What Rear Lights Do I Need ?

meego said:

Did you use the adaptors or similar to the ones in my post #6 ??

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I did not as it was part of my rebuild after the fire so I fitted new 300tdi wiring looms throughout to match. But I plan on using the adapters shown for my station wagon rebuild.

Hicap phill said:

Thought….

If you put the capping on but don’t enlarge the body work (for the bigger indicators)
Would the fixings still work on the old smaller lights ?
You would be using the body work not the capping to fix to and the diameter of the lights will still cover the new cappings.

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I’ll check that in the morning

Hicap phill said:

Thought….

If you put the capping on but don’t enlarge the body work (for the bigger indicators)
Would the fixings still work on the old smaller lights ?
You would be using the body work not the capping to fix to and the diameter of the lights will still cover the new cappings

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The body work holes are the same size as the new bracket hole’s unfortunately. They look smaller in the photo, but that’s a hoptical conclusion.

Also the newer corner brackets are longer than the originals. It looks like they actually go under the tub cappings by about 15mm, but the originals just butted up to them Either that, or some past owner cut a half inch off them for easier fitment.

Are the correct panels not available?

Anaconda said:

HDG Light Cluster - Early Defender

Brand New Land Rover Defender Light Cluster/Rear Capping are 1.2mm thick mild steel and hot dipped galvanised Machine cut and CNC pressed for accuracy. Made to butt up to the capping, this option has the smaller hole with small around. Ready to rivet in place. Can be bought separately please...

yrmit.co.uk

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I seen those. I was too miserable to spend that, but spent 30 quid on the ones I’ve got, that are probably going to cost me more to sort out. Thanks for making me feel sh*t about it now

meego said:

I seen those. I was too miserable to spend that, but spent 30 quid on the ones I’ve got, that are probably going to cost me more to sort out. Thanks for making me feel sh*t about it now

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Don't worry, that's the exact same thing I would do

meego said:

The body work holes are the same size as the new bracket hole’s unfortunately. They look smaller in the photo, but that’s a hoptical conclusion.
View attachment 311598

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Can you fix a piece of metal then on the inside ? Re drill the hole for the old size lights you use.
Bit of tiger seal type stuff & the screws for the light will hold it in place.
Internal covers will hide any work you do.
You can not put the plate between capping & bodywork as it would leave a gap. This is also why you cut the inch off to make sure top cappings have no gaps

Hicap phill said:

Can you fix a piece of metal then on the inside ? Re drill the hole for the old size lights you use.
Bit of tiger seal type stuff & the screws for the light will hold it in place.
Internal covers will hide any work you do.
You can not put the plate between capping & bodywork as it would leave a gap. This is also why you cut the inch off to make sure top cappings have no gaps

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I have considered that as well, but I’m warming to the idea of newer lights, possibly even LED. On cutting the bracket down. The replacement galv ones have a very clear mark, and are shinier where they have been tucked under the capping. It’s actually making me wonder what they have come off of !!! They are bare galvanised and have never been painted either, so I’m thinking a pick up or similar ???

Anaconda said:

Don't worry, that's the exact same thing I would do

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I’ve ended up ordering this kit. I’ll get the new lights shorty. The decider was having the convenience of just unplugging the lights for any future works. I’m not convinced they will all earth though. Time will tell.