Extra lights

[fastmower]

I'm getting a bit fed up with this forum I joined quite a long time back, and have always had proper quick and helpful replies from the regular guys here. I stopped visiting on a daily basis for a while, but now I've got another tipper truck with a couple of little jobs to sort on it - I've started calling in regularly again.

And the problem? I keep seeing other peoples vans and what they're doing to them - and the list of things I want to do on the truck is getting longer and more expensive by the day!!

So - today a front A bar and some driving lamps have been added to the list. I'm going to replace the front bumper when I get the cab resprayed and I thought I'd probably get some foglights at the same time. Two questions then.

1) Is the standard alternator up to the job? I noticed in a brochure that the fog light option also included a beefier alternator (if I remember right)

2) If you fit foglights, do you need a "special" switch to keep the Ministry or whoever worries about these things happy? Or can you just wire in a common or garden switch somewhere on the dash to do the job - like you'd do with a roof beacon for instance?

Lastly - if any of you guys who are leading me astray would like to contribute to the fund - bung a cheque in the post!

Thanks in advance!

Andy

[AndyG]

I'm sure the alternator can cope but ford have to take into account that someone may have everything switched on including heated front and back screens, headlamps, blower, stereo and be stuck in traffic in the freezing cold where the alternator can't chuck out enough charge at idle

Fit your own switch with tell tale no problem Should be wired so that the relay can only operate the fogs when sidelights are on

Now explain why you are a bit fed up with this forum


Hope you realize there are regulations that govern the fitment and use of fog lamps

[fastmower]

Now explain why you are a bit fed up with this forum Shocked

I keep seeing other peoples vans and what they're doing to them - and the list of things I want to do on the truck is getting longer and more expensive by the day!!

Hope you realize there are regulations that govern the fitment and use of fog lamps

Well I know you're only allowed to use them in fog or bad visibility - and people who leave them on drive me nuts I must admit! Is there anything else I need to know?

Cheers for the alternator info by the way!

[AndyG]

Nope Just go for it
Have you got the fog lights
I presume we're talking MK6 so be careful how much material you cut out the front quarter bumpers

[fastmower]

Sounds fair enough to me then!

Haven't got the lights yet - but I assume I'm right in thinking the late model Escort fogs are exactly the same thing as those sold for the Mk6 - and about half the price! My truck is a Mk6 by the way - a double cab tipper.

I'm going to get a new bumper with the holes cut out - the one on it now is a bit tatty, and isn't actually attached with the original brackets or fixings by the looks of it - I've noticed at least two tie-wraps doing the business

Do you happen to know if there are any colour options on the bumpers? The ones I've seen online all look grey - but there's a Mk6 round the corner and his look much closer to black - do you think he's just used bumper black or something?

[AndyG]

Your right about the fog lights
I didn't think they made different shades for the bumpers must be the "back to black"

[jay]

or the bumper has been painted..

[Guy88]

My MK3 petrol alternator copes easily with 8x55w lights all at once with the headlights and back worklight on

There are measurements for the lights somewhere. i think its here

[thunderider]

my mk6 has 2 pilot/mainbeam spot lites,6 marker lites an auto spark told me theres no strain the gennyim getting more marker lites for it soon.

[Terry]

For the foglights you only NEED the 2 end pieces.
If I remember rightly they were £30 (ish) apiece.
I have 2 spots. 2 fogs, heated screen e.t.c plus split charge
relay and and have had no alternator issues at all.

[WR55]

Same with me, no power issues with fogs and spots on at all, even though ive only used the fogs twice, and one of those was by accident as i must have pulled the light switch as i twisted it on

Have you checked to see if there is a fog light loom actually cliped up in the bumper? You might be lucky?!