Converting fire trucks turn signals to LED.

[firefighter_2000]

Has anyone found any direct swaps or had any luck converting these lights to LED?

 

[wilsonbr90]

Led bulb if it has a replaceable one?

 

[MtnMan]

Why?

 

[Steve0625]

Has anyone found any direct swaps or had any luck converting these lights to LED?

Have you examined the light fixtures for a manufacturer's name or part number or similar info? I see what looks like something stamped in the metal frame but can't make it out. Since you have the lights there, how about helping us a bit by giving more detailed info about what you have there.


I have already waded through the Peterson and Grote catalogs without finding anything similar.

 

[Steve0625]

I did a little more Googling for you.. (hint, hint)


Those are most likely GUIDE-R8-53 turn signal fixtures. They were used on Flxible trucks and buses and may have also been a GMC product. There were a number of different configurations; s/t/t in red, red with the word STOP stenciled on the lens, amber, etc. At any rate, they are very old, probably at least 40 years or more. I found a lot of references to them being used on '50's and '60's vehicles. I didn't find any matching LED upgrade products so I am guessing your only option would be to either find the best LED bulb replacements that you can OR look into one of the Whelen (or similar) products that is large enough to cover the existing holes. Petersen has a lot of LED stuff for buses and RV's that would probably work for you, too.

 

[firefighter_2000]

Have a department wanting to upgrade their front and rear turn signals and tail lights to LED. These particular ones are in the 25 year old neighborhood, and the reflective coating is essentially gone. They are the guide mentioned above. About the only thing I've thought of is trying an LED bulb in the housing.


Thanks for the input.


Craig

 

[Bogie]

Whelen 400 or 600 series LED lightheads to replace complete unit depending on overall size.

 

[kitn1mcc]

i would leave Those Classic Lights on there and add some new ones to the truck

 

[mdlighting]

Those aren't so classic we have them on our 93 pierce arrow rescue as turn and brake lights if you polish them they look really good. Die to the size you would have to use a 900 series to cover all the holes. Me personally I would look for led bulbs for them and keep the factory look

 

[Knight347]

Federal Signal Quadra Flare in the appropriate size needed.

 

[thefiredogg]

have these on my 80 ALF. I want to do the leds too, interested to see how this works for you. Ive had issues with the sockets rusting out and the chrome finish on the inside has had it. I would like to keep the classic look as well.

 

[firefighter_2000]

have these on my 80 ALF. I want to do the leds too' date=' interested to see how this works for you. Ive had issues with the sockets rusting out and the chrome finish on the inside has had it. I would like to keep the classic look as well.[/quote']

That's the problem with these. The lenses cleaned up nice, but the reflectors and sockets are still in poor shape. Mat have to cover over with some 900s.

 

[wilsonbr90]

Might sound cheap but it might do the trick. Clean em up good and prep them good, mask it off and spray them with some chrome spray paint.

 

[Bogie]

You can also use a smaller light head that fits in better with the look of the truck just get some steel (stainless preferred) to attach to the inside of the previous hole with some button head screws then attach the new light head to that.

 

[thefiredogg]

I was thinking of something like that too. Looked at led trailer lights, going to have to do some custom work. its always something with these older rigs. lol

 

[Steve0625]

That's the problem with these. The lenses cleaned up nice, but the reflectors and sockets are still in poor shape. Mat have to cover over with some 900s.

Hey, I found you a pair of NOS fixtures! Only $162 including shipping! What a deal. Guide R8 53 Arrow Turn Signal Lights | eBay

 

[Zapp Brannigan]

You could use the same concept they did here, upgrading warning lights, for the turns.


http://elightbars.org/forums/f34/whelen-strobe-retrofit-feniex-fire-apparatus-54384/

 

[firefighter_2000]

You could use the same concept they did here' date=' upgrading warning lights, for the turns. http://elightbars.org/forums/f34/whelen-strobe-retrofit-feniex-fire-apparatus-54384/

I remember seeing this now. Thanks for the reminder. I may give this as a proposal.

 

[Zapp Brannigan]

I remember seeing this now. Thanks for the reminder. I may give this as a proposal.

And at approx $65/lighthead, probably the most cost effectiveefficient!! That, and it can double as warning if so desired (although may add to confusion, but just a thought).

 

[Bogie]

The issue with using a HAW in these at least the ones my Dept had is that there not one big open reflector its divider into I believe 3 sections with two on either side of the center arrow using separate bulbs.