Shell Valley LED lights - verdict

[chopthebass]

I decided to take the plunge and try Shell Valleys LED rectangular tail lights. Although not on the car, I hooked up to a battery to test indoors and out. The verdict - I couldn't be more.....under-whelmed.
Simply swapping out incandescent with LEDs and retaining the same 'lens' just doesn't work. I though part of the problem might be that Shell have red LEDs shining through red plastic. Not the case. I have a DIY headlight that is so bright it'll melt your retinas, but when I shine through the plastic it is still dim.

The only way for LEDs to work properly is to have a lens made for that purpose. The only reason the DIY headlight is so bright is because it has purpose made lenses that intensify the light. Shining through a piece of colored plastic just kills the light strength. Until someone makes a decent rectangular light, I don't think there is a solution.

For sale - Shell Valley rectangular LED tail lights!

[Jeff Kleiner]

So you've confirmed what we talked about a few weeks ago.

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?19147-rectangular-rear-lights&highlight=bulb

Jeff

[chopthebass]

Exactly Jeff. I was hoping maybe the Shell Valley ones might have done something different. At least we can rule them out, as I know a couple other guys were interested.

[Boydster]

As a side note, shining red leds through red plastic is actually the best way to do it. That way none of the colored light gets blocked. White led behind red plastic is horrible because everything except the red light band gets blocked.

Do the Shell Valley's use a board with leds all over? Or just another lamp replacement? While the lens may be a problem, I believe the quality of the led is a major, major factor.

[frankeeski]

These are purpose built LED taillight for a 41 or so Chevy. http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?1915-Tail-Light-Mod&highlight=frankeeski+tail+light They have a very similar shape and are so bright that they will melt your face off. Check it out. It sounded to me you were looking for the authentic style lights so I didn't bother posting in your other thread.

[chopthebass]

I will check out those 41 chevy tail lights.

[frankeeski]

Here is a link for you.
http://www.speedwaymotors.com/1941-1948-Chevy-LED-Tail-Light-Assembly,7956.html

[chopthebass]

Thanks Frank. Just ordering a set. Hope they are brighter than the Shell Valley ones!

[frankeeski]

Thanks Frank. Just ordering a set. Hope they are brighter than the Shell Valley ones!

If I remember, I'll shoot some video of them tonight when I get home and let you be the judge. I've been extremely happy with them.

[Blue MK3]

Sounds like we're discussing two different issues here; round vs rectangular rear lights and which LED bulb is best. I can't speak about the rectangular/round issue, but as for the best LED bulbs, read this thread.
http://www.ffcars.com/forums/17-factory-five-roadsters/514865-led-rear-lights.html

[frankeeski]

Try this on for size.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1HCU0g5mLE

[carlewms]

It says video is private

[A cobra guy]

We have an 1157 LED replacement bulb that our customers love.
They put out red light which goes through the red lens just fine. I have had a set on my Cobra for years. If some one would like to volunteer to test a set in their rectangular lens I'll send them out at no charge on the following condition. If you like them you can keep them & I'll bill you $40 for the bulbs only (10% off & no freight). If you want to return them whether you like them or not let me know & I'll send a return envelope so it won't cost you a thing.
They normally sell for $45.00 a pair. They are taller than a conventional 1157 at 2.25" from base to tip so check the depth of those rectangular buckets. A fair and honest evaluation would be nice.
I will honor this offer to the first 3 who are interested. Based on their feedback perhaps we will offer a special to Forum members.
If you're interested PM me and we'll get things going.

[frankeeski]

It says video is private

Had 7 views when I just checked. Someone is watching it, I haven't clicked on it 6 extra times. Never the less I changed the setting.

[chopthebass]

Thanks Frank. I got some of those 41 chevy tail lights. I tested them and they are awesome. So bright.

[frankeeski]

I think you'll like them if you can get past the fact that they are not authentic.

[chopthebass]

Frank, The quality is fantastic. I have a question for you...

The instructions say you can wire in two ways. Keeping the bulb adaptor that it comes connected to, or cut it off and use wires. When I cut it off it didn't work. I soldered back on and it works! Is there some trickery going on in the the 'bulb' fitting?
http://i1252.photobucket.com/albums/hh562/cobra427427/IMG_4008_zpsyiq5ydtz.jpg (http://s1252.photobucket.com/user/cobra427427/media/IMG_4008_zpsyiq5ydtz.jpg.html)

[frankeeski]

Verify the ground. It's common to see the ground as a white wire instead of a black. The outside of the plug is the ground, so ring it out with an Ohm meter and verify which wire is the ground. It will not work if wired backwards because it's an LED. Current can only flow one way. The other thing you may find is that it flashes really fast in TS mode. I added a resistor to each side of the TS to slow it down. This was on top of using an electronic flasher.

[chopthebass]

Ah that was it Frank! Lesson learned is never assume. Black is not ground!!

What is TS mode?

[JNC]

Turn Signal :D

[chopthebass]

Doh!