Reversing light??

[madcampbell]

Hi All

Having just had my windows tinted (which I love) I am struggling to see while reversing in the dark.

So I wondered if anyone had any good suggestions to improve the reversing lights.

I had thought if I change my reg to a long one instead of a square one (in the pic below “surfin”) then I would have all that space to fit (in red in the pic)??a spot light of some sort and link it into the revering light wiring.

Questions are

1 Could I put two small spotlights there and is it legal
2 Could I link them in to the revesing lights
3 Have you done something to improve the revesing lights?
(without adding a rear spotlight on the roof)((or opening windows))

Any thoughts (apart from removing the tint) always appreciated

Cheers
and Happy New Year
Mark

[TOYMOTA]

Hi All

Having just had my windows tinted (which I love) I am struggling to see while reversing in the dark.

So I wondered if anyone had any good suggestions to improve the reversing lights.

I had thought if I change my reg to a long one instead of a square one (in the pic below “surfin”) then I would have all that space to fit (in red in the pic)??a spot light of some sort and link it into the revering light wiring.

Questions are

1 Could I put two small spotlights there and is it legal
2 Could I link them in to the revesing lights
3 Have you done something to improve the revesing lights?
(without adding a rear spotlight on the roof)

Any thoughts (apart from removing the tint) always appreciated

Cheers
and Happy New Year
Mark

Why don't you just put the window down when you reverse.!

[stara]

or if you still can't see with the window down, you could put a small front fog on the opposite site to the rear fog (assuming you have the obligatory underslung rear fog), it is ok to have a white light on the rear provided it is only used as a reversing light or when stationary(you can't have it on when going forwards) you could link it to the reversing lights, but use a relay to protect the wiring.

[madcampbell]

Open windows in the winter

The problem is opening the rear window with the kids in the car when its raining and cold.
I just want to put it in to reverse and be able to see where I am going without having to mess about opening all the windows in the middle of WINTER!!!
I am looking for some kind of extra lighting
I tried the under slung fog light broke that twice in two months!! so cut two into the bumper(much better)

May be I could do the same with a front fog lamp??

Mark

[Gamedawn]

I've got two 55w Ring fog lights mounted on the bumper - I can definitely see where I've been . Operated via a relay and come on with the reversing lights. I've also got a switch in circuit so I can turn them on as work lights.

[TonyN]

As has been said, just wire a small spot light somewhere, and link the relay to the reversing lights.

I'm gonna do this to lindas truck after just having the tints done.

[crazybitch]

Hi All
Questions are
1 Could I put two small spotlights there and is it legal
2 Could I link them in to the revesing lights
3 Have you done something to improve the revesing lights?
(without adding a rear spotlight on the roof)((or opening windows))
Mark

HI Mark
I had the same problem, you can fit spots to the back via a relay unless you want to melt the reverse lamp switch!
I have two angel eyes mouted high on mine, with red leds wired to side lights but a cracking 110w extra reverse light, can see for f*****g miles. plus you get the added bonus that if some idiot comes up behind on main beam you can blind em back!!!!!!

[dirtydog]

got any pics mate? I have a light I put on the roof for hitching up in the dark but am now thinking about having linked to a switch inside the car instead of on the unit, but I have no relay yet.

[stara]

HI Mark
I had the same problem, you can fit spots to the back via a relay unless you want to melt the reverse lamp switch!
I have two angel eyes mouted high on mine, with red leds wired to side lights but a cracking 110w extra reverse light, can see for f*****g miles. plus you get the added bonus that if some idiot comes up behind on main beam you can blind em back!!!!!!

AHHHHHH I see how you got your nicname now

[madcampbell]

I am going try to combine so of your ideas
thanks
but first some more questions!!

SO

Can some one give me a hint on the wiring
I am real thick when it comes to eletrics (or spelling)
Q1 What does a relay do and how do you wire it

Q2 Does anyone know which wire would you use to tap into the reversing lights so it triggers it then

Q3 How do you have a switch in the cab to use it as a working light

Q4 Crazybitch got any photoes Plz
Thanks all for the advice so far
Mark

[TonyN]

You need a relay as the orginal reversing wire may not be able handle the extra draw of more lights.

You can use the reversing light wire to work the relay, this avoids needing a serperate switch to work your new lights with you might forget to turn off after.

Mount the relay somewhere reasonablely dry, nice and close to either light cluster, to avoid having to run wires to far. Then you can scotchlock or similar a wire from the coil+ of the relay to the reversing light wire. (just remove a rear light and see which wire goes to the reversing lights. then the coil - goes to a nice earth. (look for a bolt going into the bodywork somewhere to avoid drilling holes.)

Now when you select reverse, the realy should click, and the new lights will automatically come on.

For the lights, you'll need a suitable sized cable, from the battery (of a live feed if you can find one in the fuse box), to a inline fuse, to the relay contacts. Then the other side of the relay goes to the lights themselves.

Earth the lights to the light mounting bolt or similar and you should be good to go!

If you want to switch them manually, to need to run a live though a switch that goes to the relay coil, to give it power. (or just put it in reverse with the ignition on )

Or come to basingstoke with £20 or a couple of big mac meals and I'll do it for you!

[madcampbell]

Thanks Tony
I let you know how I got on
Mark

[crazybitch]

I am going try to combine so of your ideas
Q4 Crazybitch got any photoes Plz Thanks all for the advice so far
Mark

Hi Mark
the photos were in the dark to give the better effect! You have no problem seeing behind, and no! I have not drilled any holes which enter the car! so no leaks!!!! they are mounted on the window surround and the wire is behind the rubber seal!! COOOOOOOOOOOl or What!!

[dirtydog]

Hi Mark
the photos were in the dark to give the better effect! You have no problem seeing behind, and no! I have not drilled any holes which enter the car! so no leaks!!!! they are mounted on the window surround and the wire is behind the rubber seal!! COOOOOOOOOOOl or What!!

why didnt i do that! too late the roof has 2 holes in now.

[crazybitch]

why didnt i do that! too late the roof has 2 holes in now.

Because your MALE !!! (sorry boys!)