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.
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!
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