New reverse lights

[Mac_and_Cheese]

Hi Guys,

The hardtop conversion is almost done, there is one problem left to overcome.

The Roof I bought had some brake/indicator lights on the roof, deciding I didn't need these but did need some better reverse lights I have replaced them with a set of reverse lights.

Just wondering where the best place to get power for these is; is it easiest to just splice into the back of the existing reverse lights?

Cheers in Advance, Tom

[The Beast]

thats probably your easiest option. just give some thought to total current drawn by existing lights and whatever your new lights are, then the fuse on that circuit. i dont know what size fuse it is off the top of my head; you're probably well within limits but worth checking.

its also a great opportunity to put in some much brighter and separately switchable work lamps instead; very handy. i put a work light on my tailgate with a switch in the back of the tray so you can activate it from outside the vehicle, plus a switch up front so you can switch it on with reverse lights when you want to. the switch at the back is connected to a red LED visible from the front so you don't forget you have the light on.

[Mac_and_Cheese]

thats probably your easiest option. just give some thought to total current drawn by existing lights and whatever your new lights are, then the fuse on that circuit. i dont know what size fuse it is off the top of my head; you're probably well within limits but worth checking.

its also a great opportunity to put in some much brighter and separately switchable work lamps instead; very handy. i put a work light on my tailgate with a switch in the back of the tray so you can activate it from outside the vehicle, plus a switch up front so you can switch it on with reverse lights when you want to. the switch at the back is connected to a red LED visible from the front so you don't forget you have the light on.

Cheers Mate,

They're only LEDs so the draw is bugger all. As for the external worklights the previous owner of the roof already had some installed so Ive just got some more modern ones and used the old brackets

[Chris078]

Cheers Mate,

They're only LEDs so the draw is bugger all. As for the external worklights the previous owner of the roof already had some installed so Ive just got some more modern ones and used the old brackets


be very careful installing LEDs in old light sockets. The ground connections are normally fairly dubious (corroded,loose, dirty) which is fine for an incandescent bulb. LEDs are a different beast and tend to start fires when used with dodgy ground connections.
Either check and clean the connections, or wire up a new earth to make sure.

[Mac_and_Cheese]

be very careful installing LEDs in old light sockets. The ground connections are normally fairly dubious (corroded,loose, dirty) which is fine for an incandescent bulb. LEDs are a different beast and tend to start fires when used with dodgy ground connections.
Either check and clean the connections, or wire up a new earth to make sure.

Sorry should have made this clearer, they're a brand new unit

[Chris078]

Sorry should have made this clearer, they're a brand new unit


As in a whole new fitting like these ? (http://www.supercheapauto.com.au/online-store/products/NARVA-Trailer-Lamp-Slimline-Square-LED-Combination-Pair.aspx?pid=288354#Recommendations)
or just a single reverse lamp something like this (http://www.supercheapauto.com.au/online-store/products/SCA-LED-Work-Light-5-x-3W-Square.aspx?pid=283914#Recommendations)


If the second option, i wouldn't take the power straight off the reverse lamp.

Landrover wiring isn't the greatest, and doesn't like any extra load without causing trouble.

Wire in a relay to take the power from the battery, and either wire the relay to a switch so you can turn them on when you want, or wire it to the reverse light power cable (ok to use it as a trigger for the relay as that uses bugger all power) so they come on automatically when you put the truck in reverse.