Hey all,
I’ve been tinkering on a small project and wanted to throw it out here to get some real-world feedback.
Like a lot of you, I've run an ARB bumper for years. One thing that’s always bugged me is the factory signal and indicator setup. The lamps leak. They’re redundant and often missing or broken. They don’t put out useful light and, honestly, they just don’t look great. They are solid bumpers but its one detail that never felt finished. Something deep down tells me that people would love to at least have alternative options.
What I ended up with is a replacement mounting system that lets you run modern fog or driving lights in the factory ARB signal location while keeping a clean look. The goal was to make that spot actually useful and still feel like it belongs on the truck. So far I've designed the system to work with Baja S2 and Diode SSC2. Both great lights IMO.
the two versions I've got cover all of the older Mk1 VW style amber lights, as well as the newer summit/deluxe shape I just call capsule or pill shaped. still working on a version for the integrated fog/signal as its more complex. What's awesome is this isn't limited to any series of vehicle, just to the style of lamp ARB used when designing and building them.
Before I assume anything, I’d honestly like to hear what others think:
I've set up a small website so people can see the options and learn about how they can make the upgrade, I've opened up a preorder page with the designs I've made to see if i can justify taking a shot at this. I've seen a few vendors do something similar, but none I've seen do it very well.
Appreciate any thoughts, good or bad.
I’ve been tinkering on a small project and wanted to throw it out here to get some real-world feedback.
Like a lot of you, I've run an ARB bumper for years. One thing that’s always bugged me is the factory signal and indicator setup. The lamps leak. They’re redundant and often missing or broken. They don’t put out useful light and, honestly, they just don’t look great. They are solid bumpers but its one detail that never felt finished. Something deep down tells me that people would love to at least have alternative options.
What I ended up with is a replacement mounting system that lets you run modern fog or driving lights in the factory ARB signal location while keeping a clean look. The goal was to make that spot actually useful and still feel like it belongs on the truck. So far I've designed the system to work with Baja S2 and Diode SSC2. Both great lights IMO.
the two versions I've got cover all of the older Mk1 VW style amber lights, as well as the newer summit/deluxe shape I just call capsule or pill shaped. still working on a version for the integrated fog/signal as its more complex. What's awesome is this isn't limited to any series of vehicle, just to the style of lamp ARB used when designing and building them.
Before I assume anything, I’d honestly like to hear what others think:
- Is this something you’d actually want to run? I've started an Instagram showing off what I've done - so far its just gotten lost in the noise
- Bracketry is all 1/8" aluminum, and has held my personal setup for years, plastic parts are all 3d printed and have held up pretty well. I've added lots of adjustments for both the light and the bracket so that the person using the kit can fine tune the light, it is however a little limited as both lights have to sit behind the bumpers cutout.
- This is a DIY level install, the screw holes have to be enlarged with a step bit but that's it. plus light wiring
- I've sold some early sets to several guys locally, so far the feedback has been positive.
- I've also prototyped an electronics package to allow for dual fog/signal function. for those that need to use that space as a signal lamp too.
- Any other light fitments I should be thinking about? I've considered making just a basic dual intensity marker with a small LED, for those who want to keep a signal a signal only
I've set up a small website so people can see the options and learn about how they can make the upgrade, I've opened up a preorder page with the designs I've made to see if i can justify taking a shot at this. I've seen a few vendors do something similar, but none I've seen do it very well.
Appreciate any thoughts, good or bad.