Parking/brake/turn signal LED bulb question - can I use clear lenses?

[JohnK]

I've purchased the Watson's Streetworks LED replacement kit (marker lights and headlights) for my build. The replacement bulbs for the front and rear marker lights are colored (amber front, red rear). My question for those of you that have this kit: could I run these bulbs in fixtures with clear lenses and have them be amber and red enough to work as intended, or do I still need colored lenses?

I've been looking into replacing the rear lights with Lucas L488 fixtures, and possibly also replacing the front marker lights so they all match. The L488's (like these (https://jollyrogersmotors.com/store/p/815-Lucas-L488-Flat-Glass-Lamp-Pair-New.html)) are offered with red, amber and clear lenses. Given the color I *think* I am going to paint the car, clear lenses would be a nice clean look. What's everyone's thoughts on this approach?

156460

[dbo_texas]

I've purchased the Watson's Streetworks LED replacement kit (marker lights and headlights) for my build. The replacement bulbs for the front and rear marker lights are colored (amber front, red rear). My question for those of you that have this kit: could I run these bulbs in fixtures with clear lenses and have them be amber and red enough to work as intended, or do I still need colored lenses?

I've been looking into replacing the rear lights with Lucas L488 fixtures, and possibly also replacing the front marker lights so they all match. The L488's (like these (https://jollyrogersmotors.com/store/p/815-Lucas-L488-Flat-Glass-Lamp-Pair-New.html)) are offered with red, amber and clear lenses. Given the color I *think* I am going to paint the car, clear lenses would be a nice clean look. What's everyone's thoughts on this approach?

156460

I hope there aren't issues with this - I'm planning to replace the turn signal lenses with clear lenses + amber LEDs. Many of the blacked out Backdrafts do this swap so I assumed it would be street legal but probably need to check your state's DMV requirements.

[EZ$]

John, a while back I came across a post from a member, Fixit, here on the forum. In his build thread he lays out how to install full time front running lights which glow white, that switch to amber when the turn signal or hazard flasher are activated. He's a great guy, and if you contact him he'll share all the wiring and parts numbers that you'll need. I believe as long as they are amber in turn or hazard mode that they are legal. It obviously also gives you a bit more visibility with the running lights. almost forgot, the info is in his build thread, post #209.

[JohnK]

Thanks Rick. I will definitely look into that. Sounds interesting.

-John

[PG_Cobra]

The lights that switch from white to amber are called switchback lights. I have them in my Mk1 with clear lenses replacing the supplied amber ones. The white is bright and serves as a driving light. I added a Diode Dynamics LED dimmer so I could run them at high brightness for driving lights an low brightness for side/parking lights. With ignition off they come on as side/parking lights. Wit ignition on they change to driving lights. When I turn on the headlights they change back to side/parking brightness. I also have an ambient light sensing relay in the cockpit so as light levels fall the driving and tail lights come on automatically. Schematics attached with the relevant circuitry highlighted.