Unexpected results, LED vs conventional bulb

I decided to try a little experiment with my Shelby taillights, trying to decide whether I will use LED lights or conventional bulbs. Now obviously I don't have one of the actual LED panels used in the sequential taillight kits, so I improvised with my multi-LED work light, putting it as close to the lense as I could get it. I used my 3-D Mag light on the other side. Aside from the obvious shape difference, I don't see any difference in the light distribution. I think the diffuser built in to the lense is scattering the light from the LEDs so much you can't tell they are LEDs. They don't look anything like the LED kits I've seen online. Those LEDs must be RIGHT behind the lense.

 

......

...:Handshake...

 

Man, that's a lot of tail light!!

 

Frank you seem confused. I didn't think I buried my point that much. Ok here goes. Most LED conversions, as have been shown on here even recently, pretty much look like crap because you can see the individual LEDs clearly. Even the ones from the mustangproject website, featured Mustang Monthly, show the individual LEDs clearly. I wanted to try to recreate that in person, too see if it looked better in reality than what I've seen in pics. My LED worklight has a large cluster of white LEDs spaced far enough apart that I thought I'd be able to see them. I was pretty impressed with how it looked, enough that I might consider doing an LED conversion with them (and no, not by buying 5 more work lights. )

Exibhit A - crappy LED conversion (no offense to the person that made them, because sure as I'm posting this, they will see it). I think the main problem is them being too close to the lens. I was able to get the same look with a single led right behind the shelby/t-bird lens.

 

Matt, you have too much time on your hands. But, keep on trying.

 

is that a pinto???

looks good to me.

 

I like it!

 

i agree...i want my...LEDs...to look like...LEDs .

 

Looks good!! I DON'T want my LED's to look like LED's. I hate being able to see each individual bulb.

 

yea im pretty old school. nothing wrong with 1157's IMO

 

I guess you want something like this if that's the case.

 

Well, that's neat, but I bet 98% of those effects would get you a ticket if you were on the street.

 

the new KITT everyone

 

That is pretty cool 302mav76. I would do that to mine if it didn't cost an arm and a leg. It is very cool for shows during displays. It would be awfully cool in someones "Cyclops" taillight.

 

That was sweet. Looks like a lot of work. And thinking.