driver and dependability is important.

[a1953mdl]

Comments or suggestions, Please

[Rob]

Welcome to the boards.

I think the brake lights are straightforward enough. Your construction plans sound good to me--make sure you have as much copper as possible left on your board, it will help with thermal management.

Turn signals are a different matter. I'm not real clear on what you have in mind there. Maybe if you describe the switch retrofit some more we can help. But you probably want to look into electronic flashers. Regular ones want a larger load than you'll present with an LED array.

[justDIY]

you've got so much room in side that housing, I'd go for a power LED instead of whimpy superfluxors

get a luxeon iii in DOT red (red-orange), screw it down to a big 'ol pentium heatsink, hook it up to a 15 watt 10 ohm resistor and done ... instant 4 watt tail-light

or go with a bigger heatsink, use three luxeon iii and a 5 watt 2 ohm resistor, and presto you've got a 12 watt tail-light.