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Bus Discussion => Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) => Topic started by: David on July 11, 2009, 10:08:54 AM

Title: Tail Lights for MCI-9??
Post by: David on July 11, 2009, 10:08:54 AM
Two Questions about changing 24 volt tail-lights to 12 volt.
#1 Is there an easy way to do it?
The reason I ask is because we bought a kit from R&M Fiberglass, and when we opened up the taillights portion of the kit - it only contained the lenses and none of the twist in bulb holders that fit those lenses -- (R&M said we should pick those up locally)  so we had to get those twist in bulb holders locally and the problem I'm having is that these bulb holders are the newer wedge base (1357 and 1356 style), not the older, round base (1157 style) that is on the bus now.  So is there is an easy way to change the 24 volt tail-lights to 12 volt?
#2 If there is not an easy way to change to 12 volt - Does anyone have a source where can you buy the 24 volt bulbs (style 1357 and 1356 wedge base)
Title: Re: Tail Lights for MCI-9??
Post by: gumpy on July 11, 2009, 11:09:42 AM
Relays.

I recommend building a relay based toad converter, and running the bus tail lights off that. You'll need to run a separate 12v feed from the batteries because the one in the rear junction panel is only 16 gauge wire and not big enough to drive all those incandescent bulbs.

There are some details how to do this on my web page.  Look for toad converter under the site map.

craig

Title: Re: Tail Lights for MCI-9??
Post by: roadrunnertex on July 11, 2009, 01:17:29 PM
Why change the lighting system to 12 volts? ???
24 volt bulbs are not that hard to locate Folk's :)
Eiko miniature lamps has 24 volt bulbs the number you need is 928 for the 24 volt systems.

http://www.abc-companies.com/muncie_baker/

Go to the above web site they will have a good source of 24 volt bulbs

jlv

Title: Re: Tail Lights for MCI-9??
Post by: NewbeeMC9 on July 11, 2009, 02:05:51 PM
Check into LED's,   since your changing tail lights anyway,  some listed run on 12 or 24 V
Title: Re: Tail Lights for MCI-9??
Post by: David on July 11, 2009, 02:20:28 PM
I would prefer to put LED bulbs in everything. I have not been able to find a source for the 24 volt LED that will fit my applications.
If anyone knows a source to get 24 volt LED's - it would be most helpful.
Title: Re: Tail Lights for MCI-9??
Post by: chris4905 on July 11, 2009, 02:47:10 PM
David,

Take a look here, a 24V LED source.

http://www.superbrightleds.com/other_bulbs.htm

Good Luck,
Chris
Title: Re: Tail Lights for MCI-9??
Post by: NewbeeMC9 on July 11, 2009, 02:50:46 PM

Foujnd these on google
http://www.ledshoponline.com/automotive_wedge_leds3157.htm (http://www.ledshoponline.com/automotive_wedge_leds3157.htm)
Title: Re: Tail Lights for MCI-9??
Post by: David on July 11, 2009, 03:41:14 PM
Thank all of you for all of the help.
My mistake was that I put the wrong bulb numbers for the 12 volt bulb.  The correct bulb numbers are 3156 and 3157.
I need a 24 volt bulb to replace those 12 volt bulbs.
Does anyone know the correct number for the 24 volt bulb.

I have looked at all of the websites each of you has suggested, still can't find the 24 volt version of the 3156 and 3157.
Title: Re: Tail Lights for MCI-9??
Post by: Melbo on July 11, 2009, 03:57:10 PM
I used led's in my tail lights and turn signals

I was not happy with the output

They did not look nearly bright enough

Just my experience

YMMV

Melbo
Title: Re: Tail Lights for MCI-9??
Post by: David on July 11, 2009, 04:12:31 PM
Thank you for the input.  That is good to know.
I would be happy now with just finding a 24 volt bulb that will fit. 
Does anyone know the number for the 24 volt bulb that is made like the 3156 and 3157.
Title: Re: Tail Lights for MCI-9??
Post by: NewbeeMC9 on July 11, 2009, 05:42:56 PM


http://www.alibaba.com/product-free/105269179/LED_Auto_Bulb_3156_3157_13LED_High_Power_light.html (http://www.alibaba.com/product-free/105269179/LED_Auto_Bulb_3156_3157_13LED_High_Power_light.html)


Someone please correct me if i'm wrong, but the leds i've seen are 8-30v and claim both 12 or 24v

hope this helps :)
Title: Re: Tail Lights for MCI-9??
Post by: christopher on July 11, 2009, 06:54:47 PM
mci and international bus parts has them
chris