re: fog/driving lights for aero bumper coupe/4000 '85-87 in USA

[C1J1Miller@aol.com]

re: adding fog lights into the blank reflectors on a 4000q
>I have been meaning to ask:  where can we get fog lights that
>will fit into the openings on the bumper?  Unless I missed it,
>my owners manual doesn't mention fog lights.  Was this a European
>option or something?  It's obvious that that's what the places
>in the bumper are there for.
>Dave

Brett replied:
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Curiously, the euro driving/fog lights for a 87 944T look VERY much like
they would fit in a 4k's bumper.  Not sure.  Would be neat; the lights are
called "Laser beams of death" by porsche list members, and they arranged
for a group purchase.  You would have to shim the back to lower the beam,
since on a 944 they sit wicked low to the ground...if someone sends me the
dimensions of the opening in the bumper, I'll measure the US spec lights
that came out when the euro spec ones went in and see if they would fit.
------------
Unfortunately, the blank reflectors on the 4000q are mounted over the mounting
points for the bumper; there's no room there for lights.  Remove the two
philips screws on one of the turn signals, and remove, then pull off the blank
reflector plate to see for yourself.  You'd be better off trying to fit a
driving light into the turn signal portion, and move the turn signals to the
corner markers (with a new bulb socket etc.).  Or better yet, do it the
factory way.  The factory used to sell an add-on fog light kit where the fogs
mounted in the lower grill work. They sold the lights, triangular metal mounts
to support the lights, a relay, and the dash switch.  You could also purchase
a lower grill pre-cut for  the fogs; they also provided a template for cutting
your existing grill. 

These are (to the best of my knowledge) definately not available any more,
much like the chin spoiler that was sold, but could easily be custom made
yourself.

As I remember, the fogs were wired to go on only (either) when the marker
lights or low beams were on (so you wouldn't leave them on and drain your
battery).  Power for the lights came direct from the battery through the
relay.

I don't know what lights would fit in the turn signal hole; anyone with a 4000
'85-87 want to take some measurements?  From memory, Jeffrey Goggins reported
back a while ago that the late model (probably back a generation>) firebird
(or was it Camaro?) driving lights matched the 5000/100/200 turn signal
openings/bumper angle quite well; no idea if that's the same size or not.

That said; price getting european lights.  By all reports, this is the very
best solution to the poor USA lighting.  The difference in price is reportedly
well worth the effort; I for one hate driving past oncoming traffic with more
than 2 lights blaring at me.  Seems to me that four point source lights affect
the night vision of oncoming traffic much more than two bright but very
focused eurolights.  Say 10% of the light output goes into the oncoming
traffic's eyes.  4 x 50 watts x 10% = 20 watts; now euros:  2 x 50 watts x 10%
= 10 watts.  To get the same annoyance factor, seems like your euros could
throw 2 x 100 watts and seem about the same.  And, I'd bet the 2 x 50 watt
euros provide a more useable light pattern than the 4 x 50 watts US lights
with driving lights.

HTH, Chris Miller, Windham NH, c1j1miller@aol.com
http://members.aol.com/c1j1miller/index.html