Change the stock Backup/Reverse light bulbs to LED's - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

LoPerformance Motorsports · 06-06-2012, 09:42 PM

First let me say that this is not to take away from any venders on this site!!! This is just a DIY project that I thought worked out well for me. If yo want to change the look of your reverse lights. I know these are nothing like the ones that company's like AAC...ect,sells.

I was putting in my Rapid Fire taillights and decided to try a bulb change on the reverse lights. After taking a look, the bulb twists out just like any other bulb socket does.

I had a few LED/SMD lights, that are the same as a 194,168...ect bulb. So, I took the white base off it and had the leads exposed. After looking at the stock bulb, I started pulling the bulb out of the bulb socket. In the pics you will see that the bulbs are the same dia/length. worked the bulb leads into the socket, with it plugged to the wiring harness, worked like a charm. I now have brighter and whiter lights than come stock. The LED's had 5 SMD's per blub. I have a couple of light's ordered with 25 SMD's. I plan on changing to these after they come in. Just thought someone out there may want to do this.

Take note, you have to have the bulb socket plugged into the wiring harness, the leads on the LED/SMD bolb are small and bend easy. But, will set in the same base area as the stock bulb. I did put a small spot or two of silicone on the base of the socket where the light snaps in. Just to make sure it was secure. Good Luck!!

LoPerformance Motorsports · 06-06-2012, 09:50 PM

more pics

BlackIce1066 · 06-06-2012, 09:50 PM

Hmmmmm very interesting. Nice job.

I see what you did now.

LoPerformance Motorsports · 06-06-2012, 09:55 PM

I found the on ebay, but some of the venders here may have LED's that will work. The Japan LED's are junk. German made ones are the best!!! Or USA brands,for sure.

BlackIce1066 · 06-07-2012, 09:58 AM

I just realized I have a couple of LED's that were going to be for my license plate. I think I will have to try this.

Thanks

LoPerformance Motorsports · 06-07-2012, 10:06 AM

Just remember that LED's are lead sensitive.

Sir Nuke · 06-07-2012, 10:51 AM

LoPerformance.....just a suggestion for the future, make sure the pictures you have taken are in focus and people can actually see the detail you are trying to show them. The top and the last 2 are so blurry you might as well delete them. I'm just sayin.....

Agent WD-40 · 06-07-2012, 11:42 AM

Cool idea. How does the light output compare to stock?

Sir Nuke · 06-07-2012, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Agent WD-40

Cool idea. How does the light output compare to stock?

looking at the pictures he posted, his upgrade shows they put out a LOT more light. picture #2 is stock, Pic #3 is the upgrade.

OldJedi · 06-07-2012, 01:02 PM

Is there a commercially made LED bulb that would be an exact replacement for the factory bulb without having to dissect the factory bulb holder?

LoPerformance Motorsports · 06-07-2012, 05:01 PM

I checked and there is no listing for a bulb. Oreilly's, autozone,...ect.

iKeablr · 06-07-2012, 05:13 PM

Go to eBay, you'll definitely find some there. For cheap too

LoPerformance Motorsports · 06-07-2012, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LoPerformance Motorsports

I checked and there is no listing for a bulb. Oreilly's, autozone,...ect.

(factory replacement bulbs) Yes there all kinds of LED's to chose from out there!!!

LanMan08 · 06-09-2012, 11:07 PM

did you have to take the entire bumper off to replace these?

06-06-2012, 09:42 PM	#1
LoPerformance Motorsports Loperformance Motorsports Drives: 2011 2LT Join Date: May 2011 Location: Atlanta,Texas Posts: 231	Change the stock Backup/Reverse light bulbs to LED's First let me say that this is not to take away from any venders on this site!!! This is just a DIY project that I thought worked out well for me. If yo want to change the look of your reverse lights. I know these are nothing like the ones that company's like AAC...ect,sells. I was putting in my Rapid Fire taillights and decided to try a bulb change on the reverse lights. After taking a look, the bulb twists out just like any other bulb socket does. I had a few LED/SMD lights, that are the same as a 194,168...ect bulb. So, I took the white base off it and had the leads exposed. After looking at the stock bulb, I started pulling the bulb out of the bulb socket. In the pics you will see that the bulbs are the same dia/length. worked the bulb leads into the socket, with it plugged to the wiring harness, worked like a charm. I now have brighter and whiter lights than come stock. The LED's had 5 SMD's per blub. I have a couple of light's ordered with 25 SMD's. I plan on changing to these after they come in. Just thought someone out there may want to do this. Take note, you have to have the bulb socket plugged into the wiring harness, the leads on the LED/SMD bolb are small and bend easy. But, will set in the same base area as the stock bulb. I did put a small spot or two of silicone on the base of the socket where the light snaps in. Just to make sure it was secure. Good Luck!! Attached Images

06-07-2012, 09:58 AM	#5
BlackIce1066 Black Ice Drives: 2SS/RS Black w/ silver ice stripes Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Pueblo,Co. Posts: 898	I just realized I have a couple of LED's that were going to be for my license plate. I think I will have to try this. Thanks __________________

06-07-2012, 10:51 AM	#7
Sir Nuke Master of All Things Drives: '20 Corvette Stingray Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Southeast of Houston, Texas Posts: 22,331 View My Garage	LoPerformance.....just a suggestion for the future, make sure the pictures you have taken are in focus and people can actually see the detail you are trying to show them. The top and the last 2 are so blurry you might as well delete them. I'm just sayin..... __________________

06-07-2012, 11:42 AM	#8
Agent WD-40 Drives: 2010 Camaro SS Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: MI Posts: 601	Cool idea. How does the light output compare to stock? __________________ L99 - 440 RWHP Livernois 2c Cam & VVT/DOD Delete Roto-Fab Intake Stainless Works 1 7/8" Long Tube Headers Corsa Exhaust

06-07-2012, 01:02 PM	#10
OldJedi Use the Force Drives: 2015 Corvette Z51, 2018 Porsche GTS Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Davie, Fl. Posts: 3,862	Is there a commercially made LED bulb that would be an exact replacement for the factory bulb without having to dissect the factory bulb holder? __________________ Walk softly, carry a light saber and drive a ZL1!

06-06-2012, 09:50 PM	#2
LoPerformance Motorsports Loperformance Motorsports Drives: 2011 2LT Join Date: May 2011 Location: Atlanta,Texas Posts: 231	more pics Attached Images

06-06-2012, 09:50 PM	#3
BlackIce1066 Black Ice Drives: 2SS/RS Black w/ silver ice stripes Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Pueblo,Co. Posts: 898	Hmmmmm very interesting. Nice job. I see what you did now. __________________

06-06-2012, 09:55 PM	#4
LoPerformance Motorsports Loperformance Motorsports Drives: 2011 2LT Join Date: May 2011 Location: Atlanta,Texas Posts: 231	I found the on ebay, but some of the venders here may have LED's that will work. The Japan LED's are junk. German made ones are the best!!! Or USA brands,for sure.

06-07-2012, 10:06 AM	#6
LoPerformance Motorsports Loperformance Motorsports Drives: 2011 2LT Join Date: May 2011 Location: Atlanta,Texas Posts: 231	Just remember that LED's are lead sensitive.

06-07-2012, 05:01 PM	#11
LoPerformance Motorsports Loperformance Motorsports Drives: 2011 2LT Join Date: May 2011 Location: Atlanta,Texas Posts: 231	I checked and there is no listing for a bulb. Oreilly's, autozone,...ect.

06-07-2012, 05:13 PM	#12
iKeablr Drives: Chevrolet Camaro 2011 RS 1LT Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 340	Go to eBay, you'll definitely find some there. For cheap too __________________ Camaro 2011 VR 1LT RS - Prometheus Prime \|Leather Interior\|Leather Door & Dash Trim\|12" Subwoofer\|Dash ABL\|Plasma DRL\|

06-09-2012, 11:07 PM	#14
LanMan08 Drives: 2010 RS Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Wilmington, NC Posts: 66	did you have to take the entire bumper off to replace these?