Replacement LED taillights for 2001 Beaver series

[Richard Cooper]

I'm not sure what years of Beavers used the same brake lights (one on left and another on right), but I am interested in a replacement for each.  I've been told that the headlights are from a Lincoln Navigator automobile and wonder if the part for the braking lights can be as specifically identified.

I've never been satisfied with the visibility of my braking lights, turn signals.  In fact, a couple years ago I had a RV shop change out the bulbs to LED and yet still they make no difference.  I specifically told them to use white LED behind those red lens, but they insisted I needed red ones.  I suspect that is the problem with continued lack of visibility.

I wonder if any of you have done a complete change out to a light system that really stands out with visibility --- besides simply adding a foot long LED bar alongside those tail lamps.  I also have what seems to be a 2+ foot long horizontal braking light in the center area of the rear of the coach.  Not talking about that one.

If you've done something like replacing the lens and assembly altogether, can you attach a photo of it?

[Steve Huber Co-Admin]

Richard,
Pretty sure the lenses are from a 98 or 99 Lincoln Navigator. There's a thread on this. As to brightness, you may want to try cleaning the lenses using a headlight cleaning kit or a mile rubbing compound.
Steve

[Jim Nichols]

Look very close and see if you can see dust inside the lens.  If so when removed rinse the inside with soap and water and let it set in the sun to dry. Seal the bulb socket or sockets with plumber's grease as it does not deteriorate the rubber.

[David T. Richelderfer]

A search for "Lincoln navigator" brings up several posts to read.  A couple of the posts talk about a "DOT number" found on the lens that is used by body shops to find replacements.

[Richard Cooper]

Are we all talking about the same thing here?  The Lincoln Navigator comment I made was about the headlights, but not the tail lights.  Now some of you seem to be telling me the tail lights on my Beaver are from a Lincoln Navigator.  

But, I'm looking for a new fixture to fit in that space that is bright and well illuminated.

[Gerald Farris]

Richard,
To the best of my knowledge, what you are looking for does not exist.

Gerald

[Bill Sprague]

While parked, I took a moment yesterday to watch my turn signals in bright sun.  It became obvious why nobody ever gets out of my way when I use them to change lanes in traffic!

I've noticed some LED replacement bulbs at Autozone.  I may try them.  

[David T. Richelderfer]

Quoted from an earlier post on this forum:  "It seems to me that I plugged the DOT numbers on both the headlight and taillight assemblies into google a few months back. The results that came back were a Lincoln Navigator for the headlights (although I'm not [sure] what year) and early 2000s Ford Econoline Van for the taillight assembly."

If you have not looked into the "DOT number" idea, or into the "Ford Econoline Van" idea, then this is more fodder for your research.

[Stan Simpson]

A lot of these applications are model year specific. For example, almost ALL tail lights on Monterey models are from Econoline Vans, however, for our 2005 they are from a 1993 Datsun (now Nissan I think) B2000 pick up truck. Once you know that...there are after-market companies that make the entire assembly with LEDs and standard bulbs. For example, here are a couple for our Monterey.

There are lots of them on eBay...  

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1986-1993-MAZDA-PICK-UP-BLACK-RIGHT-TAIL-LIGHT-ASSEMBLY-/230600166722?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item35b0d74d42&vxp=mtr

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Altezza-Taillight-Taillamp-Housing-Assembly-DOT-86-93-Mazda-Pickup-Truck-/390830849962?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Model%3AB2000&hash=item5aff557faa&vxp=mtr

Stan

[Richard Cooper]

That's awesome David and Stan!  Now I feel I can get somewhere.

Great observation Bill Sprague.  I too have difficulty in knowing if my lights work at all sometimes because of the glare on them by the sun.

[Doug Neal]

Try these from Amazon PAIR 17" RED LED SEALED TRAILER STOP, TAIL, AND TURN RED LIGHT BAR (WATERPROOF)
http://amzn.com/B0069TND14 Jim N. Installs these for people and they are very visible. I have some 5 element LED's for brake lights but they are not much of an improvement. You may have a hard time finding a bulb that fits inside the existing housing that will produce the results that I think you want.

[Roy Deeble]

Update to prior post which states the correct three color lens are from a Mazda B100 pickup truck for a Monterey.  Not so, although these tail lights look like the Beaver OEM lens they are in fact about 25% smaller, I now own a pair purchased on eBay.  The correct lens match a 1992-1994 Ford Econoline Van.  Actually the lens I replaced were a separate lens for each color, the Ford lens, from Amazon (after market auto parts, $51.95 a pair), are molded one piece three color lens that look fit great.  If anyone wants the Mazda lens I'll send for them for postage.

[Joel Weiss]

And if you're replacing the lens, be sure to buy these LEDs to use with them.  I posted them in a separate thread; they're fantastic.  Because they are red LEDs they don't need to have nearly as much lumen output because most of the light goes through the red lens.  https://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/tail-brake-turn/1157-led-bulb-dual-function-28-smd-led-tower-bay15d-retrofit-car/1644/4167/

[John Bagwell]

I replaced the tail lights with LED lights from etrailer.com. It was the whole unit.


http://www.etrailer.com/static/images/pics/4/7/47-85-004_tn.jpg. They are bright and work well.

2001 Monterey