My brake lights aren’t bright enough

[Kern Dog]

I thought that they were okay but then again, I’m never following my own car.

The 1969-70 Chargers had tucked in lenses that look dark until they are lit up. My taillights seem bright enough here:

It seems like the brake lights should be about twice as bright as the taillights but for me, that isn’t the case. Are LEDs the only way to improve this?

 

[RR Fan Dan]

LEDs made a big difference for me.

 

[The Rebel]

I'm not an electrical expert but 2 things come to mind.

1. Is the voltage to the bulbs correct.

2. Are the bulbs the correct type/watts.

 

[Demonic]

LED's are the way to go. Less amp draw is a plus also.

 

[Nacho-RT74]

I'm not an electrical expert but 2 things come to mind.

1. Is the voltage to the bulbs correct.

2. Are the bulbs the correct type/watts.

Not too many options for double contact double filament bulbs to make a mistake on this… the actual replacement bulbs are 1157… 5/21 watts configuration.


………………..

About LEDs bulbs. If using a direct replacement bulb, go for this kind of replacement

Because this kind looks awful on lense

Otherwise, next option will be led panels which I know there are some vendors/manufacturers for them

 

[RR Fan Dan]

I'm not an electrical expert but 2 things come to mind.

1. Is the voltage to the bulbs correct.

2. Are the bulbs the correct type/watts.

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[RR Fan Dan]

LEDs. All around for me. I have them everywhere including dash lights and dome light. I’m still struggling with getting the front turn signals to flash. Everything else was plug and play. I have some LED flashers with reverse polarity caps that I will be trying out next week to hopefully fix the issue.

 

[Nacho-RT74]

It seems like the brake lights should be about twice as bright as the taillights but for me, that isn’t the case. Are LEDs the only way to improve this?

HOWEVER, on my car I’m plenty satisfied with regular incandescent bulbs. Have you tried cleaning lenses and housings? Fresh argent paint over housings? Clean contacts allowing the propper current path to bulbs?


Changing to LEDs will require different flashers (transistorized)

 

[70ChargerRT]

I love my digi tails. They are super bright. I run LED in everything but my hood flashers. Those are way too bright at night.

 

[493 Mike]

I have added a 3rd brake lamp to both of my 65s. I bought Hella brand (LED). Anything to get cell users to notice! Pay no attention to the tree in the reflection.
Mike

 

[Cheapsunglasses]

I’ve had good luck with these. They have a “spot” light at one end, and then all the diodes around flood the lens.

Just make sure you get the color of the lens. I tried leds before and just got white , didn’t really work, I got red for the brake lights, Amber for the turn signals , and what a difference!

Also make sure all of your lights are properly grounded, and all your sockets are clean.

People love blaming cell phones for the problem. Sure it’s partial to blame, but lighting technology and lights themselves have improved drastically since our cars were new , I think we accidentally trained our brains to only recognize brighter lights , and people just don’t pay attention anymore

 

[fullmetaljacket]

Are there any changes to the wiring and or the relays to run these LED replacement bulbs?

 

[Cheapsunglasses]

Are there any changes to the wiring and or the relays to run these LED replacement bulbs?

You just need an led flasher relay

 

[fullmetaljacket]

You just need an led flasher relay

View attachment 1845369

Thank you Chief.
Which company (name, contact info) makes the type of bulb that you suggested above?

 

[fullmetaljacket]

Thank you Chief.
Which company (name, contact info) makes the type of bulb that you suggested above?

Nevermind, I think I see as Brishine.

 

[Nacho-RT74]

I’ve had good luck with these. They have a “spot” light at one end, and then all the diodes around flood the lens.

HENCE, I don’t like those and why I suggested the ones I suggested, which are more “realistic” to the original filaments radiation.

Just make sure you get the color of the lens. I tried leds before and just got white , didn’t really work, I got red for the brake lights, Amber for the turn signals , and what a difference!

Getting warm white (2800-3000K) instead full white was solved the problem. Is true the pure white (over 4000K) washes the lense color. And not too powerful for better results.

People love blaming cell phones for the problem. Sure it’s partial to blame, but lighting technology and lights themselves have improved drastically since our cars were new , I think we accidentally trained our brains to only recognize brighter lights….

The actual brightness used on modern cars really hurts my view when driving at night.
(Just sharing my experience about that). In fact I REALLY USE the dimmer on cluster driving at highways, to reduce the cluster lighting power over my face

 

[WileE]

I think you're overthinking this. Yer *** looks great.

 

[Roadhog51]

If you use standard white led bulbs the color gets washed out. I use these available in red and amber, MUCH brighter but with more COLOR
LED LIGHTS!

 

[zyzzyx]

I have a Yamaha FJR 1300 and I switched to L.E.D's in my brake lights and turn signals because I want
people in back of me to know my intentions. My Yellow turn signals are so bright that they'll give you a
Migraine if you're behind me! Same thing with the brake lights. Brake lights don't need a digital flasher
but turn signals do. I want to be seen! Don't want to be rear-ended on a bike!

 

[70gtx440dana]

Many people install the incorrect lamp on the inner most position for 69-70 Charger. The two outer are bulbs 1157 (tail lamp and stop) and the inner bulb should be a 1095 (tail lamp only). Many people use an 1156 on the inner which is incorrect.