Day Time Running Lights (DRL's) made easy... Part 1

Hello everyone. I'm new to this Forum, and I'm aware there is an enormous amount of useful information to be used positively. And some that isn't too - sadly.

I'm about to install a set of Daytime Running Lights (DRL's) onto my Freelander 1 Facelift, and feel certain it can not only be adapted to all the Freelanders but also for most other Land Rovers as well.

I have been busy taking measurements on my TD4's front end today, working out where to install lights without any kind of modification, such as drilling, etc. In other words, using what is already available.

What I have designed is not only inexpensive but is also a straightforward installation & solution. It does entail a bit of wiring though.

I have ordered some parts I need on Ebay, and they are now on their way, although from Hong-Kong; so they might take a while.

I'm writing this to allow others to contemplate the idea there is something that is easy to do, and will not only enhance your car but also be handy and safer for any who decide to adopt my idea.

I will be taking photo's as my project advances, so to any who are considering doing something to fit DRL's, and perhaps drilling or whatever to do so, please wait until I write again.
It is so simple you will all kick yourselves for missing it. I could only laugh when the idea occurred to me.

That idea progressed from what I saw today in a Supermarket Carpark. I spotted a similar car to my own and there was a lengthy horizontal DRL monstrosity bolted onto its front bumper. A lengthy bar of LED's, supported by cheap-looking nickel-plated brackets. I would hate to be a pedestrian that got smacked by what I saw! There are those who seem to think that cheap bolt-on gismos are the beez-neez. But they miss the fact that what they have is an abomination to the eye, as this was. I regret not taking a photo of it. Should I see it again I certainly will!

So, as soon as I have completed my project I will enlighten all.
Watch this space.

Hurry up!!!

Have fitted them to MG Rover headlights, softening the Butyl in the oven, then separating the lense from the case, using angel eyes as DRL's.


Also did similar to my GoldWing.

uuuhmm not wanting be factious, but living in sweden we have daytime running lights on all our cars, so there must be an easy way to get your drl's (ie side lights) to turn on automatically, on my car the switch is to the left of the steering wheel, it has a little sign auto there, if i turn the switch there, my drl's turn on and off as I engage the ignition or stop the car. hang on now I think about it, that brings up the dipped beam as well, so you can be seen really well

Zenerdiode said:

I have ordered some parts I need on Ebay, and they are now on their way, although from Hong-Kong; so they might take a while.

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Make sure they're E marked, or they're not legally allowed to be turned on, on the public highway, unless they're classified as auxiliary lighting, which basically means on with main beams only.

Zenerdiode said:

A lengthy bar of LED's, supported by cheap-looking nickel-plated brackets. I would hate to be a pedestrian that got smacked by what I saw!

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I think a pedestrian being struck by a couple of tons of vehicle, is more of an issue, and not what's bolted to it.

Zenerdiode said:

There are those who seem to think that cheap bolt-on gismos are the beez-neez.

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I think my LED light bar looks ok, and gives me loads of additional light, which the Freelander sadly lacks. It's a compromise between looks and functionality.

Operating them is a doddle, using a relay NC to run them, and the sidelights to switch from NC to NO , it is where to put them, and how to fit them. I thought of popping a headlight off to see how the lense is fixed, if butyl rubber it is a cinch.

Nodge68 said:

I think my LED light bar looks ok, and gives me loads of additional light, which the Freelander sadly lacks. It's a compromise between looks and functionality. View attachment 188593

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Looks a damn good compromise to me.

Devilish said:

I thought of popping a headlight off to see how the lense is fixed, if butyl rubber it is a cinch.

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The headlamp lens is glued on pretty solid (possibly softened in an oven). Also non E marked modifications to the headlamp units are now an MOT fail (unfortunately).

Devilish said:

Looks a damn good compromise to me.

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Thanks. That was the general consensus when I installed it a few years ago.

Devilish said:

Have fitted them to MG Rover headlights, softening the Butyl in the oven, then separating the lense from the case, using angel eyes as DRL's.

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Nice Job. Lovely looking motor too.

When I had my Hayabusa one of my mods was a strip of led lights fitted around the air intakes either side of the headlamps - made it very noticeable. I had thought of something similar on my facelift freelander by fitting some under the headlamp and wiring them into the sidelights (how my 'busa ones were wired). There are all sorts of cheap lengths of 12 volt led strips on fleabay but with the new MOT rules I doubt it would be legal.
I'm about to do a similar thing to my TL1000R (I'd like to do the angel eyes mod but no way am I putting my headlamp in the oven), fortunately I'm well known where I have my bike MOT'd and they are not overly fussy about modifications as long as they aren't dangerous.
On a side note - it will be very interesting to see if the van by me passes an MOT, the front is covered in little led light units, looks like a christmas tree.

I've just written a follow-up, as a New thread.

Zenerdiode said:

So, as soon as I have completed my project I will enlighten all.

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Here's the positioning information on DRL installation.