Side reflectors.

[jtopps]

What are they actually for and what do they actually do? Havent actually checked when they light up (if at all). Are they required for legal driving in this country? I was wanting to do some smoothing of the bodywork (the groove running around the circumference) and if its not a legal requirement to have the reflectors on the bumper then I may remove them too and smooth the holes.

[Eighteeteewhy]

They help cars approaching you from the side see you. Not a legal requirement AFAIK.

You can get aftermarket White/Smoked ones to make them a bit more subtle.

[PlayersNo6]

I'd imagine they would be wired up for the US market as side markers - for us however they're just blanks (same as Triumph TR7 and Stag)

[MX-5 Lazza]

Not required in this country. I think they have to be fitted (not lit) for US.

Edited by MX-5 Lazza on Monday 26th March 12:14

[Raffles]

If you see pictures of the cars from USA and Canada they are always lit. It is a legal requirement there.

[gforceg]

I was working on the mx5 yesterday (and will be again today!) and noticed that the back of these reflectors appear to have a moulding that could house a bulb if needed. I suppose they are a one-size-fits-all job to cover all markets.

[InertialTooth45]

They do hold bulbs with a bit of careful trimming. I've got these as my front indicators now and have fitted bigger sidelights in the original units.

Not sure on the legal aspect of it though as I've not had to put it through an MOT yet.

[VladD]

Dear VladD.

Thank you for your email enquiry dated 26th March 2012 concerning
reflectors.

If the reflectors are fitted to the side of the vehicle and face only to
the side then they are not a requirement for MOT purposes. If they are the
forward and rear facing reflectors (which can sometimes "wrap around" onto
the wings) then these are required.

I hope this information has assisted you with your enquiry, but if you have
any further questions please do not hesitate to contact us again.

Kind Regards

Mark J Evans
Customer Service Centre
VOSA Operations Directorate
Tel: [phone]

[jtopps]

Not needed then I did see the aftermarket clear or smoked ones but if I'm gonna be getting out the fibreglass, resin and filler before re-spraying the bumper then I may as well whip em out to go with the slightly smoother look. Cheers for the help everyone, as usual fellow PHers are very useful.

[Craikeybaby]

I painted them body colour on my mk1 and that didn't cause it to fail any MOTs.

[rob0971]

I have just filled mine in & resprayed the bumper.

[VladD]

rob0971 said:

I have just filled mine in & resprayed the bumper.

Could you post some photos?

[rob0971]

Have a look here http://www.mx5nutz.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=3...
Its on the last page.

[jtopps]

That my friend is a stunning motor and i definitely want to remove and smooth those reflectors now. give me good inspiration because mines BRG with tan leather too. Where did you get/ how did you make your offset number plate mount? thats another job I wanna do when I do the smoothing of the front bumper.

[rob0971]

Cheers mate.
Have a look here http://www.mx5nutz.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=1...
& here http://www.mx5nutz.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=9...
Loads of info on Nutz & worth registering if you havent already.
Rob

[jtopps]

I'll get a profile set up ASAP on it and tell you my username when ive done it. definitely want to follow your project as I'm very interested in taking a forced induction route with mine too.