dual bright leds

That does make sense haemphyst,

However, for some reason 95poopscort wanted to use one set for tail/brake/turn because he is making them himself and everyone else uses two.

I did as best I could to help him even thought I confused millicandellas with microfarads. (doh!)

Perhaps I am not the best person to give advice on this topic. But I do believe the 2nd diagram I posted should work. I would hope that the proper resistance is used to keep it legal. Anything "painfully" bright most likely does not fall into the legal catagory.

I think it wise to make sure the brightness of your tail/brake/turn lights do not pose a safety hazard or legal violation before taking it on the public roads.

I'm going to have to agree with haemphyst here, simply on the fact that you don't know anything about LEDs.  I'm all about trying to do something yourself, and as long as it is close I'm sure you won't have to worry about getting an unsafe vehicle ticket.  However, if you don't set up the LEDs correctly (proper current) you will end up burning up LEDs pretty quickly.  Also, changing from a bulb to an LED will eliminate your 'quick turn when a light is burnt out' feature.  At least commercially availible units will have gone through extensive testing and quality assurance, so you can have faith that they will hold up. 

Furthermore, automobiles provide a VERY harsh environment for electronics.  Vibration, temperature changes, moisture, dirt and about the worst electrical environment imagineable are some of the things you need to consider when designing electronics for cars.  One example would be in the power supply that runs the LEDs, as you won't be able to drive them directly off of the battery because the battery voltage fluctuates too much while driving.  You would most likely want to go with a 5vdc regulated system to insure that the lights are the same brightness every time.  Now, if you have already thought of this, then good thinking, however if you never considered that as being a possible problem then you really shouldn't be doing this!

I too agree with the above posts after consideration. I admire the DIY gusto but if not just for the reasons stated above alone,I feel using an aftermarket replacment is the way to go.

Now the diagram I posted only shows one LED but that was done for simplicity in the drawing, I was under the assumption that he wished to build an array. Regardless,with asking what resistor values to use for brightness, there are too many factors to consider to post a reliable suggestion.

I don't think it's a kick in the nuts, it's solid advice.  We all appreciate your DIY attitude, but I don't think you are realize the liability involved.

In fact, if you install your brake lights you make, and they fail and someone hits you, you could be held personally liable.

Plus, beyond the words of caution, your questions were answered.

Please don't take any of our suggestions that way. It was only out of concern for the safety of you and others as well as legal issues.

As a matter of fact I think you should try to build them but do so as a "science project" keeping it small and the costs down. Test different value resistors, brightness levels, if it can stand up to harsh environments, moisture, vibration etc.

Just try to avoid the temptation of using it on pubic roads. Maybe you can make a set for your car and swap em out at shows and meets etc and then put the legal ones back in for the trip. Then you can really go nuts and make them flash patterns, change colors or anything your imagination can come up with.  And if it's too bright at a car show that is a good thing. On public roads however it really can be a problem.

Best of luck.