Much as I hated DRLs when they first appeared, I've since decided that if you can't beat 'em, join 'em. Mrs H's 2010 Citroen and my 2004 Jaguar have now got the benefit of so-called 'switchback' DRLs. For those who don't know, the switchback refers to an array of different coloured LEDs on a bulb which is substantially the same size as a normal 21W indicator bulb. The bulbs are designed to fit behind clear lenses so you get white lights from one array and amber lights from the other. If the amber array is working, it puts the white array out. Of course I realise that many of you with modern cars will light up your DRLs by simply turning the ignition switch or whatever one does with keyless go. I've now got DRLs which use the existing light fittings; no drilling or sticking.
Apart from replacing the horn on the Citroen before its last MoT, this project is, for me, a throwback to years ago when I would fit accessories like spotlights, heated rear windows and air horns to my cars. The Jaguar was a bit of a challenge, having ground-switched electrics, but a Jaguar forum provided the answer in the shape of a wiring diagram. The effect is shown in this short vid.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QvgvBbQDSM&feature=youtu.be
When was the last time you fitted an accessory to your vehicle and what was it; vehicle and accessory?
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Missed the edit
www.youtube.com/watch?v=qv_R9H9wTWA
Any references to 'the old man' do not refer to me ;)
Last edited by: hawkeye on Mon 26 Apr 21 at 18:27
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In my case when I hardwired the dashcam, though I don't know if that is the type of thing you mean.
Before that a high level brake light to a Fiesta.
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>>When was the last time you fitted an accessory to your vehicle and what was it; vehicle and accessory?
Spotlights on a Mini in about 1979
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>> When was the last time you fitted an accessory to your vehicle and what was it; vehicle and accessory?
I've made a few small mods to my mx-5:
- A smart-top, which allows me to lower/raise the hard top while moving at low speed. 12 seconds with the handbrake on waiting for it sounds loads, until you get caught out at the lights!
- A unit to flash the high level brake light a few times before it comes on solid. The mazda is lower than other cars, and I found people's reactions to me braking were slow. The flashing light makes a good job of waking them up.
- stripped down plastics at the base of the windscreen to properly seal a grommet that mazda should have done properly. Stops water dripping through to the passenger footwell (where there is a critical fusebox).
Last edited by: James T on Mon 26 Apr 21 at 20:47
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" if you can't beat 'em, join 'em. ""
I just put my headlights on dipped beam if i think that visibility is borderline. ?
( My wheels are way before DRL'S )
Last edited by: stan10 on Mon 26 Apr 21 at 20:41
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Ah, this brings back memories.
My Mark2 Escort got Hella spotlights fitted. Not just any, the ones with the rally grid over them to protect them from I don’t know what!
Speakers on back shelf.
Moss alarm.
Rear hi level brake light.
I would be too scared to go near a car’s electrics now what with ECUs etc.
I actually fitted a few Moss alarms, became a dab hand with them.
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>> When was the last time you fitted an accessory to your vehicle and what was it; vehicle and accessory?
An additional horn to supplement the feeble peep-peep of the standard. I just added it to the existing wiring and hoped the fuse wouldn't blow, it didn't. I believe some models have a second.
I've some air horns in the shed, but it seems such a complicated job removing the whole front end to get behind the grille I just haven't bothered.
Last edited by: bathtub tom on Mon 26 Apr 21 at 22:42
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Some MX-5 people are compulsive modders - some do a lot of juvenile stuff like noisier exhausts, big red brake calipers, inconveniently lower suspension, wheel spacers so the paint chips faster, and a few extra horsepower that they never access.
I like mine unmolested, but as it's a long term car I have made what I consider some minor improvements - concealed dash cam wiring, automatic reversing camera that uses the existing nav screen (and cost a lot less than the official Mazda accessory), a stealth (black) half-grille to protect the low radiators, and a transparent perspex wind blocker. Oh, and a proper solid Brodit phone mount.
I actually quite like James T's flashing centre brake light idea. Drive an MX-5 at the speed limit and you soon collect a companion a few feet behind, often a Transit/Sprinter or SUV whose driver is looking over your car, not at it.
If it's a plug-in mod I might fit one.
It already has DRLs, reasonably intelligent ones that go off when properly stationary and when the headlights are on, and also have the rear position lights come on with them so at least the donkeys who neglect to use headlights in poor visibility have some tail lights.
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DRL retrofit - anyone else done it? - hawkeye
