tail lights, license plate light and backup lights

[montgom]

I am looking for some help (duh) as I am a newbie to all of this.

I have no experience with the body work and what is the best approach to mounting. Assuming there is a best approach.
Everything has to meet FMVSS 108 photometric. These all do. 
Thanks to all you!
Robert

Surface Mount LED Combination Stop/Turn/Tail & Back-Up Light







LPL41 SERIES

Surface Mount LED License Light



I have a choice of surface mount versus stud mount. Any suggestions???






Or stud mount

[mdizz7]

This is my setup:

Tail lights (with built in back up lights): Your oval ones are probably similar
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FS84P5U?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00

Plugs x 4:
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002FZWWO?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00

Trailer Wiring Converter: Any converter will work.
www.grainger.com/product/REESE-Powered-Tail-Light-Converter-20PP54?s_pp=false&picUrl=//static.grainger.com/rp/s/is/image/Grainger/20PP54_AS01?$smthumb$

License Plate Bolt Lights: These are nice since I Only need the lights and no other mounting needed.
www.jegs.com/i/DEI/186/030302/10002/-1?parentProductId=1992911

[montgom]

Do you have any pictures to post of the final installation?
Robert

[mdizz7]

Here you go. Just got them completely mounted along with the tail cover. They work great and super bright. My phone had a hard time with the brightness.


Off


On (without Brake light)



Reverse

[montgom]

That is gorgeous! My retinas have just been melted!

[montgom]

What is the purpose of the converter? 
I have never seen one before.
Robert

[mdizz7]

Purpose is to convert the tail lights stop lights and turn signals into one light. The Miata is all separate so this is needed to convert to run combination lights.

[montgom]

Nov 24, 2015 2:26:35 GMT mdizz7 said:

This is my setup:

Tail lights (with built in back up lights): Your oval ones are probably similar
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FS84P5U?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00

I am trying to get the tail lights hooked up with only partial success. The The Miata is wired with brake and tail light on one bulb. The turn signal is on one bulb. The problem is that the tail light assembly I am using stop and turn on one line and taill light on one line. Here are the pictures. If I hooked up the stop and turn to the location on the back of the light, it is chaos.

So what am I missing? I am a total newbie with wiring, so everyone's help is greatly appreciated.

Robert

[montgom]

Nov 24, 2015 4:31:53 GMT mdizz7 said:

Purpose is to convert the tail lights stop lights and turn signals into one light. The Miata is all separate so this is needed to convert to run combination lights.

Darn, now I understand why my system does not work.

Is there a part number??

Robert

[montgom]

I found the part number

Reese Tail Light Converter 78014

I love this forum! I would be so lost without the people and resources.
Robert

[golden86]

i will be at this stage soon enough.  I haven't cracked open the schematics yet for the cars wiring, but cant you just run diodes on the brake a turn signal lights.  So instead of paying almost $40 for the trailer conversion, i could just pay under $2 for a few diodes.  Am I missing something?

[mdizz7]

Dec 27, 2015 0:00:24 GMT montgom said:

I found the part number

Reese Tail Light Converter 78014

I love this forum! I would be so lost without the people and resources.
Robert

Perfect. you'll need that and the 3 prong connectors to hook up the tail lights. Look at the diagram on the converter and match up with a diagram for the maita. Stop to Stop, turn to turn etc. Back up lights don't run through the converter so you will wire them directly into the tail light connector

[montgom]

Dec 27, 2015 1:30:03 GMT golden86 said:

i will be at this stage soon enough.  I haven't cracked open the schematics yet for the cars wiring, but cant you just run diodes on the brake a turn signal lights.  So instead of paying almost $40 for the trailer conversion, i could just pay under $2 for a few diodes.  Am I missing something?

I tried exactly what you suggest thinking that it would work. No luck.

If you figure out a method to make it work, I hope you post it. I spent an hour wondering what I had done wrong since the diode worked great for my front lights and I expected the same for the rear. I freely admit I am a newbie, so my efforts take much longer than it would take others with more experience. This is my first build. Ever. Without the wonderful people here on this forum I would be in deep state of confusion. :-)

Robert

[montgom]

I should mention I am digging this entire process. I love learning. Thanks to everyone!!!!

Robert

[JIDiesel]

On the tag light I would recommend the stud mount. It makes for a cleaner install. I suggest using a backing plate behind the tag light, the bodywork is a bit on the thin side. Looks like your build is coming along nicely. Looking forward to seeing your finished build.