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Showing content with the highest reputation on 03/04/2016 in Posts

  1. Don, thank you so much for posting this excellent write-up. Your planning, workmanship, and attention to detail is great. As a future (hopefully) owner of a Transit Connect this is very valuable to me.
    1 point
  2. Here's a couple extras! The first is a drawing with all the measurements for the single piece plywood deck I built. And these measurements were corrected to fix the errors I described earlier. Naturally these were for my vehicle so there's no guarantee they'll match yours if you want to try this build. But it should be close if you have a LWB Wagon. The second is a quick diagram and explanation I had for some alternate ways of doing the job that occurred to me during the build. My initial thought was for a smooth, strong and flat floor from a single continuous sheet. But you can get a bit more coverage, 57" wide at the doors instead of 48" wide, if you are willing to have a cut joint in the middle of your floor. It was also starting to become a pain every time I had to install and remove the single panel for the numerous trials and modifications. A narrower folding floor, 26" wide when folded with hinges, can be made in 3 pieces to make frequent installation and removal much easier. Unfortunately, it will also require a second (half) sheet of plywood. I tried and just couldn't seem to get all 3 pieces to pattern onto a single 4x8 sheet if you want the full 57" width at the doors. They are in PDF format for most universal viewing. That's part of the reason for the delay in posting this thread. It took a week to try to learn the DraftSight program well enough to produce a useful drawing. Transit Connect Floor Alternate Ideas.pdf Transit Connect Floor Dimensioned.pdf But if you want the CAD drawings I generated for these, PM me an email address to send them to. I tried to upload the .dwg files but the forum wouldn't allow it. Update: Found an error in the files orignally posted. Fixed the error and posted new corrected files.
    1 point
  3. As I mentioned in a previous post, I continued to look for "real" fog lights to replace the Hella work lamps I installed in place of the "juicers". I decided to take a chance on the Bulgarian fog lights mentioned by JJ Cobra back in May of 2010. Although JJ did not post a follow up, I saw the vendor was still selling them on eBay UK (I posted a picture in my gallery). I purchased a set and am very pleased. After installation they look almost the twin to the factory fog lights (I posted a finished picture in my gallery). This should be it for me and lighting. Six additional lights are enough!
    1 point
  4. It has taken a while, but I have finally finished all the exterior lighting on my 2010 Transit connect. I have added, in addition to the two Hella Optilux work lamps, two Hella Micro FF driving lamps on top of the Aries Push Bar, and two Hella Micro FF fog lamps on the right front of the push bar. The placement of the fog lamps is interesting. The push bar comes with two holes pre-drilled on the right side for an adaptor to carry traffic cones. I used the two holes to mount the fog laps. I added a spacer to give the lamps a little more room to adjust. The fog lamp beam pattern still covers the left side of the road. I removed the plug that covers the hole where the aux jack fitsand mounted the switch for the fog and driving lights. The work lights are controled by the main lighting switch from a 2011 Transit connect. Living out in the country, I can now turn nightime into daytime! I have posted a few pictures in the gallery.
    1 point
  5. I have been following this fog light post for many months. Here is what I have started. The post from Hal gave me the idea to first replace the lighting switch. The switch with two fog lamp postions, front and rear, as used in Europe, had an issue. The switch bezel was of a different design. When the pictures of the 2011 Transit Connect, which has front and rear fog lamps as an option, began to be posted last month, I looked very closely and noticed there were two icons for fog lamps on the bezel. I ordered the 2011 Ford Transit Connect lighting switch from my Ford dealer. Part number SW-6877, BT1Z-11654-A. Sure enough, it has two positions for fog lamps, just like Hal mentioned. Pull it out to the first stop for front fog lamps, and pull again to the second stop for rear fog lamps. The switch is a direct replacement, pin 83b is the +12 volts for the front fog lamp position, use it to enable a relay to power your front fog lights. Funny thing is, pin 83b is broken off on the original light switch! My next step will be to install fog lamps in place of the "juicers". I have doubts the fog lamps from eBay/Bulgaria will fit but would like to hear from someone who tried. I think the fog lamps from the 2011 Transit Connect will have the same issue. I do not think just cutting out the back of the "juicers" will give the fog lamp housings enough room to sit back far enough. Any information on fog lamps will be appreciated. Here is my update. it has been a long time coming! I looked for lighting that would be a easy fit in the "juicer" location. After many months and many web pages I found Hella HL88708 Optilux Projector work lamps. They are not listed as fog lamps or even driving lamps. Work lamps flood the area with light, no cut off top or bottom. After seeing how easy they would be to mount, I bought a pair to try out. Drill a 1 3/4 inch hole right down the center of the 'juicer" and that's it. The lamp mounts from the back with a large, 2 inch nut that tightens to the back of the "juicer". As for their lighting ability, lets say you would not be able to leave them on in traffic, they are bright! I was not expecting that much light from a 893 bulb with 37.5 watt output. The projector glass really makes a difference. The light projects further then the headlamps on low beam. So if you are looking for more light than fog lamps, this may be the way to go. I bought them (about 20.00 each) from WWW.RALLYLIGHTS.COM which is Susquehanna MotorSports. Nice people to deal with and their web site has everything you need to know or need about lighting. I have posted pictures in the gallery of the lamp mounted in my 2010 Transit Connect, also the 2011 lighting switch also mounted in my 2010. The lighting switch worked out quite well. The front fog lamp position allows the fog lamps to be on in the parking light position as well as the headlamp position. This fog lamp string started in November of 2009. Madlock coined the term "juicer" (perfect description) and JWWOODY up to now has been the only one to actually post a completed fog light installation. Has anyone else completed a fog lamp install on a 2010 Transit Connect? Now that I have the wiring and relay in place, I will continue to look for proper fog lamps. For now, since I live out in the country, I will have no problem finding reasons to turn on my new lighting.
    1 point
  6. I bought the lamps from Bulgaria and they got here today. They are not like the photos of the Ford lamps as shown above. They are a one piece housing the would be held in place by two screws. You need to remove the juice squeezers then mount these in the holes. I'll work on getting out my squeezers and report on what I find. There is no plug just two pigtails for conections. The price was right and they got here quicker then some stuff I ordered off the west coast, I live in Ohio. John
    1 point
  7. madlock

    Fog Lamps

    Thanks, King Neptune! I've actually crossed-paths with Trevor within the past 24 hours, and he's been terrifically helpful; but this has really boiled everything down to its essence. Thanks a bunch. I'd already deduced that the fascia/aperture is a single piece, and a hole saw is about as elegant as it's likely to get. (If only I had been hit in the FRONT end instead of the rear, I might have been able to work-in an EU bumper into the repairs. But then again, I should shut my mouth and not tempt fate. Repair parts are already going to be enough a problem.) With respect to the additional mounting hardware, unless it's to secure the fog lamp to the bracket that's ultimately mated (in bespoke manner) to the back of the cut-outs, are they even necessary? For the few additional dollars, I'm sure it's not worth worrying about; but by the time I'm done, I'd like to have documented an A to Z process. (I've already started contacting local firms that do boutique CNC and Hydrojet milling.) Rather than replacing the entire switch assembly, I may simply wire it into the existing switch poles used for the standards "reverse" fog lamp. It may very well simplify the process. Thanks again for having checked this out and sharing your findings. I had been planning to post an update, but my day's schedule got the best of me (which included my first trip to a body shop for an estimate). Thanks again! If I was smarter, I'd have just had Trevor send a proper EU Transit Connect over "Johnny Cash" style.
    1 point
  8. Contact Trevor Porter at trevor@fordpartsuk.com or www.fordpartsuk.com Fog Lamps Part #1209177 (Qty. 2) Lamp Screws Part #6707417 (Qty. 6) Lamp Clips Part #1369539 (Qty. 6) Headlamp Switch Part #1323829 (Qty. 1) Trevor can email you pics and diagrams of these parts along with pricing and methods of payment. All the parts will be shipped from the UK, with the exception of the switch, which will ship from Germany in order to have the proper set-up for LHD as opposed to the UK's RHD. The switch replaces your stock switch. The US fascia is different then the UK version. You will have to cut out the existing blank-out, as it is molded into the fascia. Even though the UK fog lamps come with the mounting bracket attached, you will have to fabricate some way to mount them from the back side of the fascia. I am going to fab my from aluminum and epoxy them to the back side, unless you want to spend the money for a UK fascia. There appears to be no existing plug-in in the existing US model harness (although there may be). That being said, there may be a need to run a few wires. If you are not versed in automotive electrics, and want everything to work properly with the new switch, I would have the installation done by an expert. Of course you can always just use a proper diameter fog lamp and simple rocker switch from any automotive parts store for an inexpensive installation. One thing about the TC that makes me just shake my head is the presence of the completely non-functioning fog lamp apertures. To me, it's absolutely lame, and something the TC wears as the same kind of badge of shame as the wholly cosmetic and completely non-beneficial Pontiac G8's faux "hood scoop" and Mustang GT Appearance Package's "Side Scoops". Hell, you might as strap one of those "rice rocket" spoilers to the top. In fact, even if I could manage to overcome my GM disgust enough to allow myself to enjoy the incredible performance car (not to mention value) the G8 GT happens to be, I still wouldn't own one out of sheer contempt for a maker that can't simply let a great vehicle be a great vehicle without resorting to spinning bow ties and clown shoes. (And the same goes for the Mustang until they no longer offer wholly fake side scoops). But I again digress. Anyway, I'm a BIG fog lamp proponent. I've already enabled my Flex's DTRL program to allow its fog lamps to become its DTRL's. But I MUCH prefer the yellow variety that actually increase visibility by cutting through fog instead of just making a vehicle more visible to others at the expense of additional glare. Plus, given the existence of the rear-facing fog lamp switch, it seems like the TC already has the control infrastructure in-place. In addition to correcting the fundamental wrong of a cosmetic-only feature, this seems like a terrific opportunity. Has anyone investigated adding aftermarket fog lamps to the TC or perhaps offer any guidance for doing so? Thanks!
    1 point
  9. madlock

    Fog Lamps

    Hi Roland. Thanks for jumping in. I went to a local dealer today who called me back after I inquired about the paint issue. They had no more help to offer obtaining OEM paint, but they have an affiliated body shop that, entirely on their own, took it upon themselves to mix a custom batch of their interpretation of "Frozen White" which they then sent to the dealer with their courier for my benefit absolutely gratis. While I do have some HTG (honest to goodness) Frozen White on its way over from the EU, (including clear cover coat), I was stunned by their unsolicited service. It makes me feel horrible that I couldn't have made it work to buy any of my 3 vehicles from them. (Although I did see a demo-driven EcoBoosted Flex on their showroom floor that I just might trade my 6-month old 2009 Flex to obtain). Anyway, the parts counter was good enough to print-out the parts diagram for the front bumper fascia; and precisely as you've noticed, despite the different color plastic and initial appearance, the black "inserts" do indeed seem to be fully integrated. Furthermore, no discreet part numbers exist. I suspect it would take a hole saw and a very stable hand to turn what we have into what I want. I swear, you have to live in the EU to own a decent TC. I just can't wait until they tool a domestic facility and can start making the full compliment of TC's and options available (including a Short Wheelbase version, one with left, right, or NO side doors, and so forth.) As a very pleased shareholder, I live in abject fear that Ford's recent darling halo may become a bit tarnished if North America ever REALLY figures out just how good Ford vehicles have been abroad for the past 30 years while they've effectively left the hometown fans to languish. Granted, European prices support MUCH more development and investment, (something WE in the states are going to benefit from tremendously as the global platforms finally reach full availability), and we can't get enough kids to finish high school, let alone pursue engineering degrees that would allow Ford to operate any sort of reasonable design capability here in the states, but those are other matters entirely. When mine goes in for collision repair, I'm going to ask them to have an in-depth look at the front end and precisely what may be made from the "dummy" fascia that exists. If it's as simple as drilling-out the juicers and fashioning a collar to mount the lamps, that's easy enough. I hope that proves to be the case. Many thanks!
    1 point
  10. madlock

    Fog Lamps

    Thanks, Roland. I too have been trying to ferret-out some squeaks and rattles, but I suspect they're the result of having been rear-ended last week. I might as well just let the body shop have their way and let them try to eradicate them on the insurance company's dime. As a perhaps-interesting aside, it seems that Ford has indeed pulled-forward the Transit Connect into North America so aggressively that they don't even offer a touch-up paint solution for Frozen White (Z2). I've had several dealer parts desks who I've known to work miracles in the past shaking their head after Ford has told them that the official solution for the moment is to advise collision repairers to mix their best alternative. This is absolutely inexcusable. I've been in contact with a couple European dealers (in th UK and on the Continent) with whom I'm arranging to provide me with not only touch-up pen/sticks, but also the 150ml spray can and a can of conventional paint to boot, all sent separately with the hope of that at least one will make it through US customs. I really get how important bringing products to market quickly has been to Ford's resurrection, but now that they've made so much progress resolving the product part of the equation, the glaring deficiencies that remain throughout the rest of their North American operations have become even more obvious. In the same vein, I too have asked some EU-based sources to obtain the actual lamps which seem to be shared with the European Focus. Though I may not be able to obtain the yellow, high visibility lamps I'd love to have, they standard white lamps appear to have integrated brackets that seem to be ready-to-mount, provide the North American TC "faux" lamp holes can be readily prepared to accept them. Does it seem that the "orange juicer" covers are easily removable? I'd appreciate any further insight you may have. Yes. Having lived in Belgium, I'm aware. However, as the audience here seems to be predominately American, and DTRL in the North American transit connect is implemented as an "always on" headlamp. with the lower bumper lights being referred-to as fog lamps, referring to them with any different terms would have been far less clear. Thanks for the additional info.
    1 point
  11. PetrosA

    Fog Lamps

    I can only speak from personal experience but... Most vehicles in Europe don't have front fog lights, yellow or otherwise. France is one of the exceptions (yellow headlights). Fog lights in almost every EU country are a bright red light mounted somewhere in the rear that you are only allow to use when visibility is less than 50 meters. You will get a ticket for using it any other time. The apertures are rather for DTRL which are standard on most vehicles nowadays since many (especially northern) EU countries mandate that you have your lights on for much, if not all, of the year. As a curious aside - many years ago before I left for Europe, I got some yellow gels and tacked them on to my headlights here in the US. There is no comparison to the visibility you have with yellow headlights in the fog. No add-on light even comes close.
    1 point
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