How To: CptTripps' Cat-Eye LED Light mod Options

[CptTripps]

I had an idea a few weeks ago to re-fit the front light bucket with a more substantial light pack. LED...bright...yada yada.

Found a set of "cat eye" amber LEDs on eBay and the sizing was close enough, I figured I'd give it a try.

They showed up yesterday and immediately I could tell that these would likely work REAL well. But how was I going to mount them?

[Mike Bellis]

Some of the 914 relays will work with LED's and some won't. I'm not sure what the difference is. It may come down to where the relay gets it's reference current; Through the indicator lamps or through the dash lamp.

I fried my relay with all LED's (except the dash). Now I run LED rear and incandescent in front. No problems.

Early flashers use a bi-metallic strip that bends with heat (current). This type will need resistors to drop voltage and increase current. Modern relays have a timer circuit that is less load dependent.

914's use a separate circuit for the dash indicator. This is why there are 2 relays inside the flasher. A modern, non 914 flasher is difficult to make work with the German wiring system and turn signal switch.

Bottom line... If it works with LED's, keep it. If not buy another flasher until you get one that works.