Euro fog light (aka b__hole) replacement ideas !

travisjb · 02-22-2009, 04:56 PM

Hi all,

Wanted to start a thread to get ideas on what to do with blacked out lens cover where the euro fog light would normally be... First blush ideas:

1. spot to mount SCCA spec LED rain light
2. spot to mount rear facing camera(s)
3. indicator that lights up at redline
4. indicator that flashes when in infamous "limp mode" (oil overheating)
5. indicator that turns on when syncro rev matching used
6. spot to mount a tow hook (not sure if feasible)
... others ?

Would appreciate more ideas and if anyone has tried any of these, would appreciate some pics and links !

TravisJB

theDreamer · 02-22-2009, 05:05 PM

I have been thinking rear facing camera, but will have to wait until I get mine to see what it will require to mount and wire it.

batman_4 · 02-22-2009, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by travisjb

Hi all,

Wanted to start a thread to get ideas on what to do with blacked out lens cover where the euro fog light would normally be... First blush ideas:

1. spot to mount SCCA spec LED rain light
2. spot to mount rear facing camera(s)
3. indicator that lights up at redline RICE
4. indicator that flashes when in infamous "limp mode" WTF, why?
5. indicator that turns on when syncro rev matching used ......
6. spot to mount a tow hook (not sure if feasible)
... others ?

Would appreciate more ideas and if anyone has tried any of these, would appreciate some pics and links !

TravisJB

i know you are just brainstorming but come on are you serious w/ #3,4 and 5?????

i think rear view cams/lights will be realistic/common in the community but not much more than that.

SoCal 370Z · 02-22-2009, 07:20 PM

Intelligent Hide-A-Key

epod86 · 02-22-2009, 07:24 PM

it would be perfect for a camera, but the visibility would be a problem with it that low. Normally cameras are mounted as high as possible point down so that you get the best sense of perspective. It's easier to judge approach speed and distance when an object moves across the field of view, rather than just getting larger as it approaches the camera lens. I'm reminded of a sequence in Space Balls when the camera 'zooms' (it actually dollies) into and hits Dark Helmet. It's really hard to tell exactly when the lens was going to hit him. I'm afraid that's what might be the case with such a low mounted camera. You could certainly see kids running across the back of your car, and any stuff just sitting there, but it wouldn't help when parallel parking.

parking sensors might work, but i think they like to put them in the corners, again, to help when you angle in while parallel parking.

this emoticon guy might be a bit too big, but that could be pretty funny.

travisjb · 02-22-2009, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by batman_4

i know you are just brainstorming but come on are you serious w/ #3,4 and 5?????

i think rear view cams/lights will be realistic/common in the community but not much more than that.

it's just a list... i would never do any of those - my car is for the track and any of 3/4/5 would just cause safety issues... saw the redline idea on 350 forum and thought it was amusing... the overheat idea was mine and stems from my frustration with the car overheating during my last track event... the overheat light isn't such a bad idea though... when in limp mode the engine literally cuts at 6500rpm and if someone were close behind it'd be a real problem

my intent with this thread is to see if there are any other creative ideas and get a list of parts for us all to evaluate

nogoodname · 02-22-2009, 07:43 PM

1. spot to mount SCCA spec LED rain light - OK
2. spot to mount rear facing camera(s) - would be low...hahaha...
3. indicator that lights up at redline - what......lol
4. indicator that flashes when in infamous "limp mode" (oil overheating) - use the flashers instead
5. indicator that turns on when syncro rev matching used - ok....no
6. spot to mount a tow hook (not sure if feasible) - possibility

SoCal 370Z · 02-22-2009, 07:44 PM

I would be game for a setup like the sport bikes have where they eliminate the turn signals and have one light assembly that is has the brake light and turn signals; a nice adjunct to the existing rear lights, and useful. Probably illegal by law though.

FERRARI · 02-22-2009, 07:49 PM

Has anyone take the lens out to see what is behind it ?

RCZ · 02-22-2009, 07:49 PM

Im working up a rear view camera for backing up. If everything goes well, I may make a kit.

SoCal 370Z · 02-22-2009, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RCZ

Im working up a rear view camera for backing up. If everything goes well, I may make a kit.

Is this kit dependent on the factory nav?

travisjb · 02-22-2009, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FERRARI

Has anyone take the lens out to see what is behind it ?

i seem to recall that there is nothing behind it except void space where there would be a lighting kit if for euro delivery... above it, 5mph bumper... below it, mufflers

Quote:

Originally Posted by RCZ

Im working up a rear view camera for backing up. If everything goes well, I may make a kit.

cool, look forward to hearing more as it develops, including what display you plan to use

btw, another thought/question... wondering if we can use the nissan OEM parts off of euro-spec cars when creating light/camera kits... should be a cleaner install with OEM mounting etc

RCZ · 02-22-2009, 08:11 PM

Well the idea is still in the planning stages obviously, but I found a few wide angle mini cameras that only need a little power + the output is a normal AV output. I would draw the power from the backup lights in the tailights so that the camera only comes on when backing up. There is also obviously a backup sensor signal from the ECU which can be tapped. Any display that has an AV input would work fine. That is just one idea that would work on both stock navi systems and aftermarket displays.

I want to talk to professional installers and Nissan techs before I do anything because there may be an OEM alternative that will work way better with the stock system.. If that is a dead end, I will find out what can be done aftermarket from professional shops in my area. I will keep you guys updated as this progresses.

travisjb · 02-22-2009, 08:23 PM

ok, great RCZ, thanks

here are some links i just came across that might be helpful...

Provix CCHT Backup Camera Systems, LCD Monitors for Cars, Trucks, SUV, Motorhome and RV
Pegasus - 580 Line NTSC Camera Kit, use with Multi-View or XM-DVR Pro
Datatoys XM-DVR Pro Plus 2 Motorsports Digital Video System: Evasive Motorsports - PH: 626.336.3400, M-F 9am - 5pm PST
GoPro Motorsports HERO 170 Wide: Evasive Motorsports - PH: 626.336.3400, M-F 9am - 5pm PST
Rostra Precision Controls 250-8010 - - summitracing.com
Rostra Precision Controls 250-8037 - - summitracing.com

The Rostra at Summit looks promising... 150 degrees, waterproof, believe it comes with 5" display for those of us without nav, affordable at $400 ish

Also the GoPro wide perhaps ?

travisjb · 02-22-2009, 08:36 PM

one more thought... the aimsports data logger would be a 2 for 1... get data logging capability plus add 2 camera ports... send video output to stock nav unit display (if possible?) or aftermarket 5-7" display or to aftermarket rear-view mirror with built in display

AiM Sports - DaVid Video and Data Logging system for Race Cars - Create a DVD of your on-track performance!

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02-22-2009, 05:05 PM	#2 (permalink)
theDreamer A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 30,879 Drives: 370z Rep Power: 4210	I have been thinking rear facing camera, but will have to wait until I get mine to see what it will require to mount and wire it.

02-22-2009, 07:20 PM	#4 (permalink)
SoCal 370Z A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: US of A Posts: 2,842 Drives: Answers Rep Power: 33	Intelligent Hide-A-Key

02-22-2009, 07:24 PM	#5 (permalink)
epod86 Base Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 229 Drives: 06 Mustang GT BK M5 Rep Power: 241	it would be perfect for a camera, but the visibility would be a problem with it that low. Normally cameras are mounted as high as possible point down so that you get the best sense of perspective. It's easier to judge approach speed and distance when an object moves across the field of view, rather than just getting larger as it approaches the camera lens. I'm reminded of a sequence in Space Balls when the camera 'zooms' (it actually dollies) into and hits Dark Helmet. It's really hard to tell exactly when the lens was going to hit him. I'm afraid that's what might be the case with such a low mounted camera. You could certainly see kids running across the back of your car, and any stuff just sitting there, but it wouldn't help when parallel parking. parking sensors might work, but i think they like to put them in the corners, again, to help when you angle in while parallel parking. this emoticon guy might be a bit too big, but that could be pretty funny.

02-22-2009, 07:43 PM	#7 (permalink)
nogoodname Lifetime Premium Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Montreal Posts: 22,357 Drives: E46 M3 Rep Power: 1765	1. spot to mount SCCA spec LED rain light - OK 2. spot to mount rear facing camera(s) - would be low...hahaha... 3. indicator that lights up at redline - what......lol 4. indicator that flashes when in infamous "limp mode" (oil overheating) - use the flashers instead 5. indicator that turns on when syncro rev matching used - ok....no 6. spot to mount a tow hook (not sure if feasible) - possibility

02-22-2009, 07:44 PM	#8 (permalink)
SoCal 370Z A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: US of A Posts: 2,842 Drives: Answers Rep Power: 33	I would be game for a setup like the sport bikes have where they eliminate the turn signals and have one light assembly that is has the brake light and turn signals; a nice adjunct to the existing rear lights, and useful. Probably illegal by law though.

02-22-2009, 07:49 PM	#9 (permalink)
FERRARI Enthusiast Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Chattanooga, Tennessee Posts: 324 Drives: PERFECTION Rep Power: 492	Has anyone take the lens out to see what is behind it ?

02-22-2009, 07:49 PM	#10 (permalink)
RCZ A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Miami Posts: 6,403 Drives: '09 370Z Rep Power: 1119	Im working up a rear view camera for backing up. If everything goes well, I may make a kit.

02-22-2009, 08:11 PM	#13 (permalink)
RCZ A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Miami Posts: 6,403 Drives: '09 370Z Rep Power: 1119	Well the idea is still in the planning stages obviously, but I found a few wide angle mini cameras that only need a little power + the output is a normal AV output. I would draw the power from the backup lights in the tailights so that the camera only comes on when backing up. There is also obviously a backup sensor signal from the ECU which can be tapped. Any display that has an AV input would work fine. That is just one idea that would work on both stock navi systems and aftermarket displays. I want to talk to professional installers and Nissan techs before I do anything because there may be an OEM alternative that will work way better with the stock system.. If that is a dead end, I will find out what can be done aftermarket from professional shops in my area. I will keep you guys updated as this progresses.

02-22-2009, 08:23 PM	#14 (permalink)
travisjb A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: GSO Posts: 2,803 Drives: VIR Rep Power: 188	ok, great RCZ, thanks here are some links i just came across that might be helpful... Provix CCHT Backup Camera Systems, LCD Monitors for Cars, Trucks, SUV, Motorhome and RV Pegasus - 580 Line NTSC Camera Kit, use with Multi-View or XM-DVR Pro Datatoys XM-DVR Pro Plus 2 Motorsports Digital Video System: Evasive Motorsports - PH: 626.336.3400, M-F 9am - 5pm PST GoPro Motorsports HERO 170 Wide: Evasive Motorsports - PH: 626.336.3400, M-F 9am - 5pm PST Rostra Precision Controls 250-8010 - - summitracing.com Rostra Precision Controls 250-8037 - - summitracing.com The Rostra at Summit looks promising... 150 degrees, waterproof, believe it comes with 5" display for those of us without nav, affordable at $400 ish Also the GoPro wide perhaps ?

02-22-2009, 08:36 PM	#15 (permalink)
travisjb A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: GSO Posts: 2,803 Drives: VIR Rep Power: 188	one more thought... the aimsports data logger would be a 2 for 1... get data logging capability plus add 2 camera ports... send video output to stock nav unit display (if possible?) or aftermarket 5-7" display or to aftermarket rear-view mirror with built in display AiM Sports - DaVid Video and Data Logging system for Race Cars - Create a DVD of your on-track performance!