Whelen 8000 series, LED internals, but factory look and function?

[JohnMarcson]

I have a few Whelen 8000 series bases and doems lying around.  I was considering the options on how to best preserve the external appearance, and the accuracy of the setup while using LEDs.  The 8000 series is just an enclosed crossbar system.  It's two end beacons, directional lights middle and speaker center.  The 6000 was the same story, the picture below shows the enclosed and and cross bar versions of these lights.



With that in mind, I want to recreate the setup with the 360 outer and directional inner idea intact.  I  also want to preserve the cruise function.  Here are my ideas so far, using Whelen L31 beacons and and P46FL par46 LEDs as parts.  I could do a double flash alternating at the lowest speed for the beacon (with cruise) and then do either a slow single flash if I am simulating incandescent flashers or the same double flash for strobes.  I also pictured a cheaper idea w/o the PARs.

Fully Optioned



Economy

 

[JennyCop]

Awesome idea, can't wait to see what you come up with!

 

[dmathieu]

Excellent idea!

 

[StEaLtH2]

As Tony the Tiger would put it...


That's GREAT!!... !!..


I think Cometflash would like great personally.

 

[dmathieu]

With the LEDs, Double gives a brighter flash than comet.

 

[tsquale]

I think this will be a very neat retro-mod! I look forward to seeing how it turns out.

 

[JohnMarcson]

It can be as many patterns as we want really, that's the beauty of the technology.  The inner lamps can mimic strobes or flashers.

 

[894]

Hmmmmm.... Helluva idea! Wonder where one may have gotten an awesome idea like that?  :undecided:

 

[Hoff]

I like it John. If I had the funds I was toying with the idea of doing something similar with SLR pods.

 

[stansdds]

I'm not usually in favor of "updating" vintage lights and bars, but I think this is workable, would look nice, and be effective if put into service. 

 

[JohnMarcson]

I'm not usually in favor of "updating" vintage lights and bars, but I think this is workable, would look nice, and be effective if put into service. 

I agree, usually I don't retrofit old bars, but these are frames and domes only already.  I think I can stay true enough to the original parts but updated to LED to pull it off.  The next idea is rotabeam LEDs in a 80h lol.

 

[Richard P]

What about using the internals of the l21 inside the oe strobe lens?

 

[JohnMarcson]

What about using the internals of the l21 inside the oe strobe lens?

Good idea, that probably actually a better choice.  It's still a Whelen class 1 LED with cruise feature (I forgot the non-magnet ones had cruise).  It would be more true to the "360" strobe idea. 

 

[rettoded]

If I may also make a suggestion, what about using an ERM flasher for the flashers/strobes? The reason I suggest is that pattern 15 is a great mimic of halogen/incandescent flashers. Plus with 2 modes a replicated strobe flash could also be programmed. 

I am very interested and look forward to seeing how this project comes out

 

[ford-dealer]

My workbench in "The Lab" already has a Crossbar LED conversion Project in the works.  I am still looking for some components to complete her.  Suffice to say, this thread is interesting for sure!  I can't wait to see how others build theirs! 

 

[JohnMarcson]

If I may also make a suggestion, what about using an ERM flasher for the flashers/strobes? The reason I suggest is that pattern 15 is a great mimic of halogen/incandescent flashers. Plus with 2 modes a replicated strobe flash could also be programmed. 

I am very interested and look forward to seeing how this project comes out

I hadn't even gotten to the flasher part yet.   I would like the ability to synch the PAR 46s and the 360s to simulate strobes, and to run them un-synched at different speeds to simulate incandescent.  ERM is probably the answer.  They usually are for flashers.  Good call.

My workbench in "The Lab" already has a Crossbar LED conversion Project in the works.  I am still looking for some components to complete her.  Suffice to say, this thread is interesting for sure!  I can't wait to see how others build theirs! 

Please tell me you stuck two LED rotabeams in there somehow...

 

[ford-dealer]

Please tell me you stuck two LED rotabeams in there somehow...

That IS the plan sir!  Putting them into a pair of 994s, and using 4 ea. PAR46SLCs for the cans.

Consider using the ULF44 flasher.  They have 2 modes, 1 being Cruise, and the 2nd for Warning.

 

[JohnMarcson]

That IS the plan sir!  Putting them into a pair of 994s, and using 4 ea. PAR46SLCs for the cans.

Consider using the ULF44 flasher.  They have 2 modes, 1 being Cruise, and the 2nd for Warning.

Sweet.  Can't wait to see it.  Do the rotabeam LEDs fit in a model 33/77?

 

[ford-dealer]

Sweet.  Can't wait to see it.  Do the rotabeam LEDs fit in a model 33/77?

I am still waiting on them to arrive.  I don't think they will fit a 33/77 though.  The base flange would need to be modified.  ( I Think so anyway based on the pics I have seen)

 

[JohnMarcson]

I am still waiting on them to arrive.  I don't think they will fit a 33/77 though.  The base flange would need to be modified.  ( I Think so anyway based on the pics I have seen)

That was what I wondered.  I'd love to do that because that's the same housing a a rotabeam senior.

 

[dmathieu]

I believe our member from Hawaii has put the smaller LED Rota-Beam (316)? in a 44 housing. Looks great!

I know there's a pic on here somewhere.

 

[emtanderson51]

Both LED Rotabeam beacons and the Freedom use the same diameter LED cluster.

 

[StEaLtH2]

Back to the front

anyboby got anything to show off yet?

 

[JohnMarcson]

Back to the front

anyboby got anything to show off yet?

The frame, domes and good intentions.... so no.  Like many other projects budgeted by the site, it took a seat when funds shifted.  It's sitting there waiting.  

 I would love to do a 80h bar with rotabeam leds, that would make a nice counterpart.

 

[801]

Can't wait to see the finished product.  I think it's a great way to keep vintage bars going after the internal's go out of production.

 

[Mustang302]

This sounds great!!! Go for it John.

 

[JohnMarcson]

I have gathered the vintage parts, and I now just need the LEDs. I suppose I need to start browsing the classifieds.

 

[warubozu47]

I believe our member from Hawaii has put the smaller LED Rota-Beam (316)? in a 44 housing. Looks great!

I know there's a pic on here somewhere.

This is a few years late Dan... But here you go!

 

[LRGJr72]

GORGEOUS!