looking for some ideas

polonuts · Post by **polonuts** » Thu Aug 25, 2005 2:00 pm

OK.
Ive had a rear light cluster from a german polo for a while. I want to swap this for my standard UK one which has the reverse light in it, so that I get two rear fogs. I think it will make a different rear end to what you usually see. (even though its a small change).

The only problem that I have is where to put a reverse light because as far as I know its a legal requirement to have one. I have thought about getting a rear break light that fits in the rear window of the car, removing the red film which should make it clear for a reverse. But I don't know of any light that would be suitable for the squareback model.

Any ideas/thoughts would be appreciated.

cheers

amstrange1 · Post by **amstrange1** » Thu Aug 25, 2005 3:17 pm

I'm not 100% that it is illegal, but anyway - I just put up with a red reversing light! It's been through 3 MOTs like that now too...

lord_sharpy · Post by **lord_sharpy** » Thu Aug 25, 2005 3:22 pm

i was told you dont need reversing lights for an mot, by an mot tester!!

omicron · Post by **omicron** » Thu Aug 25, 2005 5:00 pm

They're not a tested item as I'm aware.

How about gatting a GT rear bumper and moulding in an aftermarket reversing lamp behind it?

The reversing light on my Mk2 hasn't worked in years. I just stick the hazards on or tap my brakes if I need to be able to see behind me in the dark.

GroovyCarrot · Post by **GroovyCarrot** » Thu Aug 25, 2005 5:25 pm

The reversing light isn't a legal requirement, it's just there to help you see where you're going in the dark.. the fact that it's a very useful indication of what someone's about to do is a coincidence really, although a very handy one.

hardhitter · Post by **hardhitter** » Thu Aug 25, 2005 9:50 pm

you don't need a reversing light, but you do need a rear fog

GroovyCarrot · Post by **GroovyCarrot** » Thu Aug 25, 2005 11:03 pm

True. Also, if you do have a reversing light it mustn't be any colour other than white.. so if you have your LHD cluster wired up as a reversing light you've got to disconnect the reversing light switch on the gearbox whenever you take it for it's MoT.

polonuts · Post by **polonuts** » Fri Aug 26, 2005 1:33 am

thanks for the replies. I intend to wire up the new cluster as an additional fog making it two, but I would rather install a reversing light, I have also thought about getting X2 clear indicators, putting in white bulbs and installing them in the bumper, any additional thoughts to this idea ????

Gareth_GT_Hatch · Post by **Gareth_GT_Hatch** » Fri Aug 26, 2005 3:51 am

I chickened out at my last MOT and put the normal cluster back on.

Tis still wired up as a reverse light rather than a second foglight, could do wi chaning it really.

Tahrey1043 · Post by **Tahrey1043** » Sun Aug 28, 2005 4:27 am

well, if you have clear (or smoked) indicators on the two clusters, then you could drill a mounting point for a couple of white bulbs to go with your orange ones, and hook them up to the reversing switch --- and both the fogs up to the foglight switch.

then it'd look all professional like, if you did it properly with a lot of care and attention to detail and safety... and unique, too.

the only requirements for the MOT are working headlamps (main & dip, aimed right), parking lights (ie front sidies), 2x tail lamps, 2x brake lights (not just a central "third" one), at least 1x rear fog, and front/rear indicators unless not originally fitted. Side repeaters only a requirement if the main ones are not visible from the side.