Combination Brake Light & Turn Signal

[hrosenthal]

I want to have backup lights on my car, but the kit only includes two rear lights, one for the turn signal and the other for the brake lights.
Has anyone combined those functions into one light and used the remaining light as a backup.
Any suggestions on how to wire this and where to get a clear lens for the backup light would be appreciated.
Thanks

[michael everson]

You will need a powered tail light converter to do this. I found the best ones are from Uhaul. Not sure if you will find clear lenses anywhere. Maybe **********?
Why not use a seperate backup light like the one from the Mini? Many have done this mod.
Mike

[stroked 6t5]

You can get the clear lenses at Moss Motors under part #560-280 for about $12 each.

Just out a curiousity Mike, what is a powered tail light converter? Never heard of it or what it's for. I had planned on doing an LED conversion with some different functionality but didn't think I would need anything else besides the circuit boards.
Andy

[hrosenthal]

Why not use a seperate backup light like the one from the Mini? Many have done this mod.
Mike
I just thought it would be a cleaner look if I combined the brake and turn signal. Lots of current model cars work that way, so it seems to make sense.
The bill of materials lists all 4 rear lights as the same item, which indicates the blinking is a function of something in the electrical system other than the light itself - I believe it is controlled by a thermal flasher unit in the fuse box.
If I could figure out how to wire both functions to one light with the turn signal taking precedence, then use the second light as a backup light (using the lens suggested by stroked 6t5), it would be an elegant solution.

[michael everson]

The trailer converter allows you to use the same bulb for brake and turn. Most modern cars have seperate brake and turn, but most trailers dont. You just wire this unit inline with your rear lights instead of on a trailer. Works like a charm. Very simple wiring too.
Mike

[hrosenthal]

Thanks Michael - I will try to get to U-Haul this afternoon.
H

[LuckyWinner]

I have seen some that have used a backup light from a cooper mini. That looks great and more than likely what i will do as well.

[hrosenthal]

I picked up the trailer converter at U Haul this afternoon. It appears to be a very straightforward installation. Just a matter of changing some connectors so that everything fits together.

[hrosenthal]

You can get the clear lenses at Moss Motors under part #560-280 for about $12 each.

Andy

I will order these tonight.