This is a bit of an odd question but one I started wondering about randomly today, I remember when I was young it seemed quite normal for cars to be missing reversing and tail lights on their rear light clusters so instead they would be attached hanging off underneath.  I assume this was because the lights were required but the manufacturer didn't offer them?  How did they wire in exactly, was there wiring fitted or did it all have to be fitted?

 

John

I can't recollect them as being 'required' - more an aftermarket fitment on the cars I can remember. Maybe that's why they appeared to be hanging underneath?

 

Actually by 'tail lights' do you mean rear fog lights as cars have always had tail lights fitted.

Yes sorry, I was meaning a fog light - they seemed quite common and on fairly basic cars like Fiestas and similar so I assumed it must be required.  I can't find a good example of a car with both but this one has the style of light I'm meaning:

 

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3249/2590646312_bc4039b777_z.jpg

 

https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7270/7410478998_9d779bb71e_b.jpg

 

 

John

Edited 3 June, 201511 yr by JohnMcL7

reverse lights were wired from fuse box to reverse light switch on the gear box the to the reverse light which was built in to the rear light unit fog light was by means of a switch on the dash 1974 mk2 escort were wired this way some were optional extra that is why some were bolted on the bumper

mk 1 fiesta was a similar set  up

I remember my father fitting a reverse or fog light to his Mk2 Cortina

Lots of swear words!

I remember my father fitting a reverse or fog light to his Mk2 Cortina

Lots of swear words!

 

Don't forget that Cibies such as these were a 'must' too!

 

 

Mind you, I only fitted the front fog lights instead of those MF's!

 

Oh yes!!

Red light shining on the back axle .

You mean like this.
 

Reverse lights are not a legal requirement in the uk, but some just added them for safety sake, rear fog is mandatory so on cars built in a market where a rear fog is not required by law they add an additional lamp so the cars meets the type approval requirements and/or constructions and use regs.

The rear-engine Rapid had the reverse lights as part of the rear clusters and two fog lights attached to the underside of the rear bumper - I would think the Estelles would be the same. Don't know how they were wired though.