New design for LED tail light - Printable Version
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New design for LED tail light - bikestuff - 08-10-2020
Gurus,
Many of us have mid 90s to early 2000 coaches that have a matrix of 6 rectangular lights tail lights on each side. Although incandescent versions of the lights are still available…they are not very bright. LED versions of these lights were available for a long time on ebay…but that is no longer the case.
To solve the problem, another guru @"dannymarilyn" Danny fabbed up some plates that would allow the use of truck LEDs within the existing bezel. Here is his post.
I decided that I wanted to make an entirely new bezel. My design goals were to keep the “Newell” look while being a bit more modern. I wanted to make sure that folks can see my turn signals and I wanted do something so that I can see to back up at night.
I ordered samples from all the truck light vendors as well as a few from firetruck and ambulance vendors. In the end, I decided that Bargman had the best price / performance.
Since the bezel was the same size as the original but the lights were slightly smaller so it gave me an idea. What if I use the perimeter lights from the 2020 Newell coaches as a backup light? Well that is exactly what I did. The trapezoid Whelen Perimeter Light in the pictures below are used on brand new Newells. They are frightfully expensive…but also terribly cool.
Here is the final design for the bezel. (Of course you can put the yellow and red bulbs where you prefer).
So how did I get the bezels made? I created an Adobe Illustrator file and sent to a place in Reno, Nevada (SendCutSend.com) for laser cutting. They can supply a variety materials but I choose .125" aluminum. They cost about $50 per side.
Richard volunteered to be a guinea pig for the first set. He painted his to match his coach. They look great!
I elected to get mine powder coated in black to match my coach.
Both turned out really well.
Let me know, and I will send you the AI file. Feel free to modify it to suit your own preferences.
All in all this was a fun project. Not a cheap one (especially with the backup lights)…but I think it is a good investment for safety. Richard tells me that folks seem to be much more quick about getting out of his way when he changes lanes.
RE: New design for LED tail light - DK on the road - 08-10-2020
In inner city traffic, I'm speaking of SF, Oakland, LA area of CA , Respect and permission is granted to lane change by using the signal during the lane change not before. Bright lights or not, when you signal, all the cars want to tighten up there following distance if you signal first.
I speak with tongue in cheek of course but, with age I have gained patience (but not much).
Nice Report, cool up grade and great details.
I'd like look at how to LED the next gen Newell
RE: New design for LED tail light - ccjohnson - 08-10-2020
That sounds like the "10 second" rule a co-worker told me about years ago. Signal for 10 seconds then just change lanes. Continue until you hear glass or smell poop!
RE: New design for LED tail light - HoosierDaddy - 08-10-2020
Great job ,Bill!! I really like the look. I was able to find some of the Truklite 7098's that had sockets for light bulbs. I installed LED bulbs. I sourced an LED 4x7" headlight from ebay to function as a back up light.
RE: New design for LED tail light - RegaNewell - 08-12-2020
Bill,
Great job! Looks great!
I have been thinking about this project and I have made my mind up! I'm going with it! I will need some help from Jeff so I have been holding off since he has had several other projects going all at one time! LOL
Thanks
Pam
RE: New design for LED tail light - bestgenman - 08-13-2020
Outstanding Bill !
RE: New design for LED tail light - Latitude 28 - 08-13-2020
Bill,
That is some really nice looking taillights good job! I like them a lot will be rounding up parts to change mine out in the near future.
RE: New design for LED tail light - Wardworks - 08-20-2020
Bill,
Thanks for helping me get this going!
All the parts are ordered and the frames are being cut. I will post pictures once they're installed.
You would think with as big as our coaches are people could see us making a turn or coming to a stop and act accordingly... Not here in California
... Every time I have to swing a little wide to make a turn, I put the signal on early, start to make my turn and "look out!" there's someone trying to pass me in the bike lane!. I don't think these brighter lights are going to keep these knuckle heads from doing that but now they will certainly know the direction I'm heading! 
RE: New design for LED tail light - bikestuff - 08-20-2020
Ron,
So happy folks are making use of the idea. Take your time and have fun with the project. Expect a rat nest of wires connected to the old lights. Be sure to mark the wires as you disconnect the old lights.
The old bezels attachment holes look to me to have been eye-balled, so don't rely on sensible placement of the screw holes. Pro tip: Use the old bezels to mark the hole locations for the new bezels.
Also, it's hard to get a really good painted finish on aluminum. Richard did great on his...but he has pro level automotive spray equipment. I opted to go to a powder coater and am really happy how they turned out.
Good luck and post pics of your process.
bill
RE: New design for LED tail light - Guy - 08-21-2020
The Whelen Perimiter light looks to be an upgraded clone of the perimiter lights put on the 1980s Classic Newells, which were originally either cornering lights or back up lights off off Ford or Lincoln products of the day. Our 1984 has one as a porch light and two on the rear as "yard lights" The original grey gaskey material leaves nasty streaks on the side on the coach when it rains. Amazing how long Newell uses some of the basic products.