Wiring up side indicators and driving lights!

Mr nanotech · Postby **Mr nanotech** » Tue Nov 09, 2010 1:03 pm

Hi all, I've done some research on the forum but I'm really going to need some lamens terms as I don't know anything about electronics but I'm very keen on learning!!!
I have a 1990 NA6 MX5, so you should all know what it does and doesn't come with from a wiring point of view (I have no idea).

I'll keep this short and sweet because it's very very simple! I bought some clear repeaters for my car recently so I figured I'd get clear side reflectors too. What I didn't anticipate was that the reflectors also came with bulbs so they become turn signals not just your standard bumper reflectors!
Can I wire these directly to the parker indicators? I don't know what it can take and not sure if wiring these to the indicators on the car will be too much and over load the system.

Also, I've been hunting around for a set of Front driving lights to mount on my baby teeth. I've heard people say they were planning to buy them too but didn't due to the pain wiring. How can I manage this because I understand from another forum user than on the spare switches on the car there is wiring behind one for the factory Japanese model fog lights. So can this be wired to this? I don't want them directly wired to my headlamps as this might suck a lot of power every time I have them on and not sure on the legality behind having driving lights on every time I flick up my fronts.
So it'd be easier to have it on a separate switch

Lastly, I didn't include this in the title but I'll put it in now because it just occurred to me! I have an aftermarket Robins roof now installed on the car. it has a glass window with the inclusion of a demister. There are two wires coming off it but there is absolutely nowhere to connect them. I've looked in the boot and so on and confirming other posts I've seen on the forum, there is nowhere to plug it into and absolutely no wiring for a rear demister. I'd love to have this working!
What do I need to do? I'm not worried about having factory switches on my car either so I'm not phased if it looks a little DIY, that can be cleaned up later.

Lokiel · Postby **Lokiel** » Tue Nov 09, 2010 1:22 pm

nanotech wrote::
I'll keep this short and sweet because it's very very simple! I bought some clear repeaters for my car recently so I figured I'd get clear side reflectors too. What I didn't anticipate was that the reflectors also came with bulbs so they become turn signals not just your standard bumper reflectors!
Can I wire these directly to the parker indicators? I don't know what it can take and not sure if wiring these to the indicators on the car will be too much and over load the system.
:

No problems wiring them into the car's indicators, that's what I've done. You may have to drill a hole or two to connnect the indicator wires. It looks quite effective at night with the whole side of the car flashing when you're turning - no-one will be able to claim that they didn't see you indicate.

Mr Morlock · Postby **Mr Morlock** » Tue Nov 09, 2010 1:24 pm

If you want info about auto electrics better to buy a book- cheap at present. Here is an example "How to diagnose and repair automotive electrical systems" the author is Tracy Martin" - but on Amazon etc. Libraries often have technical books for loan. You will need a test light as a minimum.
A cheap investment in having something one can refer to.

Few care but a clear side reflector is not legal- it must be amber- very few cars use side reflectors but, oft said, they work well on the MX5 it being such a small profile.

The clear repeaters are ok because you can fit an amber bulb- all turn signals flash amber.
If there is a provision for a turn signal in the units you have bought and there is a reflex reflector you then have the clear reflector which ticks the "style box" albeit not the legal one. You can add bulbs for flashing but since there are already repeaters and turn signals at the front of the vehicle it is overkill. To test if they are a proper reflex reflector shine a light on them - it should reflect back on you.

Mr nanotech · Postby **Mr nanotech** » Tue Nov 09, 2010 1:32 pm

Cheers guys! I'll give it a whirl now with the torch and see what happens! As for wiring it up, I'll wait for the new repeaters to come first and then see what looks the best.