Fog/driving lights 81-82 bumper

[GMC_Nick]

Hey guys need some help getting an idea on what to do before I dig into cutting and messing around. I have a 89 gmc single headlight setup on my truck and the visibility isn't the best so I picked up a 81-82 bumper. I'm pretty much just looking to wire them up to a flip switch but I'm new to wiring and I'm not sure what the best way to wire them up would be. I have the sockets and plan to use the original housings with 1157 LED bulbs.
In short I'm using a turn signal bumper to add lights on a switch and I need some ideas on how to do it.

 

[Grit dog]

1157s are turn signal dual filament. 1156 would be more appropriate and fit. But neither will put out enough light to make a noticeable difference. Imo.
I’d also suspect the reflectors in turn signal housings aren’t designed to project light like a driving light or headlight.
Although interested to hear if I’m wrong or not. As this is a mod that seems pretty cool for 80s squarebodys.

I’d be thinking more about mounting something like these inside the opening.

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[Grit dog]

Best way to wire them up traditionally would be with a relay so not running full draw from battery/power source back to cab and back to the lights.
But for the little LED turn signal bulbs that’s not an issue as they draw less than 1 amp collectively. And even 6” led driving lights only pull about 3amps/each.
I installed a little marine fuse panel over by the battery on the 86, to provide a clean source for all non factory power accessories. Was only like $30 and used some leftover cable to wire it up.

 

[Grit dog]

And don’t cut anything factory unless you want to tap into existing lighting for a trigger wire to have them come on automatically with your choice of factory lighting.

 

[Craig 85]

One of the best fog lights I've ever used was the Hell 550 clear fog light. They might be a hair big for the opening, but would still have that old school look.

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[bucket]

It may be worth replacing the headlights too. The garden variety Tru Vision (I "think" that's the name) sealed beam lights have pretty darn good output that rivals a lot of newer vehicles.

 

[Muddybuddy]

Ive been wanting to do the same, but have been holding off until I can find a good solution I like. Too bad that companies dont offer a retro modern/clear housing designed for fog light usage. Lmc sells clear lenses, but they are designed for the turn signal function not projecting as driving lights. Best option seems to be mounting some sort of spot light in the openings, but wont have the clean factory-ish appearance

 

[GMC_Nick]

Ive been wanting to do the same, but have been holding off until I can find a good solution I like. Too bad that companies dont offer a retro modern/clear housing designed for fog light usage. Lmc sells clear lenses, but they are designed for the turn signal function not projecting as driving lights. Best option seems to be mounting some sort of spot light in the openings, but wont have the clean factory-ish appearance

I ended up using the factory housings with 1157 bulbs wired to a relay on a switch so power is straight from the battery. I wanted more of a driving light so i just stuck with the regular 1157 but I had an led bulb that was rated at 2000 lumens just as good as a fog light they were super bright. They may not be exactly the angle you'd want but they'd defiantly be a good option

 

[GMC_Nick]

with just some cheapo bulbs in it

 

[Grit dog]

But a 1157 bulb is a tail/brake light. So you have it wired to burn both filaments I presume (like stepping on the brakes)? Curious to see how long they last.

 

[GMC_Nick]

But a 1157 bulb is a tail/brake light. So you have it wired to burn both filaments I presume (like stepping on the brakes)? Curious to see how long they last.

Yeah but I have them wired to come on with my headlights, because I used the same socket that the turn signals would use I just have a wire running the the positive and they ground to the bottom of the core/rad support and the 3rd wire capped off that you would use to make it a turn signal. It's the right bulb for the socket so both filament are on and they are pretty bright for being regular brake/tail light bulbs. I doubt they will last long because they were ones I had laying around not only that I'm not sure how they are going to handle getting hot. The led bulbs I had were way too bright so I have to get something a little lower like 1000-1200 lumens. I can post some pics of how much the bumper lights light when it gets dark.

 

[Grit dog]

The LEDs sound perfect then!
Brighter and don’t get hot.

Great creative mod btw!

 

[Bennyt]

Anyone use the fog light bumpers that LMC and others sell?

 

[GMC_Nick]

Here's some pics of how much light they put out with just the bumper lights on incase anyone wanted to see

 

[Muddybuddy]

Thats great output. You’ve sold me on it. Thanks!