Auxiliary lights, extra lights, extra headlamps ( or whatevery you call them)

GuruX

A2OC Donor
I recently bought a pair of roof bars and a some auxiliary lights. My plan is (probably) to mount these on the roof bar this winter, together with a ski rack, since I'll be working at a ski resort.

First, electronics. I guess wiring up the new lights is just a matter of adding a relay and wire it up to close together with the main beam. Is there a good place to get a 12V feed down by the fusebox? The lights will be eating about 13A together. Say 15A, just to be sure.

Second. I'm not completely sure about where I will mount these lights. It's hard to mount them somewhere without messing up the A2 looks. That's why I'm thinking about putting them on the roof bars. They will go away during summer. If you have pictures of an A2 with aux lights, post them!

Third. What the h**k do you call these lights in english? Auxiliary lights? Extra lights? Extra headlamps? Extra main beam? Extra driving lights?

I guess you are wondering what I bought.
One of this, spot mode. http://www.aliexpress.com/item/free...ht-bar-8600lumen-output-17inch/793513168.html
And two of these. http://www.ebay.com/itm/321502294603?_trksid=p2060778.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
 
Sounds like an interesting little project. Please post some pics once fitted. I think the common name for them in britain would be spotlights.
 
Third. What the h**k do you call these lights in english? Auxiliary lights? Extra lights? Extra headlamps? Extra main beam? Extra driving lights?

Hi Gustav,

Those type of lights are becoming popular amongst the four wheel driving fraternity in Britain. They're usually referred to as "LED light bars".

Good luck with the project (and do post some pics when it's finished.)

Jeff
 
I would put it in between the spotlights where there is a opening. I had a idea myself to get them at that spot as during the winter you need very cold air thru that space as its harder to heat up the A2.
 
Here is a test mount. They are not connected yet and another small led lamp is on its way. I removed the painted vanes/riffles and mounted them to the plastic grating beneath. I will probably have to replace the whole grating with one made from metal, since the plastic one is quite weak. But I think it will look quite good when it's finished.

Is there somewhere I can get a 12V feed for the lamps, in the engine compartment?

A2 spotlights try 1.jpg
 
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The lights are now fully installed!
I'm very happy with the light they give.
As mentioned in another thread. I built some mounts on the fresh air box to reinforce. Works great, the lights doesn't bounce around while driving.

This is what the grater on the fresh air box looks like with the mounts. The painted grille on the bonnet is completely removed. It is possible to restore the car.
View attachment 16848

I was wondering where to get a 12V feed. After advice from the German A2 forum, A2 freun, I decided to hook it directly to the alternator and put a fuse as close as possible to the alternator. For earth, I used the point behind the left headlight. A relay was fitted and connected to the headlight main beam cable.

A2 Headlight connector main beam.jpg

Dipped beam.
A2 Dipped beam.jpg

Main beam with spotlights. The big bar looks aimed a bit high, it is. But not as high as it looks. Light output is great.
A2 Main beam spotlights.jpg

The LED bar is rated 120W and the small ones are rated 36W. I can say that the rating is probably wrong. I fitted a 10A fuse and it didn't blow. If the rating was correct, I would need a fuse with at least 13A. But hey, that's what you get for buying cheap stuff from China.

Feel free to ask questions or for more photos.
 
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