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Topic: Fuse question if I make the backup lights, tail lights too

in Forum: C3 Electrical

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Fuse question if I make the backup lights, tail lights too (1/8)
3/17/14 8:56pm

Custommilt

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The Villages, FL - USA

Vette(s):
78 Black Coupe with Oyster interior and mirrored T tops

Joined: 8/14/2012
Posts: 36

I've replaced the brake lights and backup lights in the rear of my 78 with LED lights. All four are brake lights. Obviously the two middle lights are being powered from the original backup lights pigtails right now and only work when I back up and don't really give a lot of backup light. I want to rewire them into their respective brake lights next to each of them. Since the backup lights and the Tail lights are on different fuses will I need to increase the amps (20 now) in the tail light fuse? Please say no..LOL I'd rather have a root canal than work on the fuse panel!!

|UPDATED|3/17/2014 5:56:54 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

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Re: Fuse question if I make the backup lights, tail lights too (2/8)
3/17/14 9:58pm

Adams' Apple

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Duncanville, TX - USA

Vette(s):
#1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas

Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20128

No need to increase the fuse rating, since you are using the LEDS....they don't run the amperage that incandescent bulbs do. You'll actually be taking some load off of the circuit with the LEDs. The only issue you might run into is the flasher. Since you are removing some of the load from the circuit, the turn sigs may flash slow, or not at all. Easy fix, tho..just get an electronic flasher, and you're good to go. Thumbs Up

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Re: Fuse question if I make the backup lights, tail lights too (3/8)
3/17/14 10:15pm

JoeTrecca
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Charlottesville, VA - USA

Vette(s):
1978 Silver Anniversary L82 Previously: 1965 300hp Coupe in 1967. 1967 435hp Coupe in 1968-70. 1969 350hp T-top w/ac and all power options.

Joined: 9/3/2010
Posts: 104

Hi Milt, I recommend that you stay with the 20A fuse. The main purpose of the fuse is to protect the wire should there be break in the insulation, which could cause a meltdown.

Hopefully the LEDs will not draw as much current as the stock bulbs, so you should be OK doubling up.

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Joe T

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Re: Fuse question if I make the backup lights, tail lights too (4/8)
3/18/14 2:54pm

Custommilt

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The Villages, FL - USA

Vette(s):
78 Black Coupe with Oyster interior and mirrored T tops

Joined: 8/14/2012
Posts: 36

Thanks! I appreciate the input.

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Re: Fuse question if I make the backup lights, tail lights too (5/8)
1/15/15 1:29pm

Custommilt

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The Villages, FL - USA

Vette(s):
78 Black Coupe with Oyster interior and mirrored T tops

Joined: 8/14/2012
Posts: 36

Thanks to all, I finally just got around to connecting those inside lights to their respective outside lights. And the fuse wasn't the issue. Turns out the Flasher needed to be upgraded as was suggested by Adams'' Apple! It is capable of handling up to 10 lamps and 400 hour life. Had to first go back to two lights (disconnecting the inside ones) for the new flasher to start working. Then connected the inside ones and boom!! they work fine! I will mount backup lights under the bumper, as soon as I put the side pipes on and get rid of the rear mufflers!

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Re: Fuse question if I make the backup lights, tail lights too (6/8)
1/15/15 1:40pm

Adams' Apple

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Re: Fuse question if I make the backup lights, tail lights too (7/8)
1/15/15 6:32pm

F4Gary

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Grapevine, TX - USA

Vette(s):
1972 LT-1 convertible with factory air.

Joined: 8/26/2006
Posts: 1409

Custommilt said: Thanks to all, I finally just got around to connecting those inside lights to their respective outside lights. And the fuse wasn't the issue. Turns out the Flasher needed to be upgraded as was suggested by Adams'' Apple! It is capable of handling up to 10 lamps and 400 hour life. Had to first go back to two lights (disconnecting the inside ones) for the new flasher to start working. Then connected the inside ones and boom!! they work fine! I will mount backup lights under the bumper, as soon as I put the side pipes on and get rid of the rear mufflers!

Some great ideas for backup lights in this thread:

http://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/c3-general/3588946-late-c3-taillight-idea.html

I like these Eagle Eye LEDs

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Re: Fuse question if I make the backup lights, tail lights too (8/8)
1/16/15 7:38am

Sarge81

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WEST SENECA, NY - USA

Vette(s):
1981 Blue Ice Met. w/pearl ghost flames TKO500 5speed. LS1 Swap 3.45 Dana 44.

Joined: 12/3/2001
Posts: 2379

I'm also converting mine over to all 4 taillights w/LED's. I borrowed the idea from this guy. Check out the YouTube clip.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2LspqhSPHE

I bought 2 extra stock '80-'82 taillight housings. Split all 4 housings in 2 since they are bonded together. Used clear silicone to bond the "red" 85 millimeter halos to the inside of the lens. The halos will be my running lights. The bulb is a 1157 style single point "red" led. Those will be for my brake and turn signal lights. Very bright when bench testing with a 9 volt battery. Plus they don't have that truck trailer light look.

Soon as the weather breaks I'll be wiring them in. Can't wait.

The reverse lights will be in the license plate bracket.

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GEN III 5.7L "LS6" Engine swap
TKO500 5 spd.

3.54 Dana 44

'69 "N11" Sidepipes
Borgeson Steering Box
Born 8/1981
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Click here to see more pics of my Vette on CarDomain.

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