240Z Rear fog light conversion-Do it yourself under $20!

[esprist]

I would like to talk share info about Rear Fog light that you can light up in 15 min. today.

Many of you might already know, but I am sharing this info for many others.

It cost under $20, and take only 5-10 min per side. There is an existing light socket hole between existing tail lamp holes. If you have Euro lamp, there is a plug that pops right out. Then if you go to Pep Boys, Auto Zone, Cragen, or Napa, you can buy this "marker light socket for Japanese cars" , and light bulbs, and cut-in-connector with gel coating. All of the should cost you under $20. (in my area, L.A.)

Now all yougot to fo is to hook it up to existing tail lamp wires. No cutting-wires required. PLease look at the picture for a significant brightness! It lights up behind the reflector, but it still gives even brightness across the lamp housing. I have done this for few of my friends, and the cars look great.

I know some people even go for LED converson.......But this is something that you might be able to do at low cost!

Esprist

[Walter Moore]

So is the purpose of this to make the light brighter? Is there a problem with the brightness of the original bulbs?

How many watts do the replacement bulbs draw? If they are higher wattage bulbs, will the wiring support the additional current?

I could see an LED conversion, since that would make the bulbs last essentially forever. But even then only if I thought that the current system was a problem.

(I am not trying to disparage your idea. I just don't understand the purpose...)

[esprist]

So is the purpose of this to make the light brighter? Is there a problem with the brightness of the original bulbs?

How many watts do the replacement bulbs draw? If they are higher wattage bulbs, will the wiring support the additional current?

I could see an LED conversion, since that would make the bulbs last essentially forever. But even then only if I thought that the current system was a problem.

(I am not trying to disparage your idea. I just don't understand the purpose...)

Well, regular parking lamp light bulb, I do not recall wattage......

Wirings are fine. No blown fuses or problems in last 3 years.

By the way, LED is not for forever, and it is only bright to 1 direction. It is not as bright as conventional bulb during daytime either. But if you want to have your car look more modern, LED lights look great.

Esprist

Edited March 9, 2009 by esprist

[ta240]

I'm always for making the car more noticeable, especially in rain/fog. Great idea, I didn't even think of popping the plug out of that spot on the lights.

You've been running it for 3 years and there aren't any problems with too much heat on the lens or anything like that?

I might be tempted to run it as an additional brake/turn light but it could easily be changed from being on with them to just the parking lights.

-Trevor

http://www.geocities.com/z-car

[Arne]

The 194 bulb shown is similar in output to the tail lights. That socket and location is not suitable for a higher wattage bulb for brake light or rear fog light use. It is too close to the lens, and you run the risk of melting the red lens with a hot bulb there.

It's worth noting that - unlike on modern European cars where a rear socket that is unused in the US version is almost always a rear fog socket - these sockets on the 240Z lights were designed for the true parking lights, the ones lit by the missing switch next to the defroster switch in the '70-71 240Zs. In fact, if memory serves me, the rubber plug that needs to be removed has a big "P" on it.

[esprist]

The 194 bulb shown is similar in output to the tail lights. That socket and location is not suitable for a higher wattage bulb for brake light or rear fog light use. It is too close to the lens, and you run the risk of melting the red lens with a hot bulb there.

It's worth noting that - unlike on modern European cars where a rear socket that is unused in the US version is almost always a rear fog socket - these sockets on the 240Z lights were designed for the true parking lights, the ones lit by the missing switch next to the defroster switch in the '70-71 240Zs. In fact, if memory serves me, the rubber plug that needs to be removed has a big "P" on it.

Good additional info! I agree with you on using it for just parking light sake.

Well, I always wonder there were any version that those lamps did not come with reflectors and come with parking lamp......I have never seen ones w/o the reflectors......

Esprist

[gnosez]

Nice idea.

We wired all the lights to come on (save the reverse bulb) when you hit the brakes on the race car. They are bright...

[ta240]

The 194 bulb shown is similar in output to the tail lights. That socket and location is not suitable for a higher wattage bulb for brake light or rear fog light use. It is too close to the lens, and you run the risk of melting the red lens with a hot bulb there.

I was thinking that another light coming on would draw that much more attention to the fact that I am braking or turning, even it it wasn't an extra bright light. I figured it would add a bit more brightness overall.