Cant I just solder up my own rear plate LEDs?

**4A Play** · 07-14-2008 04:09 PM

Can I just solder a few LEDs from the shack to the shitty 97+ bulb holders with some transistors in line to allow for the 14v?

Im not too cheap for the 39mm draft designs bulbs, just looking for something I can do myself for a fraction of the cost if possible.

I have this week off of work and dont have anything to keep busy.

Why hasnt anyone else done it yet?

Thanks!

**Ewok_Fetus** · 07-14-2008 04:34 PM

Don't you mean resistor? A transistor either acts as a switch or an amplifier... A resistor drops voltage via converting that voltage into heat...

**4A Play** · 07-14-2008 05:12 PM

Dont I want to bump a 12v LED UP to 14v?

IE: transistor?

IDK about electronics lol

**Ewok_Fetus** · 07-14-2008 05:15 PM

Emmmm, no... If you have a 12V LED just plug it in...

**4A Play** · 07-14-2008 05:48 PM

But I thought the VW/Audi rear license plate bulbs were 14v? Not 12v.

**Ewok_Fetus** · 07-14-2008 05:59 PM

12V and 14V are basically the same... Automotive systems are commonly refered to as "12V systems" though the alternator charges at 14V...

**4A Play** · 07-14-2008 06:15 PM

Huh, I thought I read here that using the 12v LEDs would lead to burnt out diodes quickly......

Hence the reason 42 draft designs sells 14v specific units.

**Ewok_Fetus** · 07-14-2008 06:29 PM

Where did you read that from? I have run plenty of 12V LEDs in VW's/Audi's and never had one burn out... One example is my 97 Jetta where I converted the green lights in the interior to red and put in some blue indiglo gauge covers... Looked nice! Better than the MkIV's IMO but that was the look I was going for... I used 12V red LED's everywhere except the window switches which I had to use a slightly smaller LED which those DID need resistors since they were rated at 3V...

**Vreihenmotor6** · 07-14-2008 07:01 PM

the 42 draft designs leds are 14.5 v, because their original 12v design was burning out fast in mk4 aplications, so they gave themselves a factor of saftey in their new units

car electrical systems can be anywhere from 10 to 16V, if you get some quality leds you can make your own, but honestly I might just pick a set up

I installed my 42 draft desin ones the other day and they are nice, however the light isn't even due to the way the grab handle is over the plate tub

**m5racer** · 07-15-2008 08:21 AM

i have 12v in for over a month now and no problems at all. also i find the 42 draft bulbs to be to bright. Oh and if you look at the stock bulbs (in my 01 at least) they are 12v not 14v. I know this beucase i repalced mine with stock first then led a few days after.