LED side marker question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

mvfd70 · 10-25-2008, 07:06 PM

I've looked around but can't find the answer to my question. I know that LED bulbs will only take current one way. I'm wanting to put LED's in my sidemarkers but I want the front one's to flash with the turn signals like they originally would. Is there any way to make that happen?

ChevLoRay · 10-25-2008, 08:21 PM

If you know the number for the bulb, try www.ledtronics.com and see if they list an LED replacement. If they do, and you install it, it should work just like the incandescent does.

On my '96 GMC, I had to add a 50-watt 6-ohm resistor electrically parallel to the filament circuit of the LED's I used. The later model trucks have electronic flashers and there is no replacement flasher that will make them flash correctly. On the 67-72's, the flasher is NOT electronic and you will need to install one to get the turn signals to flash properly. The front lighting replacement wiring harnesses will have the correct wiring for the stock bulbs. I don't know what year your truck is, so it may not have the wiring for those side markers, even if it has side reflector/markers. I think it was in '70 or 71 that the side markers were all functional.

Hope this helps.

mvfd70 · 10-25-2008, 08:29 PM

Right, but when the headlights are on the side marker burns steady. It flashes opposite the turn signal when the headlights are on because it grounds through the turnsignal. Thus, when the turn signal is on the sidemarker loses ground as goes out. When the headlights are off, the sidemarker flashes with the turn signal and the ground is the the other lead.

My question is this: Is there a LED bulb that will light from either lead (like an incandescent) or is there some other way to make this work.

ChevLoRay · 10-25-2008, 08:34 PM

Like I said, try the website I listed above. If they have an LED replacement for the bulb you want, it should work just the same. They have an 800 number and they will answer your questions if you don't see what you think you need. They helped me on my late model.

fatboys69 · 10-27-2008, 05:45 PM

I bought the amber ones from Autozone and ordered the red ons form jamstraight ? Not sure if that is the name but will look tommorrow and make for sure.

Longhorn Man · 10-27-2008, 06:26 PM

putting the led replacement bulbs will work, but they'll look like crap. You'll get a spot of light on the lens, and nothing else, no refracting light throughought the lens.
If you were to wire up seperate LEDs through the body of the lens, it would look MUCH better. There was a member doing this not too long ago.
To answer the actual question, the lamp will still blink properly with no special adapters or anything, but not work 100% correct.
If the bulb(s) are wired with positive to the parking light, and neg to the turn signal, then the parking light will work, and it will blink when the parking lights are turned on. However, when the parking lights are off, the marker will not turn on with the turn signal.

mvfd70 · 10-27-2008, 07:39 PM

Thanks. I was digging around on the net the other day and came up with an idea for a custom application for this. I placed an order for parts today and will see what I can do with it when the parts come in. I'll be sure to post my results. The plan is to get an LED light to come on with parking lights and flash with turn signals in a "stock like" manner using a stock "non-delux" side marker lense. We'll see how that goes.

70c10 · 10-27-2008, 09:15 PM

I'm a big fan of the refractor type LED's in the dash cluster but was not impressed with them in the side markers so I went back with regular bulbs for a more even light distribution like Andy mentioned.

fatboys69 · 10-28-2008, 12:26 PM

here is the link where I bought mine, they have all different styles.
http://www.jamstrait.com/products.html
I am running the clear deluxe ( Stainless Trim ) style side marker lights and don't think they look like crap. They light up pretty good. Going to change to the new style with clear lenses and "chrome" reflector coating on the inside.

storm9c1 · 10-28-2008, 12:39 PM

I would guess that a homemade LED setup would work if it has a full-wave bridge rectifier circuit in front of it. This would require 4 diodes plus the LED(s) itself. It would then light if voltage is applied in both forward and reverse polarity.

If you were to buy any aftermarket LED bulbs for this purpose, they would have to contain this bridge rectifier internally.

724x4a/cchevy · 10-28-2008, 02:30 PM

If you're willing to change your sidemarker lenses to the 85 chevy van lenses, I can make led panels to fit behind those......

72BlckButy · 10-28-2008, 02:34 PM

I was wondering when you were going to chime in Justin....

mvfd70 · 11-04-2008, 02:39 PM

I'm not trying to downplay your lights. It looks like you've got a great product. I'm just not a fan of the van lights. I'd rather have the stock lights. Call me strange but I like them. I actually got the parts in for my trial light. What I got works great. As soon as I can get back to it, I'll post what I have.

724x4a/cchevy · 11-04-2008, 06:22 PM

No big deal, just thought I would offer you an alternative

mvfd70 · 11-04-2008, 06:47 PM

Thanks for the offer. I think I've figured out what I want to do. Even though I'm no where near needing lights yet.

mvfd70 · 11-04-2008, 07:23 PM

So as to not double post, go here to see my conversion.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...19#post2959619

10-25-2008, 07:06 PM	#1
mvfd70 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Opdyke, IL Posts: 775	LED side marker question I've looked around but can't find the answer to my question. I know that LED bulbs will only take current one way. I'm wanting to put LED's in my sidemarkers but I want the front one's to flash with the turn signals like they originally would. Is there any way to make that happen? __________________ 1978 Chevrolet Silverado 3/4 ton 400 small block. 2000 F-250 Powerstroke 2002 GMC Yukon Denali XL

10-25-2008, 08:21 PM	#2
ChevLoRay Old Skool Club Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Benton, AR "The Heart of Arkansas" Posts: 10,880	Re: LED side marker question If you know the number for the bulb, try www.ledtronics.com and see if they list an LED replacement. If they do, and you install it, it should work just like the incandescent does. On my '96 GMC, I had to add a 50-watt 6-ohm resistor electrically parallel to the filament circuit of the LED's I used. The later model trucks have electronic flashers and there is no replacement flasher that will make them flash correctly. On the 67-72's, the flasher is NOT electronic and you will need to install one to get the turn signals to flash properly. The front lighting replacement wiring harnesses will have the correct wiring for the stock bulbs. I don't know what year your truck is, so it may not have the wiring for those side markers, even if it has side reflector/markers. I think it was in '70 or 71 that the side markers were all functional. Hope this helps. __________________ Member Nr. 2770 '96 GMC Sportside; 4.3/SLT - Daily driven....constantly needs washed. '69 C-10 SWB; 350/TH400 - in limbo The older I get, the better I was.

10-25-2008, 08:29 PM	#3
mvfd70 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Opdyke, IL Posts: 775	Re: LED side marker question Right, but when the headlights are on the side marker burns steady. It flashes opposite the turn signal when the headlights are on because it grounds through the turnsignal. Thus, when the turn signal is on the sidemarker loses ground as goes out. When the headlights are off, the sidemarker flashes with the turn signal and the ground is the the other lead. My question is this: Is there a LED bulb that will light from either lead (like an incandescent) or is there some other way to make this work. __________________ 1978 Chevrolet Silverado 3/4 ton 400 small block. 2000 F-250 Powerstroke 2002 GMC Yukon Denali XL

10-25-2008, 08:34 PM	#4
ChevLoRay Old Skool Club Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Benton, AR "The Heart of Arkansas" Posts: 10,880	Re: LED side marker question Like I said, try the website I listed above. If they have an LED replacement for the bulb you want, it should work just the same. They have an 800 number and they will answer your questions if you don't see what you think you need. They helped me on my late model. __________________ Member Nr. 2770 '96 GMC Sportside; 4.3/SLT - Daily driven....constantly needs washed. '69 C-10 SWB; 350/TH400 - in limbo The older I get, the better I was.

10-27-2008, 05:45 PM	#5
fatboys69 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Dayton, Tennessee Posts: 447	Re: LED side marker question I bought the amber ones from Autozone and ordered the red ons form jamstraight ? Not sure if that is the name but will look tommorrow and make for sure.

10-27-2008, 06:26 PM	#6
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: LED side marker question putting the led replacement bulbs will work, but they'll look like crap. You'll get a spot of light on the lens, and nothing else, no refracting light throughought the lens. If you were to wire up seperate LEDs through the body of the lens, it would look MUCH better. There was a member doing this not too long ago. To answer the actual question, the lamp will still blink properly with no special adapters or anything, but not work 100% correct. If the bulb(s) are wired with positive to the parking light, and neg to the turn signal, then the parking light will work, and it will blink when the parking lights are turned on. However, when the parking lights are off, the marker will not turn on with the turn signal.

10-27-2008, 07:39 PM	#7
mvfd70 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Opdyke, IL Posts: 775	Re: LED side marker question Thanks. I was digging around on the net the other day and came up with an idea for a custom application for this. I placed an order for parts today and will see what I can do with it when the parts come in. I'll be sure to post my results. The plan is to get an LED light to come on with parking lights and flash with turn signals in a "stock like" manner using a stock "non-delux" side marker lense. We'll see how that goes. __________________ 1978 Chevrolet Silverado 3/4 ton 400 small block. 2000 F-250 Powerstroke 2002 GMC Yukon Denali XL

10-27-2008, 09:15 PM	#8
70c10 67-72 Addict! Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: The TAX State! Posts: 7,857	Re: LED side marker question I'm a big fan of the refractor type LED's in the dash cluster but was not impressed with them in the side markers so I went back with regular bulbs for a more even light distribution like Andy mentioned. __________________ Jim 1970 C/10 Fleetside w/Ghost Flames Lowered 4.5" front and 4" rear (Raked) 355/350 Turbo w/shift kit 10" Redneck Performance Verter w/2500 stall Hooker Super Comps part#2808-1 Performer RPM Air-Gap 12 Bolt w/3:73 gears- Eaton Posi Comp Cams XE262 with 1.6 Crane Energizers, Road Demon 625 and Brodix IK 180 heads

10-28-2008, 12:26 PM	#9
fatboys69 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Dayton, Tennessee Posts: 447	Re: LED side marker question here is the link where I bought mine, they have all different styles. http://www.jamstrait.com/products.html I am running the clear deluxe ( Stainless Trim ) style side marker lights and don't think they look like crap. They light up pretty good. Going to change to the new style with clear lenses and "chrome" reflector coating on the inside.

10-28-2008, 12:39 PM	#10
storm9c1 * That's interesting * Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 2,772	Re: LED side marker question I would guess that a homemade LED setup would work if it has a full-wave bridge rectifier circuit in front of it. This would require 4 diodes plus the LED(s) itself. It would then light if voltage is applied in both forward and reverse polarity. If you were to buy any aftermarket LED bulbs for this purpose, they would have to contain this bridge rectifier internally. __________________ Tom Chevy by day... 1969 Chevy C30 Rollback Tow Truck -- 383 stroker, 4L80E 2011 Chevy Caprice PPV 9C3 6.0L 1995 Chevy Caprice 9C1 1994 Chevy Caprice 9C1 #3 1995 Chevy Caprice Wagon #2 1995 Chevy Impala SS Mopar by night... 1969 Dodge Charger 1972 Chrysler Newport 2dr Hardtop (27K miles) Plus others...

10-28-2008, 02:30 PM	#11
724x4a/cchevy Self-proclaimed LED man Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Harrisburg, Missouri Posts: 1,021	Re: LED side marker question If you're willing to change your sidemarker lenses to the 85 chevy van lenses, I can make led panels to fit behind those...... __________________ My LED Website My Photobucket Album of LED's Ask me about hand-made custom L.E.D brake and reverse lights. <- LINK I also do LED: -Third Brake/Cargo -Brake (truck and burb) -Reverse (truck and burb) -67-68 Front Turn Signals -69-70 Front Turn Signals -71-72 Front Turn Signals -GMC Front Turn Signals I can also do custom lights for other vehicles....i did a set for a AMC Gremlin once Norwood Survivor

10-28-2008, 02:34 PM	#12
72BlckButy Tot Roddin' Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 24,461	Re: LED side marker question I was wondering when you were going to chime in Justin.... __________________ -Nate 1969 CST SWB - Project Blank Slate (4.5/6" ECE Static Drop, 6-lug disc brake upgrade (manual), Billet Specialties Vintec 20x8.5 255/40 (F) 20x10 295/40 (R), 250 I-6) 1960 AMF Skylark - Tot Roddin' (Lowered with custom frame; soon to include custom push bar and interior) 2008 Silverado CrewCab 1LT (5.3L, 3:73, 4x4, LT1, Z-71, Towing Package)

11-04-2008, 02:39 PM	#13
mvfd70 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Opdyke, IL Posts: 775	Re: LED side marker question I'm not trying to downplay your lights. It looks like you've got a great product. I'm just not a fan of the van lights. I'd rather have the stock lights. Call me strange but I like them. I actually got the parts in for my trial light. What I got works great. As soon as I can get back to it, I'll post what I have. __________________ 1978 Chevrolet Silverado 3/4 ton 400 small block. 2000 F-250 Powerstroke 2002 GMC Yukon Denali XL Last edited by mvfd70; 11-04-2008 at 02:39 PM.

11-04-2008, 06:22 PM	#14
724x4a/cchevy Self-proclaimed LED man Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Harrisburg, Missouri Posts: 1,021	Re: LED side marker question No big deal, just thought I would offer you an alternative __________________ My LED Website My Photobucket Album of LED's Ask me about hand-made custom L.E.D brake and reverse lights. <- LINK I also do LED: -Third Brake/Cargo -Brake (truck and burb) -Reverse (truck and burb) -67-68 Front Turn Signals -69-70 Front Turn Signals -71-72 Front Turn Signals -GMC Front Turn Signals I can also do custom lights for other vehicles....i did a set for a AMC Gremlin once Norwood Survivor

11-04-2008, 06:47 PM	#15
mvfd70 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Opdyke, IL Posts: 775	Re: LED side marker question Thanks for the offer. I think I've figured out what I want to do. Even though I'm no where near needing lights yet. __________________ 1978 Chevrolet Silverado 3/4 ton 400 small block. 2000 F-250 Powerstroke 2002 GMC Yukon Denali XL Last edited by mvfd70; 11-04-2008 at 07:23 PM.



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11-04-2008, 07:23 PM	#16
mvfd70 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Opdyke, IL Posts: 775	Re: LED side marker question So as to not double post, go here to see my conversion. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...19#post2959619 __________________ 1978 Chevrolet Silverado 3/4 ton 400 small block. 2000 F-250 Powerstroke 2002 GMC Yukon Denali XL

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.