Mazda: RX7 Headlights -- Running Lights?, halogen bulbs, fog lamps

Question
Hello Mr. Mooresmith,

I have recently bought a 1987 Mazda RX7. It has pop up headlights, and I'm wondering about what one can do about running-lights for daytime driving.  I don't like the idea of having to keep the pop-ups open all the time.  I bought a couple of small fog lamps that I was thinking of installing for this purpose, but I note that each headlight has a clear plastic lense (about 2 1/2 inches by 8 inches or so) for use when the light covers are closed and you want to flash the lights to alert someone that you are about to pass.  Can the lights be rigged up somehow so that they will stay on, with the pop-ups down, to shine through these lenses during the day.  Or do they get too hot in there?  Is it simply a choice of driving without running lights during the day, or else with the pop-ups open all the time?  Or, is the fog lamp idea the best solution?  Is there any typical approach to this that you know of?

Best wishes to you, and thanks very much for considering this question.

Hugh Smith

Answer
Dear Hugh,
Sorry for the delay in responding, I've been away for a couple of days.
The lights were designed this way to accomodate most global regulations and as you say the purpose of the clear lens is to flash people "out of the way"!
The UK models came with driving lamps, placed in the lower bumper area. Fog lamps were also available on some models, where markets called for them, depending upon climate etc.
It is possible to rewire the relay and install a switch so as to control the pop-up manually, but I do not recommend it. I've seen a lot of expensive mistakes!
Heat is a consideration, especially if you have uprated the halogen bulbs.
The main consideration is the positioning of the light beam. It is in the wrong position without pop-up and in some countries would impose a large fine if caught by the police, so I really must encourage you to keep it as Mazda intended it to be.
I would favour the driving lamps which offer a strong beam,
that does not annoy other drivers.
Kind regards
Andy
mx5.mazda@talk21.com
www.mazda-cars.com