Ideas for hat square thing on the back bumper
 

From what I understand , that lense covered square thing on the back bumper is for the Japaneese spec 370 z fog light which we don't get.

I'm thinking of installing a TDS ( Tailgating Deterrent System ) . That square is just about the perfect size to mount a spring loaded box full of size seven ball bearings and it could be rigged to be activated from inside the cabin.

Of course I'm just kidding ( maybe not ) but I was wondering if anyone has utilized that space for something else besides a rear view camera.

Also, I read somewhere that you can purchase the Japaneese spec fog light kit and that it is just a bolt on. Anyone have a pic of this set-up ?

The JDM fog light just bolts in, but wiring it up you have a few options.
Direct wire to headlights (headlights on, fog light is on)
Brake activated light
On/Off switch

For other options, tow hitch.

European, Japanese, Canadian, and Australian cars all have the fog light with indicator stalk switch. That just leaves the US vehicles without I believe....

Seems like someone needs to do some searching!

I waiting for the story of how the fog light saved someone from being rear ended. Until then another use would seem more practical.

thousands of people have been rear ended in fog/misty conditions.... this light DOES work and saves lives... HWY 401 in Ontario is the scene of numerous multi-car crashes in foggy situations all the time. People with rear fog lights have much greater chance of being seen and therefore more chance of an accident being avoided. It is not mandatory to have them in Canada, but it is recommended.

Next thing I expect you to say is that Daytime running lights don't work... :shakes head:

has anyone put a backup cam there? I know they got that plate frame camera, but that spot is ripe for something like that.

vichtz- ive seen people use the little cover right above it (there's nothing under it) for mounting a camera.

I asked for specifics and you provided anecdotal theory. I understand the theory.

I was commenting specifically on 370Z's low placed fog light saving one from an accident. With thousands of examples to pick and choose from in Canada alone, can you include one published 370 example please.

I live in one of the foggiest areas you can imagine. Just outside San Francisco. If that one low light caught someones eye over the other two that are higher then terrific. When I think fog lights I think lights that allow the driver to see ahead.


Are automatic daytime running lights on 370z's in Canada?

How would you expect anyone to prove that this saved an accident? I doubt the driver behind the Z is going to join the forum to post a review of the accident saving aftermarket foglight.

I have no fault with someone not liking the foglight, your expectation just seems a bit silly.

They are "fog" lights because they are brighter than the OEM tail lights (sort of like a brake light) and are not meant to increase the drivers visibility of the road, they are meant to increase the cars visibility to other drivers.

Great to hide the tow hitch

+1

It's not a brake light, it's a daytime running light for fog.... WAY brighter.

and yes, I have had people comment to me after following me thru the fog that it was the first thing they noticed coming up behind me. Sometimes I turn it on late at night to make sure people see me. The rear running lights are not that bright.

not pulling with my z, but that's a great idea. :tup:

Cool. I did not know it was brighter.

Here is a picture of my car in the wet



The light is very bright, and people driving behind me in dense fog have told me that it stuck out more than my tail lights.

I personally went with the evo-r brake light that flashes like a formula 1 car. Trust me when I say that before people would run up on me all the time at stop lights, once I put this on they keep their distance. Just having something flashing gets a persons attention and reminds them they are driving and not texting/talking on the phone. Best 100 I spent.

:iagree: even with just the solid light, I enjoy being more visible to other drivers at night or in fog.

Does not work in Los Angeles because we are too busy to notice the lights. Beside there are too many tinted head and tail lights in Los Angeles. Also we are using cell phone, talking, texting and facebooking while driving. :stirthepot: LOL

All of that is better than looking at porn (thanks to ILIKEGIRLSDAILY on Twitter).

Do I need to order any wires or connectors or anything to have the european spec fog light work in my car? I don't want a switch or anything, just for it to go on whenever my headlights are on or maybe just when I apply the brakes or reverse.

Hmmmm I acyually like this idea. I might remove my foglight and use this mod instead?:bowrofl:

Maybe it's me, the center fog light is a little ghetto for me.

Everyone's entitled to their opinion. If you like a block of black plastic in the middle of your rear bumper better than a functioning light, then so be it. :tiphat:

The only problem I see is that the ball bearings will not bounce high enough. They need to be released higher to get that bounce on those SUV's :stirthepot:

It's not so much the light, it's the idea of 4 brake light that is ghetto. Only thing that has more is some dirty old truckers rig

So all the non-US spec Z's are ghetto?

If you say so :ugh2:

I don't use it as a brake light. It is a fog light. If my headlights and tails are on due to foggy conditions, on goes the fog light.

Again, opinions are like elbows, we all got em

i only use mine in dense fog or during pouring rain as a fog lamp. it's very functional. im not a fan of turning it on or flashing with the brake lamps.

I've highly considered installing the factory fog light there. I agree with Shado, anything that helps in foggy conditions is a plus in my book. I live around an area that gets foggy quite frequently on my morning drives to work. I've been rear ended before and was not a fun experience.

I do like the ball bearing idea though.

I've been thinking about getting the fog light too, but then I might have to get it tinted. Otherwise it might look weird with my tinted tail/brake lights. However, tinting the fog light reduces its actual functionality so I come to the conclusion that I shouldn't get it. :icon17:

The Ferrari 458 and 599 have two low-mounted rear fog lights, for a total of 5 lights on the back of the car. Totally ghetto! LOL

if you go with the evo-r they have the tinted ones and best of all they are led so when you step on the brake they really light up and get your attention.

But will it be any brighter than my tinted tail lights? If not then there's really no point in me getting it. Besides, I'm saving up money for track mods :p

It will be much brighter and if you wire it to flash like I did it will really standout. I believe someone did a video on here that linked to youtube. If you go to youtube and google the Evo-r foglight for a 370Z I am sure it will come up.

EDIT: Found a clip to give you an idea of what it will look like.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhtS0WD3a3U

Rear fog lights in action:

http://www.the370z.com/attachments/n...fog1.jpg?stc=1

http://www.the370z.com/attachments/n...4107.jpg?stc=1

http://www.the370z.com/attachments/n...e4bl.jpg?stc=1

:confused::icon14:

What don't you understand?
A rear fog light is a bright light that says to drivers behind you "Hey! I'm in front of you" when the weather and visibility are bad.
While I'd love a blinking rear fog like an F1 car's rain light, I don't think law enforcement would look kindly on a flashing red light... something about the vehicle code prohibiting non-emergency vehicles from having that stuff.
Sure, you can wire it up as a brake light if you want to, but that's not its original intended use.
To each their own when it comes to modding, I guess.

I didnt understand why the pics with non Z's first of all and to answer your question about Law enforcement each state is different but being a law enforcement officer myself it is seen as a safety device just like the headlight mods motorcycles use that flashes their daytime running lights to gain the attention of non attentive drivers. Also if you notice some semi's that carry chemicals/gas have them to prevent being hit from the rear from non attentive drivers. I have both been behind vehicles that have this feature and I have had other law enforcement behind me and they have never said anything about it.

I know what you're saying. I've used headlight modulators on my bikes.
In PA, you cant have a flashing red or blue light unless you're an emergency vehicle. Tow trucks and construction vehicles can have flashing amber. I've seen some foreman's trucks at construction site with white strobes mounted in the headlights.


I couldn't find any pics of Z's with their fog light in use in inclement weather.
But those pics should give people an idea of what a rear fog light looks like in its practical application.