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Old 10-17-2016, 11:30 AM   #1
fiddlybits
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Default Rear Lights - Temp

I drive my A in all weather, all seasons....but was unwilling to drive at night because of the single drum taillight that has a running/parking light about as bright as a bic lighter. (it's a 28 - left side only)

I added a 'third eye' inside the rear window that is great for daytime stopping and turning but it did not help with being seen from the rear at night.

Even added a large reflector to the edge of the trunk mount. That helped some but still had cars dipping their headlights from braking when they finally saw me.

SOLVED THE PROBLEM!!!

Harbor Freight had, on sale for $6.66, the HaulMaster 12volt magnetic towing light kit. I grabbed a set and changed the 1157 bulbs out for 1154 making it a 6 volt kit.

Wired the pigtail end of the trailer plug into my cars running, turning and stop lights, plugged in the lights and they worked. Took a little time to shorten the wire between the two lights, which was done internal of the housings, and wrap the wire in friction tape so that it is black, not yellow, green, white and brown.

Now I have two huge lights magnetically attached to the sides of the trunk mount, that can be unplugged, removed and stowed in the trunk. Safety and original appearance once I arrive.
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Old 10-17-2016, 11:39 AM   #2
Ray64
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Default Re: Rear Lights - Temp

I like that a lot. How was the brightness?
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Old 10-17-2016, 12:05 PM   #3
Big hammer
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Default Re: Rear Lights - Temp

Very bright, I did it in the 70's except I bolted mine in the lower body x- member
Fiddlebits add a tether so you won't lose the lights if you hit a big bump!!!
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Old 10-17-2016, 01:14 PM   #4
Tom Wesenberg
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Default Re: Rear Lights - Temp

Quote:
Originally Posted by Big hammer View Post
Very bright, I did it in the 70's except I bolted mine in the lower body x- member
Fiddlebits add a tether so you won't lose the lights if you hit a big bump!!!
I agree and have always used a good nylon cord to tie each light so it can't hit the ground if it comes loose.
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Old 10-17-2016, 04:38 PM   #5
fiddlybits
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Default Re: Rear Lights - Temp

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my solution to potentially losing a light was twofold.
1 - the magnets are monsters - I've deliberately hit some big bumps to try to dislodge them but they have a death grip on the carrier and didn't budge.
2 - I ran the cross wire OVER the trunk mount. Even if both come loose they will just hang there, and probably reattach to the metal the first time they swing near it.

Yes, they are bright... but I'm going for brighter... and drop the current draw.
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Old 10-17-2016, 06:18 PM   #6
C26Pinelake
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Default Re: Rear Lights - Temp

Safety, yes ! Original appearance, no ! But who cares, they serve the purpise! Good work on your part. Wayne
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