ZILLA: (How-To) *REAR FOG LIGHT WITH BRAKE LIGHT* MOD!

[runny_yolk]

Originally Posted by Mo707

does it matter which one is the + and witch one is the -?
And where did you put the ground wire?

I don't know if + and - matter since it's just a bulb, but why not take time to get it "right"? As far as ground, practically anywhere on the metal body would be fine but there is actually a factory ground anchor/bolt located in the trunk. See this post (which has a pretty helpful video of disassembly of various panels. You'll show you how to tap into the factory ground.

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showp...36&postcount=2

[DNAPoPo]

Just wanted to post a big thanks to this thread for helping me complete this mod!

[dawnst3ar]

Ok, stupid question - when using the LEDs, did you use two separate bulbs, or just one with three wires? I can't seem to find anything that matches this configuration, but I am hesitant to use two sets of bulbs because I want it to act like a dual-filament light and to just put one hole in the housing. Has anyone done this?
@kask2_6.0

[kask2_6.0]

Originally Posted by dawnst3ar

Ok, stupid question - when using the LEDs, did you use two separate bulbs, or just one with three wires? I can't seem to find anything that matches this configuration, but I am hesitant to use two sets of bulbs because I want it to act like a dual-filament light and to just put one hole in the housing. Has anyone done this?
@kask2_6.0

You can use a single, dual intensity LED. Here are a few: http://www.superbrightleds.com/searc...,Red,136,4639:

This is the one I'm using: http://www.superbrightleds.com/morei...sher/925/2276/

[dawnst3ar]

Went ahead and did it with two, gotta say, it was a bit harder than expected. Finding the OEM ground means taking out your back passenger seat and the moulding on that side. Thanks for the help!

[TRD_07]

Great DIY! I'll be also doing this but can't decide if I want one or two leds. Thanks.

[2_slo]

I just did mine with dual filament red led bulb (1157) from Autostoners....the twin pack led bulbs and socket were like 16 bucks out the door I think... Turned out awesome.

[Gunman]

Originally Posted by dawnst3ar

Went ahead and did it with two, gotta say, it was a bit harder than expected. Finding the OEM ground means taking out your back passenger seat and the moulding on that side. Thanks for the help!

There is a ground on the rear wall, ie inside the trunk, opposite the license plate.

[dawnst3ar]

you're kidding me, right?

[Gunman]

Originally Posted by dawnst3ar

you're kidding me, right?

Well, there is on the BRZ, that's where I grounded mine.

Not my pic, but this shows it.

[Cjymiller]

Originally Posted by ZILLA

Here ya go =)


Dorman/Brake Lamp Socket
Part Number: 85814

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/par...er=600643_0_0_

Thanks for the awesome DIY. I was able to do this yesterday. One question though. Are you able to twist the socket to lock it in or is the grey plastic housing that you drilled through too thick? I just happened to get the same socket as you but I'm having issue with twisting the socket to get it to lock.

[FRSfan111]

Just did this yesterday. For 8 sockets and bulbs left over. All work lol it was cheaper to buy 10 of each Dom my source then 1 of each on eBay lmao.

Brakeing illuminates my second bulb, first bulb illuminates with driving lights. I also cleaned it up like Zola with the plastic cover over the wires and ran tem through the Oem rubber plug. Amazing write up!

Only difficult thing for me was removing the damn light assembly with out removing muffler or rear bumper. I'm over 6 feet tall..so I got big hands lol.

[DrDuquette]

I want to use the dual filament/bright LED, but what is the housing part number you used for it. Thanks

[DrDuquette]

Originally Posted by Fenrir

Just FYI:

It's technically illegal to have the rear fog light (or really ANY fog lights) on during fair weather conditions. I doubt you'll find a cop in the US who will ticket you for it, though. The lights are aimed in such a way that they can be distracting to drivers, especially rear fog lights. Rear fogs are aimed directly at driver eye-level so as to increase visibility in foggy conditions (as you would expect, given their name).

Also, it's doubly illegal to have a fog light used as both a fog AND a rear brake light. There are strict regulations on this. Again, I highly doubt you're going to find anyone of any official capacity who will cite you on it, but there it is.

On the flip-side of the coin, many European cars DO have the rear fog light retrofitted into a brake light on the USDM models. They usually have the reflectors changed and are aimed differently, though.

Just be aware that modifying the lighting on your car shouldn't be taken lightly. There are a ton of regulations on brightness, light aiming, position on the vehicle, etc. Modifying the lighting (which is safety equipment) on a vehicle can be dangerous to yourself and others around you.

Hope that doesn't count as random crap

To add. Tinting your tail lights is asking for trouble. If someone rear ends you, it my end up being your fault. They could say in court that they didn't see your brake lights because they were not bright enough/legal.