Foglight Upgrade

[Bernie]

Sorry, I know this has been posted previously, and I have read thorough several posts (all with some really good points and advice). But, I am having trouble finding the configuration I need to run. I plan on putting large Hella driving and pencil beams on a light bar, so my need for big light at distance is covered. What I am looking for advice on is:



-I live in rural Western NY (ice, snow, fog, rain)

-The best light I ever had for this driving was a set of European spec projector beams I used to have (on a car, upgrade I did).

-This set up allowed for a lot of light (many bulb choices) but it controlled where it went very accurately, to keep the light low and at an angle away from the eyes of oncoming traffic. That made it good in the snow and fog with out upsetting oncoming traffic.

-If you pulled up to a dark wall the beams created a very accurate cut line.



-In an ideal world I am looking for quality projector beam fog kit designed to mount in the stock fog light location on my 2003 with the chrome bumper.

-I know there are a lot of really questionable kits on eBay. I was more looking for a quality conversion (with Piaa, Hella, Cibe, or similar quality lightings).

-I contemplated the Piaa 540 set, but from talking with people this is more of a flood than a controlled light.

-I am not afraid of a little fabrication for mounts (on the mounts, not on the bumper). I am also not afraid of wiring. Truck curretly does not have stock fogs.

-Amber light for fogs is always a plus.



Thanks!

 

[seafish]

Try seeing what Daniel Stern has for sale... if you have questions about a product, and are likely going to buy them, he answers his emails pretty quickly with PLENTY of detail if you are asking questions. Otherwise, sometimes he doesn't answer for a long time. BUT he defintely knows his lighting products and carries a wide range of Cibie and other Euro lights, some in a fog configuration. I have bought from him before, he knows his stuff!!

Daniel Stern Lighting Consultancy and Supply

 

[Bernie]

Try seeing what Daniel Stern has for sale... if you have questions about a product, and are likely going to buy them, he answers his emails pretty quickly with PLENTY of detail if you are asking questions. Otherwise, sometimes he doesn't answer for a long time. BUT he defintely knows his lighting products and carries a wide range of Cibie and other Euro lights, some in a fog configuration. I have bought from him before, he knows his stuff!!



Daniel Stern Lighting Consultancy and Supply

Thanks. I had actually already emailed him my question. I hadn't heard back yet, but It was only yesterday I emailed him.

 

[seafish]

Yeah, it seems to me it took Daniel Stern at least several days to reply to an inquiry, and I don't think that included weekends. I have noticed, like I mentioned above, that he tends to respond more quickly if you are actually interested in purchasing lamps or parts from him, rather then just asking advice in general, though he is also willign and able to do that as well. His advice and parts are first rate!!

For my foglight upgrade, I am finally going to be installing a pair of Warn SDB-HBE160 Dual fog/driving beams in my Ute bumper this winter. I have already modified the mounts in the bumper to accept the sealed socket, reflector and lense of the Warn light, but I am ditching the FUGLY plastic housing of the HDBE-160. I will be protecting the 6" diameter glass lense with my favorite chip guard from KC Lights, the chrome, 3/8" mesh woven mesh. I am also going to fabricate a simple but tight way to make them adjustable from the front of the bumper. I will definitely post pics when I am done, though that will likely only be in the dead of winter.
Here are links to the Warn lights--

Warn Industries - Lights: SDB-160HBE

And to the KC rock guard--

Amazon.com: KC HiLiTES 7203 6" Chromed Steel Rock Shield Light Cover - Set of 2: Automotive


If I had more room in the bumper, I might have gone with these Cibie BI-Oscar lights. They are an 8" dia. ( Oo. ) DUAL beam fog/long range driving light also using an H4 bulb, like the Warn. I have never seens a pair and I don't know how they work, and have not even seen a beam pattern drawing from them, but they ARE Cibie, so I'd imagine they would work extremely well and be of high quality build. They are also half the price of the Warns. From Cibie... "The Bi-Oscar is a developed version of the Super Oscar with a single reflector to suit fog and driving lamp functions where only two auxiliary lamps are to be fitted. "

Here is a link to the Cibie Bi Oscar--


ACS Cibie Auxiliary Lighting Units - Round

It is part#02866 on the above linked page.

Be sure to let us know what you do and how you do it!!

 

[BHiggins]

Just to add my two cents... I bought two of those "questionable" fog light sets off EBay, don't make the same mistake. Both sets were different, with one set being the projector style and the other were similar to factory. The projector set set had two completely different beam patterns, weren't sealed well (lenses filled w/moisture), and they kept blowing bulbs. The other set had a good enough pattern, but weren't built well. The adjustment screws on both lights kept vibrating loose until eventually they stripped and the lights were permanently pointing at the ground. If you can't find exactly what you're looking for and decide to "settle", go with the factory lights.

 

[BHiggins]

I did a little searching, and found something you might be interested in... PIAA makes a vehicle specific adapter for '03 to '08 Dodge Rams, so you can mount any "normal" fog light in the factory Dodge location. Unfortunately, the don't have a picture of the adapter bracket, but here's the link anyway:
PIAA Corporation USA - Mounting Kit - 03-08 Dodge Ram

 

[JMarhofke]

If your looking for lights for ice, snow, and rain, check out Per-Lux. They are now distributed by Grote, Grote The First Name In Vehicle Safety Systems These are the lights that have the "louvers" in them, and have been used in heavy & medium trucks for years. I have used them in the 70's, 80's, and up to my 95 RAM 2500. I just never mounted them on the 95. The originals were incandescent, but also available in halogen. The housings are HD stainless steel, but are also available with some type of plastic/nylon housings. Adverse weather lights should be mounted below the level of headlamps, and if you have the room for Per-Lux, I don't think you will be disappointed.



Jim

 

[Morsed]

I was wondering about the 90MM hella low beams 90mm Low Beam DE Headlamp Module, H9 bulb for my driving lights.



Has anyone tried them yet?

Dave

 

[mtnram]

Years ago I bought piaa's for use on our Jeep. Piaa will get a bad rap for being overpriced, yet I find them to be excellent for use in rural Far Nor Cal. The wide angle of the fog beams on the 520 ion's with a sharp cutoff are great for improving visibility and 'seeing' around corners. I find it very good in the winding roads in fog, rain and snow that prevail here in the winter months.

I've been looking for a way to equip the CTD with them and am happy to see the above post for the brackets that will allow to do it.

If you buy the lights make sure to install the relays as the stock harness will not deliver full potential of the lights.

 

[Bernie]

Thanks for all the info. I have a game plan! It will probably be a couple of weeks until I find the time, but here is what I plan:

Fog Lights:
I want low cut light, ideally a projector. This seems to be my best bet. With using a stock shroud, they should appear fairly stock and give great light down low for fog. Also, I should be able to do them with shipping and a new headlight switch (to use the stock fog light wiring) for about $150 to $170
90mm Low Beam DE Headlamp Module, H9 bulb
90mm Bracket

Light Bar:
-I have narrowed it down to three. Any thoughts?
https://secure.n-fab.com/products/sfID1/75/sfID2/83/sfID3/84/productID/291
Defiant Truck Products - 03-10 DODGE 4X4 2500/3500 SHORT TUBE 2500 - 3500
Truck Off Road Light Bars: Dodge Lightbars

Driving Lights (high beam supplement):
-I already have a set of Hella FF1000 with city light. Here is a link:
Amazon.com: Hella HLA-H12273051: FF1000 Halogen Driving Lamp w/City Light: Automotive: Reviews, Prices & more

Sever Snow Light:
-Also a set I already have. Hella 500 Amber.
Amazon.com: Hella H13750621 500 Amber Fog Lamp Kit: Automotive: Reviews, Prices & more

Protection:
-I will cover all the lenses with this. Not any stupid colors, just the clear film:
https://www.xpel.com/products/bulk.asp

And that is the plan. Any thoughts?