12 replies to this topic

[rubdub]

Hey folks,

 

So I'm thinking of converting the rear lights on my MPI to mk2/3 lights, and having a reverse and fog located under the bumper similar to the attached pic.

 

My question is, is there any bracket that can connect to the bumper and have the light positioned slightly towards the middle of the car?

 

if anyone has any tips it'd be greatly appreciated as I'd prefer not to have to drill the lip if at all possible! 

 

 

Link here

[yeti21586]

I just created some brackets out of metal stock from B&q etc

[Ethel]

Fog light has to be at least 10 inches above the road & on, or outboard of, the centre line.

[CBJ805T]

good old AI

 

In the UK, the positioning of rear fog lamps is set out in the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations 1989 (RVLR). Below are the key requirements that apply to cars that must have a rear fog light (including a 1984 vehicle):

Rear Fog Light Position Requirements (UK – RVLR) Number Required

• At least 1 rear fog lamp.

• If only 1 is fitted, it must be located on the centreline or the offside (driver’s side) of the vehicle.

Height from Ground

• Must be between:

  • 250 mm (min) from the ground

  • 1000 mm (max) above the ground

Distance from Brake Lights

• Must not be closer than 100 mm (10 cm) to the nearest stop lamp.

  • (The aim is to avoid confusion between fog and brake lights.)

Lateral Position

• If a single lamp: centre or right-hand side only

• If two lamps: must be symmetrical around the vehicle’s centreline

Visibility / Angle

• Must be visible from the rear within a certain minimum angle (common standard used in MOT checks):

  • 15° left and right horizontally

  • 5° up and down vertically

  • (This is to ensure it is not too obstructed by bodywork)

Operation / Switching

• Must only operate when dipped beam, main beam, or front fog lights are on.

• Must have a warning tell-tale light on the dashboard to show when the fog light is on (usually amber).

Quick Reference Summary

Requirement Rule Minimum height 250 mm from ground Maximum height 1000 mm from ground If only one light Must be centre or offside Distance from brake lights ≥ 100 mm away Visibility angles ~15° horizontal, 5° vertical Switch control indicator Required

[CBJ805T]

✅ Reverse Lights – Legal Requirements (UK) Are they required?

• No. Reverse lights have never been a legal requirement for cars in the UK.

• A 1984 vehicle does not have to have any reversing lights to be road legal or pass an MOT.

If Reverse Lights Are Fitted

If your 1984 car has them, they must meet certain rules:

MOT requirement  - Not tested (reverse lights are not part of the MOT) on vehicles first used before 1 Sept 2009

Number allowed -  Up to 2 Colour White only (or “selective yellow” in older regs)

Operation  - Must only illuminate when reverse gear is engaged

Brightness - Must not cause dazzle

Edited by CBJ805T, 10 November 2025 - 12:29 PM.

[Mr.greenPullover]

And how is that wall of text related to the question?

 

My question is, is there any bracket that can connect to the bumper and have the light positioned slightly towards the middle of the car?

 

Smiffy's Bits has a bracket for that: https://www.ebay.co....m/187672489477 

I don't know if that's slightly towards the middle enough for You.

At the moment sadly there is not a separate left one online, only as whole set with rear fog lights: https://www.ebay.co....tm/176911276480

 

Maybe just use the original brackets but the wrong side up?

https://www.ebay.co....tm/183765597151 and https://www.ebay.co....tm/183765604948

Edited by Mr.greenPullover, 10 November 2025 - 01:08 PM.

[stuart bowes]

I think it was reasonably well covered to be honest

1. suggestion to just make one (it's not a complex part)
2. make sure you put it in the right place
3. make sure you know where that right place is (seeing as OP mentioned putting it 'near the middle' but that has to be either *in* in the middle, or off to the drivers side

I would add re: fixing position, I may recall incorrectly but mine wasn't attached to the 'lip' it was just self-tappered into the valance

 

personally I've made a recess in the valance because I thought the original bracket was crap (or just a very basic approach anyway)  but that's personal choice

Edited by stuart bowes, 10 November 2025 - 01:13 PM.

[stuart bowes]

positioned slightly towards the middle of the car?

 

it was this bit that required the clarification ^

[maccers]

I've got a 1976, so has the square rear lights still but no reverse light within. I did recently make up something to add a reverse light, since the loom and the shift housing as the switch etc. Only reason was so people can have some idea of when I was reversing - even if the reverse light might not be at the correct level or angle. I also added a fog light on the same bracket, as the loom as the wiring and the switch is there, although I wont be driving in fog, ie knowingly setting out when its foggy!

 

I used a bracket from Halfords that I think is used to extent lights when towing something. Essentially its got two round ends on it, like one end of a dog bone, that just happen to be the exact size of a glass type indicator. You can get them clear, and red. The other end I just cut and folded so it sits the opposite side to the exhaust - I know the reverse light should ideally be on the near side, and fog on the offside, but again this is just something thats better than nothing at all!

 

For the MoT, well mine is exempt, but I do have it done every few years, I remove the bracket with the lights incase they get funny about it, and re-install after. The main thing for me is the reverse light which is very bright and unless a car is incredibly close behind me, can be seen to give a clue I am going backwards!

 

Oh and I think the place that does all the fancy alloy bits does a more formal / better fitting item, DSN Classics I think they are called.

 

Hope it helps! Will get a pic if needed

Edited by maccers, 12 November 2025 - 01:37 PM.

[alpder]

If original looks aren't essential to you, there are E-marked reverse+fog combination LED lamps which could be used to replace yours when you fit the Mk2/3 rear clusters. For example, Bowers have one which is just 60mm dia that has both functions built into it, E-marked. This could be discretely placed under the bumper, maybe centrally depending on your exhaust and/or towbar.

 

I can understand if you prefer the old under-bumper reverse/fog lamps tho'. They do have a certain look about them especially when mounted as a left-and-right combo.

[shera12]

Nice! Installing rear fog and reverse lights can really improve safety and visibility. Make sure you double-check the wiring and fuses before connecting everything, and test them before finalising the install. A neat job can make a big difference!

 

[rubdub]

Thanks everybody for the opinions and advise on this! 

Sorry my original post is a bit confusing! I don't know why I put the "slightly towards the middle of the car" line in there! 

 

The car is a 98 MPI, so I'd still be keeping the fog light in a similar position to it's standard position but just changing it to a kit similar to these. So essentially I would just be moving the reverse light from the main cluster to below the bumper, positioned similar to the RH fog light, albeit on the other side.

 

Thanks all again, and thanks Mr.greenPullover, will check out Smiffy Bits one too. Can add it to the list for my next order from him! 

[MikeRotherham]

As it's an MPi you'll have two sets of holes on the rear valance.

 

One with the existing foglight for the other I'd get the the left hand version of the existing bracket:

 

https://www.ebay.co....-sAAOxy3JtRfJnN

 

and a clear version of the existing fog light:

 

https://www.ebay.co....QYAAOSw44BYW8sx

 

No drilling etc required.

Edited by MikeRotherham, 17 November 2025 - 09:40 AM.