280z On UK Roads - Brake Lights

BenjEtch

BenjEtch

Club Member
Hi all,

I'm looking for some info regarding the rear brake lights/housing on my 280z. To be road legal in the UK I know that they have to be orange, but do I need to change the actual lenses or just get some orange bulbs?

If I need to change the lenses, can I change them individually instead of buying a whole rear light assembly?

Thanks!
 
Hi, assuming you mean indicators ?

The lens would still show a red indicator even with the orange bulb, potentially not enough of a colour change.

I found these:

klearz.com

Klearz

Custom Clear Lenses
klearz.com klearz.com

Hope it helps 🙂
 
Your indicators have to be orange but it was the case that you had a year to change after the first date of registration I think back in the day so you need a clear lens with an orange bulb or a set of uk rear lights which I have a spare set,the 280 z has orange front indicator lens so your ok with that
 
M-j-b said:
Hi, assuming you mean indicators ?

The lens would still show a red indicator even with the orange bulb, potentially not enough of a colour change.

I found these:

klearz.com

Klearz

Custom Clear Lenses
klearz.com klearz.com

Hope it helps 🙂
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Apologies, yes indicators I mean! Oh, they look good! Do you know if its an easy swap? I assume I'd just need a pair of amber lenses for the indicators, then I'm good to go?
 
status said:
Your indicators have to be orange but it was the case that you had a year to change after the first date of registration I think back in the day so you need a clear lens with an orange bulb or a set of uk rear lights which I have a spare set,the 280 z has orange front indicator lens so your ok with that
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Ah, right I'm with you! Is your set for sale? If so I'll drop you a message!
 
Mr Tenno said:
I believe orange LED bulbs may also pass under red if they're bright enough
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Yes, I've heard this also and it sounds to be the easiest route. I presume you can get straight swaps for the indicator bulbs? As I've seen some very fancy kits that require you to open up and modify the whole housing.
 
BenjEtch said:
Yes, I've heard this also and it sounds to be the easiest route. I presume you can get straight swaps for the indicator bulbs? As I've seen some very fancy kits that require you to open up and modify the whole housing.
Click to expand...

Yep. There are ones out there, not tested them myself though.

Don't forget you'll also need to do something about the side marker lights.
 
Mr Tenno said:
Yep. There are ones out there, not tested them myself though.

Don't forget you'll also need to do something about the side marker lights.
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Yes, I've seen threads about these needing modifications too. I presume they're the ones on the front fenders? Am I right in thinking I need to disconnect them and wire them into the indicator loop? Sorry for the newbie questions!
 
The orange bulb swop won’t cut it according to two mot testers ( mates) I asked after reading this,both different garages,mine could be for sale but like other bits now days they ain’t cheap
 
I have these new indicator lenses if you just wanted to change the red lenses to orange on the rear lights of a 260z/280z
 

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BenjEtch said:
Yes, I've seen threads about these needing modifications too. I presume they're the ones on the front fenders? Am I right in thinking I need to disconnect them and wire them into the indicator loop? Sorry for the newbie questions!
Click to expand...

Technically you just need to disconnect them but often yes they get wired into the indicators
 
The actual lense swap is really straight forward. You can pretty much pry them off. Just clean the old sealant off and reseal them afterwards.
 
Geoff-R said:
The actual lense swap is really straight forward. You can pretty much pry them off. Just clean the old sealant off and reseal them afterwards.
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I would definitely recommend using a hairdryer to soften the sealant first though. I’ve done two and the sealant was solid and wouldn’t let go of the lenses.
 
BenjEtch said:
Hi all,

I'm looking for some info regarding the rear brake lights/housing on my 280z. To be road legal in the UK I know that they have to be orange, but do I need to change the actual lenses or just get some orange bulbs?

If I need to change the lenses, can I change them individually instead of buying a whole rear light assembly?

Thanks!
Click to expand...
That's not technically true, plenty of USA cars that don't have Amber indicators.
Some MOT stations will pass them and some will fail them.
 
moggy240 said:
That's not technically true, plenty of USA cars that don't have Amber indicators.
Some MOT stations will pass them and some will fail them.
Click to expand...
Interesting one, I feel like it's a bit of a grey area! I think I'll get some amber lenses just to be on the safe side but its really good info to have!
 
To change mine I used very hot tap water (I also washed the years of dirt off inside and out whilst at it)
This made it really easy to take off the lens.

I then used a sturdy flat blade screwdriver whilst it was still hot to get out the excess left in the fitting.

I used white tiger grip to replace

Not a difficult job to do.
 
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