Modern LED Lighting for Classic Cars

By Classic Car Restoration Club Editors

Building a custom or classic car often includes a mix of time-tested performance and appearance improvements, matched with the latest technology has to offer. An advancement we were excited to see was the introduction of LED (light emitting diode) lighting for cars and trucks. LEDs are nothing new, but the application in automotive use is a natural. Their rugged design enables them to withstand shocks that could easily burn out a traditional bulb. There is little doubt that if you’ve spent any time at all parked in rush hour traffic you have seen your share of LED lights on everything from semi trailers to new Cadillacs, and everything in between.

While known for their durability, their brightness level cannot be ignored. The increased visibility and near instant response that LED technology provides means safety is greatly increased.

DAKOTA LED - PIC 1
Dakota Digital’s LED taillight module kit comes with everything you’ll need to get the job done. The LEDs are mounted to circuit boards specifically engineered to fit our application and the placement of the LEDs is designed to optimize the optic quality of the original taillight lenses. The circuit boards are encased in a resin coating to protect them from the effects of moisture, ensuring years of trouble free operation.

Adapting this new technology to vintage street machines also seemed to be a natural progression. The overall size of the taillight on early cars pales in comparison to their late-model counterparts, and much like the center mounted third brake light, other drivers become accustomed to the large glow to warn them of stopping or signaling lane changes.


DAKOTA LED - PIC 2
The LED circuit boards mount to the taillight assemblies using the original bulb socket hole. The machined aluminum post extends the LEDs close to the lens.

Recognizing the benefits of LED lighting, Dakota Digital, a pioneer in digital instrumentation, expanded their line of products to include complete LED lighting systems to upgrade classic cars. They have designed each system to take advantage of the optics of the stock taillight lens for maximum brightness and performance. Their complete line of taillight conversions offers more than 70 direct fit applications, covering cars and trucks from 1940 through 1990.

DAKOTA LED - PIC 3
Taillight lenses and housings are not included in the kit. Dakota Digital suggests you inspect them carefully and replace any parts that can not be cleaned or repaired.

Manufactured right here in the U.S.A., Dakota Digital’s Sioux Falls, SD, manufacturing facility prides themselves on the high quality of their products and backs up their lights with a limited lifetime warranty. We were anxious to test their claims of effortless installation utilizing the original wiring harness, taillight lens, and assembly.

DAKOTA LED - PIC 4
Included in our kit were these moisture resistant wire connectors. They made short work of splicing into the original wiring harness to connect the lights.

The complete conversion process on our project ’68 Chevelle was straightforward and took less than an hour to complete, but the payoff came big the first time we pressed the brake pedal and lit up the area in a veil of red. “Wow, that’s bright!” could be heard from across the shop the moment we tested our new lights. The added safety makes it worthwhile and never changing a bulb again… well, that’s just a bonus.

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79 Responses to “Modern LED Lighting for Classic Cars”

  1. Brian Muirhead

    Any thing for ‘55 Chevy truck?

  2. Lenny carey

    Are these lights available for a 1959 Chevy El Camino ? Thank you

  3. Kurt

    I have a 1937 Dodge and have not been able to find a 6 volt 2331 headlight LED for positive ground. (OEM part 576312) I would prefer to not do a sealed beam conversion but am not aware of any simple conversion kit either. Can you help? Thanks...

  4. Monty

    Any tail/brake/turn signal sets for 1956 VW beetle?

  5. ButWhatDoIKnow

    These would be a big improvement for safety, and don't appear to be difficult to install. Plus they are made in the U.S.A.!

  6. Terry

    My choice of words did not meet submission standards. I did not curse but I did mention problems. Apparently not allowed!

  7. Terry

    not allowed to mention any problems with LED lights.

  8. Joe Gonzalez

    These articles are very helpful.

  9. Boris

    I have a 1970. Pontiac Bonneville. Do you have a kit for head and tail lights for this vehicle and what is the cost?

  10. Led Lights

    This article is relevant to readers as it discusses the benefits of using modern LED lighting in classic cars for improved visibility and safety.