Brake Light Mod

[KoupCoupe]

You can mod the inner lights (on the trunk lid) to function as brake lights. The sockets are made for a 2-filament bulb and the bulb already in the housing is an 1157 2-filament bulb just like the outer tail lights. You need to install a contact (have to modify one as the small contact is not available over the counter)in the socket and run wires from the inner lights to the existing loom and down to the left outer tail light and splice into the red brake wire. See attachments:

In my pictures notice that I have the 1157R LED light bulbs installed. They do not light up the light housing -- the light is concentrated at the bulb -- not sure I like them yet...

[KoupCoupe]

In order to see the drawing full-size looks like you have to be a member of this site.

I have had this mod done on my Forte sedan for over three months...no electrical problems! Car is driven daily.

My camera will not take close-up pictures of the contact and socket, hopefully this will help those that do not understand the contact/socket need:

[vizunary]

that does look pretty cool, and anyone behind you will notice when u brake.

[KoupCoupe]

That's exactly what I want...for the tailgaiters to know when I'm breaking...LoL!

[KoupCoupe]

Bump for NOOBS

[Rekoup]

Does anyone know if replacing the 1157 bulbs with LED drop-in replacements affects the flashers? If they are electronic they WILL work, if mechanical/old style element they may not (will have to add some resistance is all)

I cant test yet, I dont take delivery of mine until tomorrow.

I'm an electrician, I hope to mod the heck out of my Koup and be able to post how-tos for you guys

[vizunary]

(11-27-2009 05:00 AM)Rekoup Wrote:  Does anyone know if replacing the 1157 bulbs with LED drop-in replacements affects the flashers? If they are electronic they WILL work, if mechanical/old style element they may not (will have to add some resistance is all)

I cant test yet, I dont take delivery of mine until tomorrow.

I'm an electrician, I hope to mod the heck out of my Koup and be able to post how-tos for you guys

on another forum one of the guys there mentioned that you loose quite a bit of the light output when you just swap out the bulbs. maybe you should consider this:


from http://www.radicargarage.com/kia-koup.php

i'd like to get my hands on the intake they have.

[KoupCoupe]

(11-27-2009 05:00 AM)Rekoup Wrote:  Does anyone know if replacing the 1157 bulbs with LED drop-in replacements affects the flashers? If they are electronic they WILL work, if mechanical/old style element they may not (will have to add some resistance is all)

I cant test yet, I dont take delivery of mine until tomorrow.

I'm an electrician, I hope to mod the heck out of my Koup and be able to post how-tos for you guys

I have the 1157R LEDs in my Koup's taillights -- the brake system and the flashers are on different circuits so there is no effect on the flashers. Remember, the turn signals are separate from the running lights/brake lights on the Forte.

The 1157Rs are a disappointment -- they do not light up the housings -- all the light is concentrated at the bulb. Because of the design the light is directed out the top of the bulb and doesn't light up much to the sides.

Sedan SX with original bulbs and Koup taillights w/1157Rs \/ \/ \/

[vizunary]

(11-27-2009 10:35 AM)KoupCoupe Wrote:  I have the 1157R LEDs in my Koup's taillights -- the brake system and the flashers are on different circuits so there is no effect on the flashers. Remember, the turn signals are separate from the running lights/brake lights on the Forte.

The 1157Rs are a disappointment -- they do not light up the housings -- all the light is concentrated at the bulb. Because of the design the light is directed out the top of the bulb and doesn't light up much to the sides.

Sedan SX with original bulbs and Koup taillights w/1157Rs \/ \/ \/

haha, actually i think it was you i was remembered mentioning the led lights not doing the job at another site.

[Rekoup]

wow, I really like the items on that site ( http://www.radicargarage.com/kia-koup.php )

Anyone know what kind of prices they have?

I'd want to debadge my Koup just to make people guess what I'm driving I'd have it already if I could get a ride to the dealership, darn!