Euro fog light (aka b__hole) replacement ideas !
 

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

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.

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.

:icon14: Intelligent Hide-A-Key

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.

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

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

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.

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

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?

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

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

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.

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 ?

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!

Have you seen the factory camera?

Yes I have, but its not an option for those without navi. Not to mention it looks ugly there.

Also on a side note...it seems the more I look at stuff that the easiest way to get rear view camera support is to buy a headunit that has it as an option.

I mean its not that its hard, its just that its kinda crazy to have a separate screen just for rear view.

Like I said, I'm going to be looking into this as an ongoing thing... Maybe I can use the stock one in the foglight...

after thinking about it tonight, i've pretty much made up my mind where i'm going with this...

i want a data logger anyway, so going to buy the aimsports data/logger w/ 2 cameras... will use 2nd camera for forward looking view... it has a sensor that automatically starts the video, perhaps it could be programmed to display only when in R for the street-going folks?
AiM Sports - DaVid Video and Data Logging system for Race Cars - Create a DVD of your on-track performance!

for display, i'm either going to go with a rear view mirror kit (like the one on new mustang that's gotten really good reviews)...
rear view mirror display - Google Product Search

... or... this is prob a pipe dream... perhaps I can convert the clock on the 3 gauge cluster to a small display... i'll look into it

more thoughts on the display...

the display from the ipod video 5th gen is 2.5" diag... seems like something that could be retrofit into the OEM gauge cluster... e.g., the clock display is useless to me

the ipod display can be bought separately for about $30bucks, although I admit I'm not sure how to go from the pin pattern on the ipod display to a more standard interface
iPod Video LCD Color Display Screen Enhanced

thoughts ?

My thoughts were maybe you can get someone from Japan to send you the wiring or installation schematics for the Nissan camera kit.

http://www.filmz.de/film_2001/the_fa...d_lindberg.jpg

Overnight parts from Japan?!?! no? damn I got excited.

Thats a great idea SoCal. I will definitely look into it.

OMG I GOT IT! All I did was ask myself "WWPMRD?" (WHAT WOULD PIMP MY RIDE DO?) LETS PUT FLAT SCREEN TV'S IN THERE!!!