Putting the red bumper lenses to use

[timber725]

I just did mine. Took about 2 hours. Rather simple and straightforward after reading this post.

I got my parts at autozone. Costs $25 in total, but you can get away with less.

It was a fun and easy mod!

 

[greasefingers]

Just throwing this out there, but has anybody thought of converting these reflectors into backup lights to give you more light when in reverse? I guess, since the lenses are red, this wouldn't be possible with the current ones. Does anyone know if they sell replacement clear lenses that could be used?

Any other thoughts on this would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Pennywise

Yes I have been thinking about this. I am not sure if the red light will be bright enough for any aid in a back-up situation. I have thought about cutting a slit or round hole in the red lens and gluing a clear piece of acrylic from the inside on it, but think it would not look as nice I would want it. Maybe replacing the existing back-up lamp with a brighter LED would be the best approach? If you have any ideas for getting a better reverse light illumination, then please share your ideas because I have two kids and back into my driveway all the time.

 

[bryancos]

Aux Backup Lights Thread

I don't want to go off topic here, but you can refer to this <A HREF="http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2179&highlight=backup+lights"> thread</A> regarding <A HREF="http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2179&highlight=backup+lights">aux. backup lights.</A> JGRIMBALL installed a nice set of aux. backup lights under the rear bumper and they look/work great.

Photos on his site at: http://www.grimtek.com/4runner/

 

[greasefingers]

Thanks...I'll check it out

 

[LabRat]

bryanos.

Thanks for the info. I'll need to re-check the 05 light assembly...I didn't notice any rubber pieces on the back for the vents. I may wait a few weeks beofre doing the mod (although I did get the parts) as I had a big fight with the wife becuase she was/is afraid I will mess something up. Seems she thinks it's crazy that I'm interested in doing anything to a brand new vehicle. Go figure...guess I'll gibe it a little time and let the dust settle.

Thanks again.


Curt

 

[timber725]

bryanos.

Thanks for the info. I'll need to re-check the 05 light assembly...I didn't notice any rubber pieces on the back for the vents. I may wait a few weeks beofre doing the mod (although I did get the parts) as I had a big fight with the wife becuase she was/is afraid I will mess something up. Seems she thinks it's crazy that I'm interested in doing anything to a brand new vehicle. Go figure...guess I'll gibe it a little time and let the dust settle.

Thanks again.


Curt

Don't worry, it's not as hard as you think. Like the post says, just take your time. Read the instructions on this thread several times, and plan everything out in your mind. When you get started, it will be a lot easier.

Unless you damage the reflective side, any mistakes on the backside will never be seen.

Anyways, the truck is not brand new the minute you sign the papers.

 

[greasefingers]

bryanos.

Thanks for the info. I'll need to re-check the 05 light assembly...I didn't notice any rubber pieces on the back for the vents. I may wait a few weeks beofre doing the mod (although I did get the parts) as I had a big fight with the wife becuase she was/is afraid I will mess something up. Seems she thinks it's crazy that I'm interested in doing anything to a brand new vehicle. Go figure...guess I'll gibe it a little time and let the dust settle.

Thanks again.


Curt

Hey LabRat: do you receive those I2R calendars with all those mice on them? I work in lab myself.

 

[LabRat]

greasefingers,

Not sure which calendar you're talking about...so I guess not. I am the deputy for the Air Force Reseacrh Laboratory (AFRL) at Tyndall. Which lab do you work at?

Curt

 

[greasefingers]

I work in a chemical lab in NJ. We get these free calendars with lab mice/rats on them as free-bees. I was wondering if that's where you got your username from, but know I know better.

 

[iFORCE]

Here's my attempt... soon to be...

I will be gathering all the materials as stated above at the local automotive hardware store. I will let everyone know how it goes.


One question though... for now.. is how people have wired this. I've noticed that alot of people wired this to their brake lights.. or something similar.. but rear fogs aren't for that...

My plan will be to locate a "rear fog light switch" from the Lexus line up. Since they have the exact same buttons as our t4r, it will be a direct switch over. So the final plan would be...

-- lights... to the switch... to a power source. --

This way, I can turn them on and off when and if I need them.. and plus it'll be as stock looking as possible. If anyone has any imput or comments.. please let me know. Thanks.

 

[bryancos]

If you intend to use this for a rear foglight you might consider using something BRIGHTER than a standard 1157. But I'm not sure how well things would stand up to the added heat if you installed a foglight socket and bulb (ie; an h3 55W or hottter)

The work around to stilll provide a bright rear fog would be to wire the socket so that the BRAKE FILAMENT of the 1157 socket is wired to your rear foglight switch. (that would give you much brighter output than regular tail lights, yet still not provide too much heat. Of course, this would likely make the folks behind you think you're riding your brakes...

 

[yabedude]

I've noticed that alot of people wired this to their brake lights.. or something similar.. but rear fogs aren't for that...

The reflectors are red and I'd be worried about running a solid bright red light *all the time* (while engaged) with or without fog. Not sure what the purpose is. If someone can't see all your rear lights when this is configured as above (2 additional red lights), then that fellow behind you is not going to give a sh*t about your solid red one either. Just my 2-cents.

PS: FWIW, the flasher works and looks great.

 

[bryancos]

In heavy fog conditions, the more intense red light is to make the vehicle more visible at a distance to following drivers.. If someone persists on riding your butt, this Whelen SlimLighter can be an effective detterent (amber to stay legal) and works great as an aux. hazard warning light (photo compliments of ebay) Check local laws for restrictions.

 

[iFORCE]

Project Rear Fogs has begun.

1) I have already cut out one hole for one of the sockets. Pretty tight seal but I will still use some silicon and fill in the edges. Will finish up the other side tomorrow.

2) Also I have located a rear fog light switch from the Lexus lineup. Will come in after christmas.


Things to do:

- Wire the sockets together and all the way up to the front where the switch will be located. I have also found an empty fuse in the relay box up in the engine bay. Looks like the rear fog fuse would go there.

- Cut one more side and seal both ends.

- locate bright LED red 1157 bulbs.

 

[Luxury]

....... I have located a rear fog light switch from the Lexus lineup. Will come in after christmas......

Do you have anymore details? If not, be sure to post some when it arrives. Thx.

 

[iFORCE]

Update on Progress:

Have mounted and wired both lights. Works Great! Now I need to have that switch arrive then we'll see if it fits.

The power was routed from the back of the vehicle all the way to the front.. so... you'll need LOTS of wire. Roughly 40', depending on how you get it up to the front.

Bulbs haven't broke due to the heat yet. Mind you.. its snowing here and cold. I have also looked into getting LED lights which gives a radial firing position. This will fill up the lense quite nicely and will look brighter than what it already is now.

 

[iFORCE]

Update: December 28, 2004

Finished wiring everything. Took quite some time under the vehicle as I didn't have a lift. I have wired the two rear fog lights to the front and to where the switch would go. Already have a power source with wires to it so all I need to do is to have the lexus rear fog light switch come in.

I will be putting the switch in one of the two empty slot to the left of the driver's console. I will let everyone know what the part number is for the switch once it come in.

Looks GREAT so far. took a fair bit of time.. but hey... anything to make it look nice.

-Ryan

 

[Cliff s]

I did the mode using 1157's and tapped the trailer lights for power. Seems to work fine.

When you step on the brakes the rear end looks like a Christmas tree.

Cliff s

 

[24runners]

I used 1157 super bright LEDs...tapped the trailer harness and it turned out fine....right now I just have them on with the lights. I have not hooked them up to the brake/turn lights. These super bright LEDs get B R I G H T !!!! (with the brake/turn hooked up) so for right now I'll leave them as just "on" with the lights....

btw, the vent caps are right next to the hole you have to drill

It looks really good with the lights on. I am very satisfied with the results

Thanks for this thread guys!

Here's a couple of night shots:

 

[iFORCE]

Here's a picture (blurry) of mine. I have it hooked up to a switch to the right of the steering wheel. It turns on with my auto lights and turns off with them as well.