Reverse light(s)

[Art Vigil]

I'm researching options for adding rear lighting to my vehicle ('97 D90 SW with/roofrack) and would like to hear other's experiences.

I'm planning to use the hella double worklamp EE Hella worklamp (https://www.expeditionexchange.com/hella/DSC04057.jpg)
but not sure what the best way to attach it to my rack is. I really like Wick's setup, shown here Wick's rack (http://www.kangol.net/lwb./wicksroofrack/cwdata/CIMG0254.html) but am considering having two lights instead of one for more coverage.
I am also considering the possibility of mounting the lamps in a way that allows for removal of the basket while retaining the lamps and would consider welding tabs on if that is the best option.

I appreciate any ideas, comments and photos anyone has.
Feel free to post here or email me directly.

Thanks in advance.

[Mike Hippert]

I have one of those mounted above my rear license plate. Very bright, just one in the back does as much as the headlights up front as far as flood area. If I can get everything wired back up tonight I can take a picture of the area that it lights up.

How often do you take your rack off?

[Art Vigil]

Mike wrote:How often do you take your rack off?

I haven't had it off once since it was installed, but really only use it during the summer for camping and the annual trip to Moab. The rest of the year it's pointless to have it on and it's simple enough to remove and reinstall.
I love it when I need it, but want it off when I don't.

[Red90]

I know you guys like spending too much money, but anyways, here is mine. Two PAR 36 rubber housed tractor lamps less than $10 US each. Work great wired in with the revese switch plus a parallel toggle switch to turn on for use as work lights.

Link to photo (http://members.shaw.ca/red90/backend.JPG)

[ronward]

John B., can you describe just how you wired the lights up? I like the idea of an auxiliary light coming on with the reverse light as well as through a toggle switch. Can you point me to a wiring diagram of such?

Thanks

[Red90]

I just ran wires from the lights to the stock reverse wires that are in the back access panels.

For the toggle switch you run the two wires from the switch to either side of the reverse switch (parallel to that switch). so when either switch is engaged the lights come on. As mine was ex-MOD, I didn't have a reverse switch so needed to run the wiring all from scratch, but it would be simple on a normal Defender.

For a toggle switch you need enough rating for the lights, so watch that. Also you should stay under the rating of the circuits involved. If you plan on going more than say 150 watts total, you should add in a relay.

I am using Contura 3 rocker switches. The reverse switch is the one on the left (http://members.shaw.ca/red90/dash.JPG) with the amber light. The light comes on with the reverse lights.

[TwisteD90]

Go to Keith and have him weld you a couple of light mounts. he did my old rack and I had two Hella FF100's on each corner and the tabs were welded to the ladders frame so if you decide to remove your basket you don't have to worry about the lights.

[ronward]

Thanks John. Is the reverse switch located behind the rear panel containing the reverse light?

[wicks]

Hi Art,

I actually have a Hella worklamp on there at the moment. I'd rather have a Genuine unit, but for three times the price I went with this for now until I hit my next fortune. More important (IMHO) is the switching. Configured 3-way as the others to activate while reversing (really useful), but ising a proper 110 dome-light 3-way switch. Pictures follow...

[wicks]

Light

[wicks]

1 more

[Mike Hippert]

Not to Hyjack but Hey Wicks, I have a set of the Genuine Land Rover lights that are kinda like the ones in that pic. They are good lights but the reflectors are 1/2 rusted (I don't know why I just took them off my 90 and they are just sitting in the shed). They were rusted when I bought my 90 so i would say the Hella units will last longer.

[wicks]

I might be interested in trying to salvage one of those...

[Red90]

Originally posted by ronward
Thanks John. Is the reverse switch located behind the rear panel containing the reverse light?

The reverse switch on mine is mounted at the back of the gearbox (LT77) facing backwards. Best accessed from the center seat access panel.

[howellm70]

Wicks - I've got a seperate but related question for you. I just picked up one of the hella work lamps and the D110 3 way switch - my question is what type of connectors did you buy to hook up to the round pegs on the back of the 3 way switch?

[ronward]

Female bullet connector (.16?) can be spread apart enough to fit over the peg on the switch and the ground for the light itself.

[PT94D90]

Mike Hippert - Sent you an e-mail on this subject.

[wicks]

Yeah, I think they are yellow (that size) cable connectors that fit on the pegs.

[howellm70]

Thanks guys.