If you're thinking of changing your tail lights beware......

Mathew · Post by **Mathew** » Tue Jul 23, 2002 5:30 pm

Speaking of warrants, my car just passed its warrant of fitness without any problems. I have a set of the "Altezza" or "Lexus" style tail lights which are clear housings with three round lights in each. The brake and reversing lights remain the same colour but the indicator has a red plastic cover over it so it flashes red. I was recently perusing the latest copy of "New Zealand Performance Car" Mag and there was an advert from "Mag and Turbo" showing some of their Altezza style tail lights and it included a warning that buyers should only buy lights with orange or clear (with orange bulbs) indicators as the red ones aren't legal. I rang up "Mag and Spoiler", who I bought my lights off, and they claim that this is rubbish and that the red indicators are legal (and they are registered to issue warrants). I'm not sure who to believe as I know the two shops are mortal enemies. The "Mag and Turbo" shops apparently charge a horrendous franchise fee and give little in return so ma!
ny of the shop owners are getting pissed off. The founder of the chain had enough and left to start up a new business called "Mag Warehouse.com" and its this new company that supplies chrome wheels to "Mag and Spoiler". "M and S" tell me that without the franchise overheads of "M & T" they are able to undercut "M & T's" pricing, and they are plenty peeved.
I know that there is a version of the tail lights that come with Clear indicator covers and I'm guessing they were developed to adhere to the differing regulations in other countries (and probably among the different states of the USA where they come from). I might do a bit of research myself with the LTSA to see if I can get some better answers. Does anyone out there know anything about these regulations? I know quite a few old American "land barges" have red indicators (or flashing brake lights for indicators).

M@

scott · Post by **scott** » Tue Jul 23, 2002 5:37 pm

Geez, what appropriate timing I was indeed looking to put in the
European style clear tail lamps!
I am very keen to hear what you and others in the club find out.
Also on the side, how much did you pay for yours? All I've seen so far
is about $580 for the set.

Scott.

carl.halvorsen · Post by **carl.halvorsen** » Tue Jul 23, 2002 8:27 pm

I have installed a set of the european rear light clusters that a friend in
Holland sent me. I recently had the wof done, didnt say a word and the car
passed ok. My friend in holland made his interchangable with the factory
units as in holland you must have rear reflectors, he puts his factory rear
lights back on before each wof then changes them afterwards. He sent me some
amber bulbs for the indicators. If you want to give your M1 a new look then
these lights certainly provide it. If you want a pic let me know.

carl

Mike Pearson - WYSIWYG... · Post by **Mike Pearson - WYSIWYG...** » Tue Jul 23, 2002 11:24 pm

Also on the side, how much did you pay for yours? All I've seen so far
is about $580 for the set.

Supposedly I've just won a pair on Ebay for US$109,
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayI ... 1835393119

I've been wrangling over shipping they wanted US$75, but
I told them to use domestic and ship to http://www.toship.com/ for US$15.

Still to get a price for surface mail to NZ from there, but according to
http://ircalc.usps.gov/speed.asp?Countr ... ces=0&cmdS
ubmit=Continue&Contents=1
it will be about US$28.

Latest update from Procarparts is:

We apologize for the delay of your package. We just found out the item
you ordered has serious manufacturer's defect. We are in the process of
solving this problem.

The new shipment will arrive in about 3 weeks, and we would like to know
if you are willing to wait or prefer a full refund.

----------------

Them's the joys/risks you take when you buy on Ebay. Here's the
best thing I've found so far for winter with the top down:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... =879127325

Mike - 1990 Eunos Roadster - WYSGUY
www.eunos-roadster.com

Biff [Paradise 2] · Post by **Biff [Paradise 2]** » Wed Jul 24, 2002 4:34 am

Hi all,
Can some one please help:
Last night I arrived home (in the dark) pulled into the garage turned
the lights off, off they went, but didn't retract??
I thought perhaps they were hot??
Nup, they wont retract today either, just sticking out of the hood
looking at me.
Any ideas?
Thanks
Biff

Fletch · Post by **Fletch** » Wed Jul 24, 2002 7:30 am

Perhaps the button in the middle of the dash (next to the red hazzard light
button) that raises and lowers the lights got bumped?

Try hitting it again

Fletch.

Biff [Paradise 2] · Post by **Biff [Paradise 2]** » Wed Jul 24, 2002 3:09 pm

Fletch, I don't care what they say, you're a legend!

That's exactly what had happened, don't ask me how, I don't know, but
all is as it should be.
(I feel a bit dumb) but thanks again, I had visions of a trip to the
mechanic, or auto electrician and a hefty bill.
Biff

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