More light; or how I reused stock fogs.

[ChuckH]

Finally got around to mounting my factory fogs to my rear bumper to be used as backup lights. I took the lights apart, cleaned them, and installed 55W bulbs first. Then, I used Coolerman's wiring harness to hook everything up. I attached a galvanized "L" bracket using the most rearward bolt that attaches my bumper to the frame to create a mounting spot. I didn't really want to mount anything under the bumper, but the only other good option was the roof rack and I didn't want to wire them up there. The lights are small enough though, and I put them up tight to the bumper, so they aren't too likely to take a hit and if they do, so what?

I was actually quite surprised at the light output of the factory fogs once all the mud was removed and the 55W bulbs were installed. They actually have a decent beam pattern and put out a good amount of light. Sure, they aren't IPF's or anything, but are much better than I thought. I used $4 PIAA bulbs, so if they blow it won't cost a fortune to replace them. All in all, an inexpensive way to get improved lighting out back.

[ChuckH]

From behind bumper:

[ChuckH]

And in daylight viewed from behind.

[evergreen]

chuck,
where did you get those 55 w bulbs. i have been wanting light the front end up better.
thanks

[ChuckH]

Here you go!

I ordered them from Truckperformance.com because I couldn't find any locally in any brand. Well, Schucks carried 55W bulbs, but they were out of stock and I think they were $12 a piece anyway. So, I found the basic 55W PIAA H3 at Truckperformance for $3.91 each and ordered 4 of them. Since the factory fogs aren't sealed, it doesn't make sense to put expensive bulbs in them. As it turns out, the basic PIAA puts out a very bright light anyway. So far they seem like a bargain.

A couple things to note:

The PIAA H3's have a flat plug on the wire instead of a round plug like the 35W bulbs have. So, you have to cut the round recepticle off of the stock wire inside the fog light housing and crimp on a flat female spade type recepticle. Easy job! Sorry, I didn't take pictures of that, but if you have a couple flat recepticles and some wire crimpers you're in business. Nissan probably made theirs round so you'd have to get the cheesy 35W bulbs from the dealer for some insane price.

Since you would be running them for extended periods of time, you should get the glass lenses from xterraparts or such to replace the plastic lenses. Otherwise, the extra heat from the 55W bulb will likely haze the plastic or possibly even melt it. I didn't do the glass lenses because the backup lights are never on long enough to create any significant heat.

The shipping on the PIAA bulbs was a lot ($9 for all four), so you may as well buy extras and get them ahead of time, IMO. Even at $9, the price is the same or better than what you will find locally.

Hope that helps!

H3 Lighting at Truck Performance Centers

[DeFibVT]

ChuckH..I have been running 55w Hella's in my stock fogs for over a year now and have no problems with the plastic lenses melting. I always run with the fogs on when driving and I do quite a bit of night driving because of shifts I work. Just my $.02.

[evergreen]

thanks for the info chuckh.
the stock fogs are pretty sorry, and this sounds like a cheap easy upgrade.

[ChuckH]

No problem. Let us know how it works out.

I'm surprised DeFibVT hasn't had any heat related problems. I know Mosi's lenses only discolored and hazed over, but some people have melted them. Maybe it depends on what kind of bulb you put in there. I would bet that the SuperWhite bulbs and such burn hotter. Maybe you won't have a problem with the standard 55W bulbs? I guess I wouldn't worry about it. If they get screwed up you can buy the glass inserts later.

[DeFibVT]

Nope no problems. I check them frequently and they are on quite a lot. You could be right about the difference between the Superwhites and the Hella's "regular" whites. But I must say even though they are the "regular" whites they improve the visibility a great deal.

[evergreen]

just for the record, the 55w hella fog bulbs melted one of my lenses after 3 months of use. if your going to upgrade the bulbs, get new glass lenses.

[DeFibVT]

I ran my stock fogs on all the way out to the Black Hills. It was about 5.5 hour trip. The plastic lenses were just fine. My Hella's are halogen lights and are 55w a piece. I eveh ran my headlights during offroading for about 4 hours and did not have a problem.

[evergreen]

i have the same hellas as you DeFibvt, and use them about as often. its weird, only one side melted the other is fine. oh well.

[DeFibVT]

Was it the driver's side that melted. That side gave me fits until I pulled out the wiring and then use silicone to patch up the whole. Still running them and no melting.

[evergreen]

nope, passenger side. drivers side is ok. who knows what is causing it. the glass lenses are cheap and will solve the prob 100%

[Swipular]

Does anyone know where I can get replacement lenses for the stock round fog lights on the 2002 Xterra? I have the super white bulbs in there now and they have done fine for quite a while bout now they are starting to haze the lens.