Alternative Side Repeater option... Whelen Sidekick!

[eagle-co94]

Has anyone else looked at these yet? I'm tempted especially if a set from Australia will run $333 shipped and still need to be painted. I would prefer amber LEDs over clear but red and blue are options as well.

This is the only site I found so far that allowed me to pick the option I want and they'll run $360 shipped:
http://www.fleetsafety.com/whelen-inter ... lighthead/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Sirrennet has them for about $340 shipped but they don't show amber available for the PPV:

http://www.sirennet.com/whsk.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I might call to see if they can get amber as their website might be out of date.

[CrashTestDummy]

Any idea how you would connect them to the turn signal circuit? Looks interesting.

[9C1fanatic]

Whelen sidekicks come in two configurations,

Either with ION lightheads (single or split color)

or

ION V series light heads

I have installed these on other Caprices and just ordered some for my patrol car. The main difference is the ION lights have a lens that directs light in a focused manner. These are usually best suited at the front or rear of the vehicle as the lights are designed for maximum intensity straight ahead and not off axis. I don't know why they offer these lights for the Caprice fender vent because they are only intense from the side of the car and not at the critical intersection angles that are important to first responders.

The ION V series is the one to get. It uses a linear type lens that makes the light not reach quite the long distances that the regular ION is meant for but has equally intensity in 180 coverage around the light head. These are perfect for intersection warning and would work perfect for turn signals, not to mention brighter than the factory ones in the side vent.

All you need to make them work is to change the flash pattern on the light head (instructions included with light) to "steady burn". Then ground the light to a reliable ground, then connect the power wire to the front turn signal circuit and fuse it. There may be a more professional installation using the BCM but Im not familiar enough to chime in. Flash rate should not be an issue since the incandescent bulbs are still on the car.

[9C1fanatic]

If you can find the AMBER ION or ION V series light head in any place, it will work. The light heads are universal, the only Caprice specific item is the fender vent.

Also, for what its worth, I have also installed Whelen hideaway LED in white or split color white/blue white/red in the vacant spot on our reverse lights where the amber turn bulb is on the overseas cars. Great for aux warning and wired the white LEDs to steady burn when car is in reverse to increase visibility behind the car at night.

[No Moa]

Anyone ever move forward on this? I was curious. I'm looking for a used set in red, but wondered how the housing they made is holding up.

[BIG_GREEK]

A bit expensive for turn signals, no?

As to hooking them up to the turn signal, just tap into the turn signal wire at the headlights. The LEDs don't draw anything, so adding a relay is not needed.

[CrashTestDummy]

They're about in line, price-wise, with getting new OEM units from Au, when you can. The upfitter parts might be a little more robust than the OEM, though. I'm reading that they are kind of fragile.

One would need to actually check the power requirements, I know other strobe-type lights use a fair amount of power.

[No Moa]

From what i'm reading, they are all LED. So power should be minimal.

[eagle-co94]

I haven't had a chance yet. I've been hoping to find a parts car that had them but most remove them before selling. Once my car is running I'll revisit the idea if I can't find a cheaper used set of OEMs.