If you're going to be using a ton of LED'* and don't want to keep implementing resistors, you might look into purchasing a variable voltage regulator. They're only a couple bucks, and then when it'* hooked up, you're done! At most it would take 4 components if you use the capacitors like they suggest (which aren't required).

If you like that idea, I'd recommend using the LM317 by national semiconductors (http://www.national.com). You could limit the voltage to exactly 3v (or less), or even 6v if you want to arrange to hook 2 LED'* in series between the power rails. You can buy these at local electronic parts stores, and even check radio shack to see what they have. Push come to shove...use http://www.jameco.com to order. The reason I didn't use these in my car was because of space requirements.

I used 5000-6000 mcd LEDs. That gave me the about the best amount of light, without being too dim, nor too bright for single LED applications inside the car.

A bit of an update here. Ive got some 1/8" red plexiglass that I cut to the size of the original light cover. also i took the aluminum brake light casting off of the car and got my dad to mill down the high parts of where the screws go so that the red plexiglass piece i cut for it will sit flush and I can put the rubber seal back in. As far as the board, I couldnt find one that was large enough and had metal solder things on it so I took two small ones and soldered them together with some wire. So the board is ready and its painted black so its not so obvious. Im going to use 13 LEDs because of spacing. Ive got the circuitry all worked out too.

All thats left is to solder everythign together and put it back on the car. Pics will be along shortly.

Got the board up and running!! I accidentally blew 4 LEDs during the testing stage because I shorted out a resistor with my meter so I fixed it and put er in. I think it looks pretty neat Ill have pics very soon.

Ok ive got pics but i gotta get them on a comp at school and upload them, wednesday should be tha day....

Awesome! Can't wait for the pics, don't forget to get some of them on/off, and day/night


-justin

I thought of doing something similar to light up the inside tail lights as brake lights as well.

I, too, wanna see the pics....

Phoenix,

I was checking the voltage on the third brake light and I got 10.5VDC. Did you get this too?

I'm getting a full 13.9 on the tails.

DId you measure it with the car running? I got 8.6 volts at the brake light with the car off (weak battery) and I got 12.79 volts at the brake light with the car running.
Im hoping that my regulator doesnt crap out because over 14 volts will fry the leds for sure:O

I think so. I dunno I'll have to check it again.
I replaced all my interior lamps with leds and four in series seems to be the magic number. I first tried to use 3 but they failed after about 3 weeks.

FINALLY ive got the pics. so here ya go

http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/674760/5

Looks great! Now make me one for the larger light