I received and installed my rear fog lamp kit yesterday from Minispeed. http://www.minspeed.net/R56BLK.htm. The complete MCS kit (for $75) contained two OEM Mini fog lamps, two heavy duty wiring harnesses, 4 quick connect wire taps, and complete instructions. I was very impressed with the quality of everything sent, and the intallation, following the instructions, it took all of 45 minutes. I highly recommend it. The only thing you might want to consider is caulking the holes you will be drilling in the plastic body plugs used to feed the wires through, in order to provide a water-tight seal. I did.

For those considering the addition of rear fogs on your non-fog car, the car does look better IMHO with them, as it eliminates those useless blanks in the lower bumper filler. In short, it looks more complete. More importantly, the aforementioned kit also converts the rear fogs to running/brake lights, which are on whenever the headlamps are on, and brighter yet when the brake pedal is depressed. In order of importance, I would rate this as a top upgrade to avoid getting run over by tail-gaters.

Next, I plan to add a rear upper brake light pulsar unit to flash when the brake lights are illuminated. http://www.gominigo.com/Pulsar-gen2.html

This may all seem a bit silly, but the car is very small and I carry my family around in it. I also note that, after only 500 miles on the clock, many people tail-gate me to either get a better look, or just to scare the crap out of me. I am hoping this all will help.

 

Any comments on getting the taillight trim off? Easy? Hard? Anything you'd do differently?
Also I didn't know they would be always on, I thought they would just be for braking. Hmmm.

 

Tail lamp trim rings are very easy to remove. You need to wrap a small flat blade screw driver with tape, and gently but forcefully lift upwards (don't pry against paint) from around the outer edges. They pop off, but you just need to be careful. Next, yes, they stay on as running lights when your headlamps are on (a good thing in my mind), and illuminate brighter when the brakes are activated.

 

+1 on this from me too. I drive I-66 daily in N.VA traffic and some idiot is always behind you texting or phoning or whatever and not paying attention. I added the pulser for the CMHSL as well, and when you light everything up when you step on the brakes, I have noted in my rearview mirror that it gets people's attention a LOT better than our little tiny brake lights. I think everyone should prob do this.
Fig

 

I have been making experiments for a year now, basically since
my car was rear ended by a xanax popping cellphone talking
no looking idiot in the direct tv van.

Upgrade your rear bulbs to halogen, 50% less tailgaiters.
Upgrade your third brake light with the modulator blinker,
50% less tailgaiters.
Using both together, 99% less tailgaiters.

I just installed third light modulators in all our vehicles.

Everyone should get this thing, regardless if the car is small.
It helps a lot.

 

Link to halogen bulbs please

 

X2. I installed the 3rd brakelight pulser. Upgrading the rear bulbs will definitely be synergistic.

 

http://www.racinglab.com/
Click on accessory bulbs.
I've found them to be honest and reliable and have
a great selection. I've seen similar elsewhere maybe
a little less but not much.

As noted from your motorcycle safety instructor -
bright, contrasting colors are best.

If you get one (pair, need 2 total) ultra white 1156 bulb,
and one (again, pair, need 2 total) ultra red 1156 bulb, it
gives an orange-red color in the top lens, and a red-red
color in the bottom lens. (each lense has two brake light bulbs
if you didn't know). Total is 4 bulbs needed.

I see similar items locally. I wasn't worried about the shipping.
After the first test case, I upgraded all the rear bulbs in all our
cars. (and yes it cost some jack to do that but I think worth
it to stop getting smashed)

 

Our other cars do not have 3rd light LEDs.
I found these people to be very fast and honest.
Great product for making lights blink that are non LED.

http://www.comagination.com/

I'm not affiliated with anybody ha ha.

I have just found this to be the best thing since catnip.

If you have more than one car, you have to experiment some.
Our VW and honda have the 1157 bulb, which is like dual filament.
The red seemed to work best for the VW.
The white seemed to work best for the honda.

One of these rear enders really pootered me up.
Most likely for life.

The new experiment involves rear facing DRLs.
That's next months project.
Not too bright mind you but enough to make cell phone talking
no drivers look up from their texting (maybe).