Backup lights

[chuckster]

Has anyone out there installed a backup light in one of these roadster's? I'm wondering what kind of backup light and where they installed I don't know for sure but I think I may need one to get an inspection

[phileas_fogg]

Lots of guys have; your best bet is to check out some of the Canadian, Australian, or UK build threads (their DOT equivalent requires backup lights as a requirement for registration). In the mean time, here are some ideas: http://www.ffcars.com/forums/17-factory-five-roadsters/611537-back-up-lights.html

Also, if you've got the requisite number of posts, please add some details in your signature line. That way folks will know better how to answer local registration (and build-specific) questions.

Cheers,


John

[TheBabyBadger]

How many posts does it take...?

[initiator]

Hey John - do you have another link showing the preferred way of wiring the backup light? I've got the open/close switch in the TKO600, and seems like that would require an 'always hot' supply from my 12V busbar in the dash. Engine/trans are already installed so will be awkward if I have to fish another conductor down the rear harness convolute. Feels like maybe I'm missing an easy path.

Thanks!

[i.e.427]

Scroll down to the last post on the page. The Mini Cooper backup light is a nice way to do it. And the good news is, if you need one, I think I have one we didn't use on a customer build I can let go at a discount.

http://www.ffcars.com/forums/17-factory-five-roadsters/290568-mini-cooper-backup-light.html

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4649/28118521659_da80b42ee8_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/JQJLRz)MiniCooperLight.jpg_original (https://flic.kr/p/JQJLRz) by i.e.427 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/152631091@N02/), on Flickr

Frank

[boat737]

I just hung an LED in the center, wired from an "ignition on" fused circuit, through the TKO-600 switch, to the light. I did it during the build and was pretty simple. Making the bracket to hold the LED was the hardest part.

[David Hodgkins]

How many posts does it take...?

You're good to go.

:)

[skidd]

I used a pair of these from amazon...they are smoked so a little stealth looking.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M4KRJ9K

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61YkaR6wb2L._SL1050_.jpg

My rear quick jack mounts are modified with the threaded bar mod. Really its just a set of 4 of those long ready rod joint nuts and shorter bolts. I used a piece of flat aluminum behind the body panel and mounted through the quick jack bolts. The copper you see is what I used to trial-and-error the right size before cutting the steel spacers.

https://www.ludicrous-speed.com/zp/cache/Shanes%20Cobra/TheBuild/IMG_20180125_165523_595.jpg

As you can see, they just peek out from under the body. I'll paint the aluminum black eventually. They don't give off loads of light, but enough for other drivers to easily see I'm in reverse. Best of all, I didn't mod any of the body for these.

https://www.ludicrous-speed.com/zp/cache/Shanes%20Cobra/TheBuild/IMG_20180125_165317_20180125170041757_595.jpg

https://www.ludicrous-speed.com/zp/cache/Shanes%20Cobra/TheBuild/IMG_20180125_173056_595.jpg

[chuckster]

I’d be glad to but I’m a dunce and I haven’t been able to figure out how to put in the signature line or how to post any pictures

[phileas_fogg]

initiator: Sorry; I didn't save any links to backup light wiring. I just remembered someone on the other forum asked about this topic a while back and was able to easily find the link I posted.

BabyBadger & chuckster: To add a location,

1. Click on your name (on the left next to one of your posts), then select "View Profile"
2. Click the "About Me" tab
3. In the first section, you'll see a box with "Location" and a pencil icon next to it. Click the pencil icon.
4. Fill in the text box & click "Save"

Location information helps you find people to help you through the registration process, meet new friends, and find builders in your local area.

To add a signature:

1. At the very top right of the page next to Sign Out, click on "Settings"
2. On the left side of the page, click "Edit Signature"
3. Add pertinent information for your build, such as engine, drivetrain, EFI or carb
4. Click "Save Signature"

These details really help the pros like CraigS, Jeff Kleiner, and edwardb get relevant information to you quickly.

Cheers,


John

[chuckster]

Thanks, Now I just have to figure out the photo thing.

[Joecobr]

I just hung an LED in the center, wired from an "ignition on" fused circuit, through the TKO-600 switch, to the light. I did it during the build and was pretty simple. Making the bracket to hold the LED was the hardest part.

Nice job. I like the refined look. Do you have a part number for LED light that you could share?

Joe

[boat737]

Nice job. I like the refined look. Do you have a part number for LED light that you could share?

Joe

Here's the light. https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NTPSLZ4/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1 It's plenty bright too.

[tonywy]

Mini Cooper light on my mk ll, fits perfect and looks great.

[JIMOCO]

I avoided any body mods and added LEDs to a license plate frame. Passed inspection and works nicely.79864

[japollon]

JIMOCO, Very nice. Source for the lights and the frame? Thanks, Joel

[WIS89]

+1 to Boat's suggestion.

I like it because you can almost hide the light from view, yet it throws plenty of light so it is unmistakable when in reverse.

Fairly easy to install, and no body work to complete. My $.02.

Regards,

Steve

[CraigS]

How much backing up in the dark are you guys planning to do?

[boat737]

How much backing up in the dark are you guys planning to do?

Surprisingly more than I thought. Backing into my garage, it's dark. And with all those band saws, QuickJacks, old body bucks, left over box's laying around, it's tuff. (Someday, I'll have to clean up my garage.)

As a side note, when the California Brake and Light Inspector looked for the backup light, I had to point it out to him. He was impressed.

[JIMOCO]

Joel, I got the license plate frame and lights at pep boys.

[CraigS]

Surprisingly more than I thought. Backing into my garage, it's dark. And with all those band saws, QuickJacks, old body bucks, left over box's laying around, it's tuff. (Someday, I'll have to clean up my garage.)

As a side note, when the California Brake and Light Inspector looked for the backup light, I had to point it out to him. He was impressed.

I never thought about Cali requirements. Wow, what a place.

[i.e.427]

I never thought about Cali requirements. Wow, what a place.

California does not require it.

[boat737]

California does not require it.

Hmmm... Maybe not, but he specifically asked where it was on mine, and had me put the car in reverse to verify it worked.

[slpro1207]

Hmmm... Maybe not, but he specifically asked where it was on mine, and had me put the car in reverse to verify it worked.

I had my inspection done last week and they never asked. So I offered to show him. He checked out and said great but not required. I didn’t think they were but like you I want to see what I’m backing into.

[skidd]

I also don't think they are required here in Texas... But I wanted to make sure OTHER drivers knew my intentions.

[boat737]

This from the CA vehicle code. Since my car was manufactured after 1969, I would think this qualifies. In fact, my registration show's a date of vehicle of 2017 (although for smog requirements, it is treated by the BAR as a 1965.)

Bottom line is, I'm not a lawyer, so I don't really know how to interpret these regs, but I put the light on, it's fairly well hidden, and it works.

Vehicle Code - VEH
DIVISION 12. EQUIPMENT OF VEHICLES [24000 - 28160] ( Division 12 enacted by Stats. 1959, Ch. 3. )

CHAPTER 2. Lighting Equipment [24250 - 26106] ( Chapter 2 enacted by Stats. 1959, Ch. 3. )

ARTICLE 3. Rear Lighting Equipment [24600 - 24617] ( Article 3 enacted by Stats. 1959, Ch. 3. )

24606.

(a) Every motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle, of a type subject to registration and manufactured on and after January 1, 1969, shall be equipped with one or more backup lamps either separately or in combination with another lamp. Any vehicle may be equipped with backup lamps.

(b) Backup lamps shall be so directed as to project a white light illuminating the highway to the rear of the vehicle for a distance not to exceed 75 feet. A backup lamp may project incidental red, amber, or white light through reflectors or lenses that are adjacent or close to, or a part of, the lamp assembly.

(c) Backup lamps shall not be lighted except when the vehicle is about to be or is backing or except in conjunction with a lighting system which activates the lights for a temporary period after the ignition system is turned off.

(d) Any motor vehicle may be equipped with a lamp emitting white light on each side near or on the rear of the vehicle which is designed to provide supplemental illumination in an area to the side and rear not lighted by the backup lamps. These lamps shall be lighted only with the backup lamps.

[Duke]

Has anyone out there installed a backup light in one of these roadster's? I'm wondering what kind of backup light and where they installed I don't know for sure but I think I may need one to get an inspection

Mass requires them, but didn't check during my pre-registration inspection. I built two LED's into the rear plate frame.

[jwebb]

Since I'm not using the heater circuit, this should work...?

80128

[boat737]

Since I'm not using the heater circuit, this should work...?

80128

Looks OK to me. I think that heater circuit fuse is a 20A, (maybe 30A ?) You could use something smaller, like 5A or 10A (or even less if it's an LED).

[jwebb]

Wiper circuit is 10A, I'll use that instead, thanks!

[boat737]

Wiper circuit is 10A, I'll use that instead, thanks!

Actually, I meant to just put in a lower Amp fuse, but the other circuit works too, either way...

[initiator]

Here's the light. https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NTPSLZ4/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1 It's plenty bright too.

Thanks for the link - I've got one inbound.

[Joel Hauser]

Hi Joe,
I used a pair of vintage style VW beetle backup lights and bumpers on my roadster, attaching them to steel angle bar that I fabricated to replace the quick jacks. The lights can be seen at http://www.jbugs.com/product/98-9622.html; they come in left and right side, with mounting brackets. these are the bumpers I used. http://www.jbugs.com/product/3173.html I think I bought them from jbugs, but there are other suppiiers out there.
Joel

[cfriedman67]

Was just reading through this. I noticed when I was going to order the Mini Cooper back up light it does not have the wiring coming out of the back? Did you remove the plug on the back to wire it into the roadster or is their another wire I need to purchase as well?

Thanks

[KenWilkinson]

I’m planning on these for my truck, FYI

Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077SPH8P2/?coliid=I36W8X1SRV6X24&colid=IZARI288THN&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

[Ducky2009]

I used LED lights.
https://www.amazon.com/YITAMOTOR-Single-Driving-Waterproof-Warranty/dp/B01A6TNWHW/ref=asc_df_B01A6TNWHW/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312094794632&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1821898071886534841&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9052492&hvtargid=pla-570994923038&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=60223452937&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=312094794632&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1821898071886534841&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9052492&hvtargid=pla-570994923038

[KenWilkinson]

I used LED lights.
https://www.amazon.com/YITAMOTOR-Single-Driving-Waterproof-Warranty/dp/B01A6TNWHW/ref=asc_df_B01A6TNWHW/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312094794632&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1821898071886534841&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9052492&hvtargid=pla-570994923038&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=60223452937&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=312094794632&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1821898071886534841&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9052492&hvtargid=pla-570994923038

dangnabit dude! It's a backup light not a stadium light!
ok, I'll rate it worth a :-)

[Ducky2009]

It's not always about what you can see. Sometimes you want others to see you coming.