reversing lamps

Technical questions and answers about the Mazda Bongo

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bigdaddycain
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Post by bigdaddycain » Sun Sep 30, 2007 3:22 pm

brorabongo wrote:
bigdaddycain wrote:Hmm, interesting... yet another option for more rearward illumination eh?

I've considered the rear number plate light upgrade to LEDs', but i must admit the notion of more visibility when reversing hadn't occured to me :wink:

Could you post the item number please brora?

I've never had to remove the number plate lights for any reason, so i dont know the bulb specs... :wink:
LED

I'm hoping its the right type, [-o< and will be fitting as soon as it comes in.
Cheers Brora :wink:
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Post by brorabongo » Sun Sep 30, 2007 3:31 pm

No problems BDC. Hope they come tomorrow (monday 1st) :shock: 1st of October tomorrow :shock: Not long to Christmas now, only 85 Days, and 14 Hours :shock: ( how many folk has that upset! :lol: )

I will be taking photos of results, as usual :roll:
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bigdaddycain
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Post by bigdaddycain » Mon Oct 01, 2007 1:08 am

Oh, please dont... jingle f*****g bells! :twisted:

Yip, i'll be interested to see how they perform, i've been on a bit of an LED crusade of late...
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carrying red bulb for fog lights

Post by brianwfl » Mon Oct 01, 2007 11:18 am

Hi peeps,

Re BDC's solution regarding using fog lights with clear lenses as additional reverse lights and then changing the bulb to a red bulb for mot and peasoupers, I doubt the legality of this. The road traffic act states that all lights must be in a serviceable condition and that the legally required lights are fitted at all times, clearly not the case if you are using the fog lights as reverse lights.

These are only my personal thoughts, perhaps dave edwards or bongo plod can elaborated the legal positin.

brgds brianwfl
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Post by bigdaddycain » Mon Oct 01, 2007 11:32 am

Thanks for pointing that out brian, you are probably correct.

I'll risk it i think,i have never had to use the lights as actual fogs, only as reverse lights. This is where my original notion of adapting them for use as reverse lights came from.

The lights emit maybe three times as much actual illumination when left clear, as opposed to red.

It would take a very observant policeman to notice such a detail i reckon,and even if they did, i'm confident they will be happy that i carry the red bulbs (and even the screwdriver) to carry out a bulb swap in a couple of minutes, should the need arise.

If they do stop me for the lights, it will hopefully distract attention from my tax disc, and bald tyres! :lol: :lol: :lol:
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Post by brianwfl » Mon Oct 01, 2007 11:50 am

Hi BDC, further to my post, i have spoken to my daughter who is a lawyer, she states that even in daylight all legally requires lights must be fitted and in a fully serviceable, and that there could be an insurance implication in the event of an accident (possibly driving without due care and attention = 6 penalty point + fine). btw if you have been involved in an accident and that i can be proved that you were smoking at the time of the accident as of last monday you could be charged with driving without due care and attention.

I dont think it would take to much of an observant police man to observe that you are not showing two "red" fog lamps to the rear but two additional white lights.

My solution for my caravan was tow fit a pair of "angel eye" lamps under my caravan, and will probaly do this to the bongo. The cost was £24, certainly less than the fine, cost,s hassle.

might be worth considering
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Post by bigdaddycain » Mon Oct 01, 2007 1:19 pm

Indeed,it is worth consideration...Many thanks for your input.

I hadn't considered the legal aspect i must admit.

I am actually starting work on an alternative method as we speak, its along the same lines as you have suggested with your caravan,but using my old clear danglies,LED'S, and an "out of sight! mounting point (s), so that the source of the light can't be a distraction to other motorists,but the downward glow will stop me from re-shaping my rear bumper on my wall :shock:
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helen&tony
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reversing light

Post by helen&tony » Mon Oct 01, 2007 4:43 pm

Hi
I can think of several alternatives. First, I carry a 55Watt hand- held lamp in the cab which plugs in the fag lighter socket. If I can't see, I plug in and hold it out of the window.Second, what about roof mounted spots, or recessing them into the freetop if there's a void at the back. third, just alter the actual socket on the back of the reversing light fitment, and fit a socket to take quartz halogen 55W. bulbs. Regarding the roof lights, they are legal if they can only be switched on from outside, or when the car is not in motion, but there's always the old hidden switch. I quite fancy a set of 4 roof mounted forward facing spots in front of the freetop...just for show, mind you :wink:
Helen
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Re: reversing light

Post by bigdaddycain » Mon Oct 01, 2007 7:25 pm

helen&tony wrote: I quite fancy a set of 4 roof mounted forward facing spots in front of the freetop...just for show, mind you :wink:
Helen
"A" Team style eh? :wink:
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helen&tony
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reversing lamps

Post by helen&tony » Mon Oct 01, 2007 8:45 pm

Hi BDC....sort of....great for country lanes, and camping off-road
Helen
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Post by brorabongo » Tue Oct 02, 2007 10:14 am

LED's arrived this morning, so will fit this evening, and test tonight :D
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Post by brorabongo » Tue Oct 02, 2007 8:54 pm

job done. It does throw some light onto the ground :shock:

One LED in place, right hand side :roll:
Image

If anyone goes for the same ones. You will need to bend the wire over the other way. It will only work one way round. So take note when removing old lamp. I'm happier with these in but might still go for hidden danglies in the future :-k


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Last edited by brorabongo on Tue Oct 02, 2007 11:11 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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missfixit70
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Post by missfixit70 » Tue Oct 02, 2007 11:06 pm

Just noticed one of my numberplate lights is out, seems like a good excuse to get some of these in 8)
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brorabongo
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Post by brorabongo » Tue Oct 02, 2007 11:27 pm

Also at the same time it could be worth cleaning the inside of the lenses, mine were manky. This might sound stupid, and patronising. If you open the tailgate half way it''s makes it easy to get to the lamps/screws :roll:

The old lamps can get hot if on for a while, so be aware.
As I said before if you get the same ones as mine, each pin needed to be the other side of the wedge opposite sides. If that makes sence :? and it will only work one way round.


Wonder whats next for the LED treatment :-k
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Post by missfixit70 » Tue Oct 02, 2007 11:31 pm

Not patronising at all, having lots of severe blond moments recently, having the blindingly obvious pointed out is often a necessity :lol:
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