As time marches forward, it seems that many of yesterday's technological marvels are eventually replaced by modern concepts. While nowhere near extinction, the incandescent light bulb is one such innovation that today commonly gives way to the Light-Emitting Diode (LED)-a semiconductor diode that illuminates when energized.
A single LED emits a great amount of light in virtually any color with little voltage draw, making it an excellent illumination source that generates little heat. Unlike the filament of an incandescent bulb which takes a few milli-seconds to reach full intensity, an LED responds to electrical input immediately, increasing its service life while giving the effect of instantaneous illumination.
This non-sequential LED taillight...
This non-sequential LED taillight kit for '74-'78 Firebirds (PN CLE6030) from Restore A Musclecar in Lincoln, Nebraska, includes six LED panels to replace the incandescent bulbs typically found on those models. Retailing for $279, it installs quickly and easily, maintains function and a stock appearance, and illuminates with much greater intensity.
Such qualities make LEDs ideal for circuits that are continually cycled, such as a vehicle's brake lights and turn signals. Auto manufacturers have recognized this and incorporate LED taillight panels into some new models-and it doesn't take long to determine those so equipped. Follow behind a late-model vehicle for any distance and you'll surely notice the immediate and vibrant radiance of its LED brake lights or turn signals as quickly as they illuminate.
Classic LEDs in Eugene, Oregon, has developed a number of retrofit LED taillight kits for those hobbyists interested in increasing the rearward visibility of their vintage automobiles. Wanting to incorporate such technology into Pontiac applications, Dave Hall, owner of Restore A Musclecar in Lincoln, Nebraska, partnered with Classic LEDs to create modern LED taillight packages for Second-Gen Firebirds, with distinct kits for '70-'73, '74-'78, and '79-'81 models.
Follow along as HPP documents the installation of an LED taillight kit into a '77 Trans Am, adding a bit of modern technology while greatly improving its functional visibility!
The LED panels are equipped...
The LED panels are equipped with a bayonet-type pigtail resembling the base of an original No. 1157 bulb, which plugs directly into the corresponding socket of the factory wiring harness.
The installation process begins...
The installation process begins with removal of the reverse and taillight sockets from the taillight housing. The original No. 1157 bulbs are also removed from the sockets at this time.
A Phillips screwdriver is...
A Phillips screwdriver is used to remove the two screws that retain the license-plate-light housing to the taillight bezel. The light socket twists free and the housing is set aside.
The seven nuts that secure...
The seven nuts that secure the taillight bezel to the rear body panel are removed using a 7/16-inch socket. The stud ends are gently tapped with a small hammer to break the taillight's rubber grommet seal against the rear panel; then the taillight assembly is walked outward. It should come out with relative ease, but the rear bumper can be loosened slightly if additional clearance is required.
With the taillight assembly...
With the taillight assembly on the bench, the bezel and housing are separated. The bezel is then set aside and the taillight housing is disassembled.
The taillight consists of...
The taillight consists of a plastic lens and composite housing. A 1/4-inch socket is used to remove the eight bolts that secure the lens to the housing, and the lens is lifted away. Some gentle prying may be necessary, but use caution to prevent damage to the lens or its gasket. Pay particular attention to the gasket's orientation to make certain it's correctly replaced during reassembly.
The panels of the '74-'78...
The panels of the '74-'78 Firebird LED taillight kit are configured and marked to ensure proper installation. Once in place and the wiring pigtails are routed, the panels are secured to the housing using a high-quality plastic adhesive like this one from 3M.
After allowing 30 minutes...
After allowing 30 minutes to let the adhesive dry, the entire assembly is tested for proper operation, which includes normal taillight and brake-light function. This normally includes placing the housing in the trunk and plugging each LED panel into its respective socket, but we had a spare wiring harness available for bench testing. Note that the original under-dash bi-metal flasher should operate the turn signals, but because LEDs don't draw as much voltage as the incandescent bulbs, a late-model OEM electronic flasher may be required.