Converting early NA6 rear number plate panel to later model

myredmx5 · Postby **myredmx5** » Fri Oct 05, 2012 8:27 am

Was trying to explain the difference between the two rear garnish types. Good to see you have found one cheaper and lighter.

PaulF · Postby **PaulF** » Fri Oct 05, 2012 6:44 pm

Ah, fair enough.

So from this, my understanding is that I will need:
-The new garnish
-Later model license plate lights
-Brackets for later model lights

Anything else? Does anyone know if the wiring uses the same plugs?

Mr Morlock · Postby **Mr Morlock** » Fri Oct 05, 2012 8:35 pm

looks like an expensive exercise just to hang a licence plate. If you are that keen best bet is go and look at a later mod car and make the call on what you need. Does it improve fit and function in any way?

Muzdaman · Postby **Muzdaman** » Fri Oct 05, 2012 8:41 pm

His current panel is well busted anyway, so it makes sense to switch to the one he prefers.

Paul, assuming your history with MGs you must have some electrical skills??? Couldn't you just splice in some led strips instead of replacing the wiring and lights?

PaulF · Postby **PaulF** » Fri Oct 05, 2012 11:04 pm

Mr Morlock wrote:looks like an expensive exercise just to hang a licence plate... Does it improve fit and function in any way?

PaulF wrote:The rear number plate panel on my '91 is in multiple pieces, some of which are missing

So I want to replace it anyway. The two panels, through OMGPham at least, cost exactly the same amount. The only difference is the cost of any other conversion parts, which is exactly why I opened this thread in the first place.

Mr Morlock wrote:If you are that keen best bet is go and look at a later mod car and make the call on what you need.

I don't have a later model car sitting in my garage to check it out. Many people on this forum, however, have exactly that. I suspected that there may even be members of the forum who had done it and might be able to tell me first hand.

Muzdaman wrote:Paul, assuming your history with MGs you must have some electrical skills??? Couldn't you just splice in some led strips instead of replacing the wiring and lights?

Harsh... but fair. That's a good suggestion though; I'll check out my options.

myredmx5 · Postby **myredmx5** » Sat Oct 06, 2012 11:49 am

PaulF wrote:Does anyone know if the wiring uses the same plugs?

If you post a picture of your wiring plugs that will give us a chance to check and see.

PaulF · Postby **PaulF** » Sat Oct 06, 2012 1:31 pm

IMG_2084[1] by Paul F photos, on Flickr

IMG_2085[1] by Paul F photos, on Flickr

Looking at this has pointed out the obvious, which is that it's just a lamp. I'm sure I can figure something out. :lol:

myredmx5 · Postby **myredmx5** » Sat Oct 06, 2012 7:08 pm

Here are the fittings for the upgrade

Dsc04082.jpg

Dsc04081.jpg

Postby **CarbonMiata** » Tue Oct 16, 2012 2:23 am

Hey,

Just got my account activated! I am the guy running CarbonMiata!

Just sneaking into the conversation to let you guys know that if people need the lights, we can offer a LED light strip to stick where the OEM lights are because the installation of the UK/EURO Spec panel requires removal of the factory license plate lights!

(The US/Japan version has the holes precut for the OEM lights to come in.)

This extra light is given for free with the panel.

I will try to find a picture of the light and post it there. Anymore questions, don't hesitate to ask me!

Cheers,

Marc

PaulF · Postby **PaulF** » Tue Oct 16, 2012 1:21 pm

Hey Marc,

I'd definitely be interested in seeing the light strips, how they are fitted, and what they look like at night.

I assume your panels are the ones being sold by OMGPham.com in Australia?

Postby **CarbonMiata** » Wed Oct 17, 2012 11:06 pm

PaulF wrote:I assume your panels are the ones being sold by OMGPham.com in Australia?

Yes mate!

Sorry for the crappy pictures, took them near my home when coming back from work! This a LED strip I put just above the plate. I think it's a little long as it's 20 cm or so, I could offer a shorter version around 10 cm long. There is a little hole predrilled where you can put the cable and connect it to the tail lights.

Without plate:

With plate:

I can take some picture of the LED strip alone as well if you want! :beer:

lee · Postby **lee** » Wed Oct 17, 2012 11:20 pm

How would the LEDs look with a diffusing strip to soften the light?

Postby **CarbonMiata** » Thu Oct 18, 2012 12:12 am

Do you mean that the light is too strong? If yes, I feel the same. I will try to find something softer!

hks_kansei · Postby **hks_kansei** » Thu Oct 18, 2012 12:01 pm

The only issue I see is that the LEDs appear to be very visible from behind the car, which would be rather annoying for drivers behind you at night (especially since they look extremely bright as well)

lee · Postby **lee** » Thu Oct 18, 2012 12:26 pm

CarbonMiata wrote:Do you mean that the light is too strong? If yes, I feel the same. I will try to find something softer!

I reckon it's way too strong at the top and not nearly strong enough at the bottom, and you can still see points of light from the LEDs. You're onto a winner though!