can I use existing fog light wires for Cibie Pallas

[gulf911sc]

Hi all, installing Cibie Pallas rally hood lights on my 1978 911 SC. I am removing the original lower fog lights on the car and am wondering if I can use the wiring from the original fog lights for the Cibie lights? Or do the Cibie's require a heavier wire or relays for the lights?

Any advice and help would be great, want to make sure I wire these up correctly and don't burn up the car.

[Joe Bob]

I have upgraded lighting on a number of rides. I have learned the best thing to do is install relays and separate wiring. Porsche did a LOT of stupid things electrically....not LUCAS stupid but definitely in the top ten. I have had lousy vision most of my life, so I appreciate good lighting. I actually carry 4 stream-light flashlights due to my low light visual acuity when I travel.

People laugh but I can see....I have three LEDs on the front of my SC and use them in rural areas. I have frozen deer on the side of the road prior to them crossing. I would say my lights saved my life....big deer versus my 911? I would lose....

Parts for a vintage Porsche ride aren't getting any cheaper, so I have isolated any add on lighting and used separate switches and use a fuse that isn't used by any other circuit or accessory. I also dumped the old style fuse block and upgraded to a modern double blade fuse system available from PP.

Maybe overkill but I have replaced dead hi/lo head light switches, ignition switches and other sub standard lowest bidder Porsche accessories items.

I have seen electrical fires and melted switches. Be safe, be cool and anticipate failure from 30+ year old wiring.

Just my $.02.....
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[4flyboy]

Well said Joe Bob

[GeorgeK]

You can use the fog light wires as triggers for relays to power the Cibies. One less wire to route, and you have your fog light switch in the car already.

[gulf911sc]

Great, thanks will do. yes I figured the original wiring would not be the best fit. Thanks all.

[donporfi]

I think you should not use the fog lights wires.
The fog lights are wired to be used with the low beams, when you turn on the high beams the fog lights turn off.
The Cibie Pallas are for long range illumination and can be used with the high beams. But if you use the fog light wires, when you turn on the high beams the Cibie Pallas will turn off.

[timmy2]

donporfi,
Just an FYI, the fog lamps can be made to work with all lights on, even just the running lights.
Only need to move a couple of wires on the front fuse panel. (Move relay trigger to fuse 2)

It is trusting the 39 year old wires to safely carry the added load of these lamps that would concern me.

[donporfi]

timmy2
thanks, I will take note. Will use fog wire for the trigger of the relay, after moving to fuse 2. That is the only wire that needs to be moved ?

[timmy2]

For '74 and newer US is fuse 5 (One *) European is fuse 2 (two**)