Upgrade from Halogen to LED

Concours.John

Concours.John

Auto Detail & Restoration
Just wondering if anyone was interested in upgrading from halogen to LED.
Coming from a prototype design background I have talked to a few people in the industry. I'm looking into retrofitting my halogen stands with pure light LED lights. They will be just like a swirl finder light but wash as much as a roof of an SUV. Since this in its design stage if anyone has some input on features or what they would like to see.....retrofit, price, lighting, feel free to input. LED is pricey but I'd like to keep the cost down.

I could see where this could help keeping consistant LED light on a panel
during corrections. Not to mention how much less energy they use compared to halogens.

I consider myself mobile even though I go to collections and lighting is not always optimal unless the space is designed for detailing. Secondary lighting is always a valuable tool. I get no side kickbacks. I'm just curious if this is worth my investment in developing.

Mobile guys please input. Thanks in advance.:)
 
Sounds pretty cool. If you could design and build for yourself, as you sound to intend, I think you could sell a few more on here. I can be hung from our tents as mobile detailers. Photos along the way would be great!

I think you might have to get a limited sponsorship in order to sell on here though. Not to familiar with that process.
 
I think that would be cool....I would rather use LED than halogen...I like how LED's don't get nearly as hot as halogens do.
 
I was sent this link from a friend working on this project with me.
Solar Charge Controllers
Model# AC-LED-26w

This would work with existing stands.:) It could be wired into the current boxes on the halogens. Still looking into other options and costs.
 
My biggest complaint in halogens is they blow CONSTANTLY. It would worth the investment just to save on bulbs every week.
 
Harbor frieght has LED lights that look promising, I would post a link but don't know how to copy n paste using my phone.
 
sal329 said:
Harbor frieght has LED lights that look promising, I would post a link but don't know how to copy n paste using my phone.
Click to expand...

There is one by me I'm making sure to check into all options. Home Depot has one too just didn't seem bright enough IMO. Serviceability and reliability In the field are my major concerns.
 
I saw on the TV last week that they have led lights that will replace the CFL lights in our home but they are too expensive but once people start buying them and they are able to mass produce them the price will come down.

In 10 years nearly all homes will have nothing but LED lights in them.
 
Coming from the saltwater reef point of view L.E.D. lights are EXPENSIVE. There are lights you can get and convert into your stands but I'm telling you it isn't going to be cheap. Just check out some of the saltwater aquarium sites for prices.

Something like this could be mounted on your stands but we are talking $600-$800.

Ecoxotic Panorama LED System w/ Accessory Pack
 
I am a hobbyist also but play professional on my own cars, plus it's a new toy so I would be interested. Please keep us update. If I think of anything helpful I will let you know..But I warn you I'm not a smart man.
 
Update. Been working on this project in my down time. I have been doing research on new design retrofits, replacements, etc.(around 109.00-150.00)
You would only need one due to the output.

I have an electonics controls engineer(my dad) a prototype circuit board engineer(myself before restorations full time) working on this.

The cost in prototypes is far going to exceed adapting current lights on the market (billboard and commercial wall wash) so the thought was to try a few and review them. The current lights I'm looking at will bolt to the current stand and wire directly through the box on the lights and be 110v. Most are 24v or 12v requiring a separate power supply.

On another note I've been talking with a major company who has made LED conversions for billboards here in the US. Their conversions use exisiting fixtures. They seem to be interested considering how many of these halogen stands are out there and the complaints about them.

If the price is right I've offered to test. Considering the life span of halogens and a company with more experience and resources than me; it could be the most cost effective route.

I'll keep everyone posted.
 
I hope everything works out. I would like to see that go through...of course with all newer technology price is always an issue for people. I really like LED so it would probably be something I would be fine spending the extra money on. Halogens are alright but I think the combination of the two while detailing a car would reveal the flaws so much better for us. The lighting in one of the garages I work at is only on the ceilings which are extremely high, and when I do a test pass on a car I think it looks great, end up pulling it out to find out that I was totally wrong....I really hope a company follows through out there because I think there will be a big market for it. Construction workers, mechanics, detailers, and much more
 
i know this may sound crazy......but for the best lighting options as far as thing you could posibly adapt from..... look at some hydroponic grow websites! they have extensive led and holagen light kits you may even be able to find one suitable for stand mounting.

atlanta hydroponics or hydroponics of atlanta is a good one :P
 
just about every thing you need in lightning is made in LED now a days, ya just need to know where to look. for example the Halogen 500w lights you see now and then in the back of some of my project are made in LED, i have found them in the fire service

pbaped-dual-rt-lit1.jpg
 
w0lfy said:
i know this may sound crazy......but for the best lighting options as far as thing you could posibly adapt from..... look at some hydroponic grow websites! they have extensive led and holagen light kits you may even be able to find one suitable for stand mounting.

atlanta hydroponics or hydroponics of atlanta is a good one :P
Click to expand...

I currently am using 2 4ft. Full spectrums on a mobile stand and still doesn't give the visual clarity a swirl finder does. They are not cheap!!

I'm looking for something that gives constant swirl lighting without constantly stopping to check your work. I have looked into the LED market of what you are talking about. The defect highlights are not there though due to the lumens and spectrum, color of the LED used.

Thank you for your input and everyone else I'd like to see this happen. Things like this don't happen without a good majority opinion.
 
Beercan31 said:
just about every thing you need in lightning is made in LED now a days, ya just need to know where to look. for example the Halogen 500w lights you see now and then in the back of some of my project are made in LED, i have found them in the fire service

pbaped-dual-rt-lit1.jpg
Click to expand...

Be looking into that ASAP thank you.
 
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