Better source for LED tail lights?

[john61ct]

adhesives these days. . .

[Mountain Gnome]

Originally Posted by john61ct

adhesives these days. . .

I'm still wondering why I can't get that stuff in a bottle to fix whatever I need. Glues these days! Superglue! HA! The stuff is crap! 2-part epoxy made for plastic, and my sunglasses frame still won't bond to the lens.
A drop of that tape adhesive, though, and it would be good for life!

[john61ct]

3M makes hundreds, often used for huge buildings construction no mechanical fasteners.

Their 5200 I've used on boats, stays flexible but very strong.

But surface prep is everything, temperatures etc need to read.

Sika makes great ones too.

[musigenesis]

Originally Posted by john61ct

adhesives these days. . .

You're saying to glue these discs on? I guess that would work, but because the sheet is somewhat bent around these holes, I was thinking the rivets (or bolts, since I can access the inside easily right now) would draw the materials together mechanically.

[john61ct]

Yes need matching / mating surfaces, or clamping maybe.

Use rivets or nuts/bolts if you like, just giving alternatives

[Jolly Roger bus 223]

I found 7"round clear LED at my local o'relly store for about 20$ a piece but any auto parts store can get them.
Don't give them a vehicle just say I want to see your lighting book they have and find what you want.
Any of the old school parts store will have books and the name brand stores around me have books but don't know how to use them.
Look into OPTRONICS. Those are the ones I found.
Good luck

[Mark_In_MA]

Its been said before, but I think it's worth stating again - in a lot of states, you're not allowed to have extra white lights facing the front of back. (They have to be physically covered while on the road.)

I wouldn't want an excuse for someone to write me a ticket.

[CaptSquid]

Try Superbright LEDs

[o1marc]

Originally Posted by Mark_In_MA

Its been said before, but I think it's worth stating again - in a lot of states, you're not allowed to have extra white lights facing the front of back. (They have to be physically covered while on the road.)

I wouldn't want an excuse for someone to write me a ticket.

Do you have any statutes from any state saying that. I can mount 100 bright white lights on the front, side, or rear of my vehicle. On the rear I don't know of any law that says I can extra backup lights in any quantity or size.
The cop who would write you for that was going to write you for something anyways.

[tugboater]

Originally Posted by musigenesis

Hmm, I think I need to bite the bullet and just sheet these openings over. These look like a serviceable cover: https://www.ebay.com/itm/1-8-Steel-P...e/192635372688



I'm thinking I will rivet these over the light openings using 8 rivets around the edge. I would weld them on except I haven't figured out how to use my welding machine yet

If you have a welder don’t be intimidated by using it. I bought one, watched you tube a few times and now I’m an expert. All kidding aside, welding up backing plates is a good place to start. It’s not structural! I tacked them up from the inside, drilled a few small holes & filled them up with weld front and back. I used 18g left over from my window skins. Then bondo in the front. I have little welding experience, and zero bondo experience. They turned out great (i think anyway)...I like the flat surface that completely hides the fact that there was something there before. You can do it! Oh...if you do decide to weld, cover up your windshield with something...the weld splatter will f&;$ it up if you don’t[emoji51].

[musigenesis]

I actually got my welder up and running yesterday for the first time (among other issues, it turns out you can't just hand-tighten gas connections - urk). I learned how easy it is to burn holes completely through sheet metal, so I'm going to practice a lot more before I dare take the welder gun to my bus. I'm going to stick to rivets for these flasher hole covers at least.

Your covers look fantastic, nice job.

[tugboater]

Originally Posted by musigenesis

I actually got my welder up and running yesterday for the first time (among other issues, it turns out you can't just hand-tighten gas connections - urk). I learned how easy it is to burn holes completely through sheet metal, so I'm going to practice a lot more before I dare take the welder gun to my bus. I'm going to stick to rivets for these flasher hole covers at least.

Your covers look fantastic, nice job.

The rivets will look fine, and probably function better too. Thx for the compliment. I'll let you know when my weld comes apart & the bondo falls out.
I practiced by filling the small floor holes. I also burned a couple big holes in the sheet metal while covering those lights Third time's a charm. Welding isn't easy, but when the stars align & it works for us noobs it sure feels good.

[Chesapeake]

How bout these?
https://www.amazon.com/Headlights-Wh.../dp/B01CCGC8SQ

[Gorzie]

A company here is St. Louis is www.superbrightleds.com
They have a bunch of different LEDs available. If you are in the area you can pick up your order and avoid shipping cost.

[schoolbuscraig]

Unity bus parts! https://www.unityparts.com/. They have a sale on LED’s most of the time. I purchased 7” tail/brake and turn lights for my bus. I am going to purchase flush mount 4” tail/brake from Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Backup-Revers...-1-spons&psc=1

[disneysdarkside]

Saw a few of these videos and thought it may help!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-_G29sEFlw&t=2s

Amazon carries the oval lights in sets for pretty cheap too! I think it looks pretty awesome

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...BT50AVXR&psc=1

[CaptSquid]

Originally Posted by Gorzie

A company here is St. Louis is www.superbrightleds.com
They have a bunch of different LEDs available. If you are in the area you can pick up your order and avoid shipping cost.

I previously recommended Superbright LEDs. I have ordered many items from them and they all arrive on a very quick basis.

[skippythedog]

Why not rivet in some sheet metal plates, sealing edges with Vul-kem or equivalent?..Reduce the 7" holes to 4" and pop in standard lights by Grote,
Truck Lite or Maxxima.

[ThorrsHammer]

Late to the party here, but this is from the PA DMV's Enhanced Vehicle Inspection Guide:

"Emergency and other vehicles equipped with special lighting (flashing and/or revolving lights) that are converted for personal use must have all flashing and revolving lights removed. Covering the lights is not sufficient to meet this requirement; the lights must be rendered inoperable so that they cannot be readily reinstalled. All other vehicle equipment must be in compliance with Pennsylvania equipment, inspection and operating requirements."

Side note: The PA DMV is almost entirely worthless when it comes to school bus retitling to RV ("Motor Home" here). And even the people who do the inspections aren't clear on much of it. My local "Enhanced Vehicle" inspector told me that I basically have to "make it like an RV, with counters and lighting, all that". In fact, apart from having a permanently-attached bed and a table of some sort, these are what are needed per that same Guide:

At least 4 of the following:

• Cooking appliance

• Refrigerator

• Self-contained toilet

• Independent heating OR air conditioning unit

• Potable water supply

• Faucet and sink

• Separate 110/125 or LP gas supply

Guide found here:
https://www.dot.state.pa.us/Public/D.../PUB%20645.pdf

Van conversion (what they use as a guide for skoolie conversion) here:

http://www.dot.state.pa.us/Public/DV...ts/fs-vmvt.pdf

[o1marc]

Originally Posted by ThorrsHammer

Late to the party here, but this is from the PA DMV's Enhanced Vehicle Inspection Guide:

"Emergency and other vehicles equipped with special lighting (flashing and/or revolving lights) that are converted for personal use must have all flashing and revolving lights removed. Covering the lights is not sufficient to meet this requirement; the lights must be rendered inoperable so that they cannot be readily reinstalled. All other vehicle equipment must be in compliance with Pennsylvania equipment, inspection and operating requirements."

Side note: The PA DMV is almost entirely worthless when it comes to school bus retitling to RV ("Motor Home" here). And even the people who do the inspections aren't clear on much of it. My local "Enhanced Vehicle" inspector told me that I basically have to "make it like an RV, with counters and lighting, all that". In fact, apart from having a permanently-attached bed and a table of some sort, these are what are needed per that same Guide:

At least 4 of the following:

• Cooking appliance

• Refrigerator

• Self-contained toilet

• Independent heating OR air conditioning unit

• Potable water supply

• Faucet and sink

• Separate 110/125 or LP gas supply

Guide found here:
https://www.dot.state.pa.us/Public/D.../PUB%20645.pdf

As I read that all "special" lights must be removed or made in operable. If I replace them with driving lights and turn signals, they are no longer special lights covered under the law.
The RV requirements are pretty standard for every state.