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Reversing Lights....
Posted: Thu Dec 03, 2009 6:18 pm
by pfgiz
After nearly being rear ended by a few moderns in car parks because I've not got any reversing lights I feel that this may be a useful upgrade. I want to make it look good and work automatically so I’m thinking of using bits from a Midget, which I’ve checked are available from a local MG specialist. Basically I’m looking at swapping the remote gear selector with one from a Midget, giving me the reversing light switch. Fitting two square revising lights on the boot lid, somewhere around the number plate not decided where yet. Finally wiring it all up which should give me twin revising lights that come on automatically when reverse is selected.
Has anyone else done this? Are there any pit falls or issues I should be aware of? I’ve got a smooth gear box, will the remote selector from a Midget fit without any modification?
All being well photo’s of this addition will be available soon.
Note: The modification of my Saloon means that I have finally given up the idea of keeping four cars on the go and one has to leave. Sadly it will be my Blue Traveller, Lottie, basically solid body wise just needs new wood, front seats and front brakes plus the returning of the bits I’ve nicked off her to keep my saloon going. I’ll be posting pictures and description soon in the for sale section.
Posted: Thu Dec 03, 2009 6:34 pm
by aupickup
all can be done the way you say
Posted: Thu Dec 03, 2009 7:09 pm
by bmcecosse
Some just use a micro switch - fixed to the securing bolts for the plate that clamps the gearlever. I'm sure there are various pictures on other threads!
Posted: Thu Dec 03, 2009 7:13 pm
by billlobban
There is also a post somewhere from declan_burns who hade a fantastic little mod around the gear lever for this very purpose.
Declan might read this and point you in the right direction or pm me you e-mail address and I'll pass on the details he sent me
Posted: Thu Dec 03, 2009 7:23 pm
by h20_mako
Posted: Thu Dec 03, 2009 10:00 pm
by linearaudio
That was a year ago, reversing light switch still works fine without needing adjustment of any kind, 15000 miles on!
Posted: Thu Dec 03, 2009 11:15 pm
by pfgiz
That looks doable and means I don't have to remove my gearbox to replace the remote selector.... All I need to do know is find the micro switches I have laying around somewhere......
I know the single light is a bit limiting but I've found the double ones on my Spitfire to be adequate to see me into the garage, as well as stopping the tailgaters in a car park. This is why I'd be looking at fitting small square twin ones like on a Midget, should solve the brightness issue.
Thanks for the replies....
Posted: Fri Dec 04, 2009 11:11 am
by forbesg
pfgiz wrote:T
I know the single light is a bit limiting
I've got a bicycle headlamp attached, and I works brilliantly. Food for thought...
BTW Yes it is dipped
Posted: Fri Dec 04, 2009 5:52 pm
by MarkyB
You can get LEDs built into bumper bolts.
Not sure how much light they would shed but should be very visible when lit and undetectable when off.
Reversing light
Posted: Wed Dec 09, 2009 4:53 pm
by Declan_Burns
Just noticed the post as I was away for a few days. I can confirm that the reversing light is still working-no problems with it.
I can send the article by PM if anybody needs it.
Posted: Thu Dec 10, 2009 12:09 pm
by simmitc
Automatic switches are fine (I used the microswitch option about 20 years ago) but one good thing about a manual dashboard switch is that the car doesn't have to be in reverse to have the lights on - very useful if hitching up a trailer in the dark.
Posted: Thu Dec 10, 2009 3:49 pm
by h20_mako
can do with a auto micro switch together with a manual override flick switch
Posted: Thu Dec 10, 2009 3:52 pm
by linearaudio
h20_mako wrote:can do with a auto micro switch together with a manual override flick switch
That's the way I did mine, also with a tell tale light so I knew if the misroswitch fails ( it hasn't!)
Posted: Thu Dec 10, 2009 4:08 pm
by h20_mako
so a 3way flick switch is required to work?
Posted: Thu Dec 10, 2009 4:25 pm
by Stig
I think if you've got a manual switch then the (UK) law requires you to have a warning light with it.
Posted: Thu Dec 10, 2009 5:40 pm
by MarkyB
I like the idea of the LED bolts as they would be unobtrusive when not in use.
A quick search threw up this site:
http://www.visibolt.com/Bolts.htm
I think they were less pricey on another site but I'm not sure which PC I put the bookmark on
Posted: Thu Dec 10, 2009 5:49 pm
by linearaudio
h20_mako wrote:so a 3way flick switch is required to work?
No- just a switch in parallel (wired across) the microswitch! Both then feed the relay coil. The warning light is wired to the relay output to the reversing lights, so comes on whichever way the reverse lights are switched. The universal 20/30 amp accessory relay, as used plentifully in "moderns" is ideal, having 1/4" faston type connections.
Posted: Fri Dec 11, 2009 1:42 am
by h20_mako
linearaudio wrote:h20_mako wrote:so a 3way flick switch is required to work?
No- just a switch in parallel (wired across) the microswitch! Both then feed the relay coil. The warning light is wired to the relay output to the reversing lights, so comes on whichever way the reverse lights are switched. The universal 20/30 amp accessory relay, as used plentifully in "moderns" is ideal, having 1/4" faston type connections.
Yeah got it. Thanks
