[prasaad95]

Originally Posted by Leoshashi

Nice, do share pics, and how it's fastened to the existing seats. Does it come with separate seat belts too for 7th occupant?

Regards,
Shashi

Eager to see the pictures and don't think it comes with a seatbelt. If yes, nothing like it. I'm particularly looking for it to keep knick knacks, snack bags etc.

[Leoshashi]

Increasing the visibility: Part 1-Door Reflectors The doors of XL6 open quite wide, and I always wanted some kind of warning or reflector integrated into the design. Didn't like those rechargeable batteries based units. Some Tata cars get this red round reflector sticker on door edge, and that appeared like a cleaner solution to me.

Part Number and price:

Regards,
Shashi

[mp417]

Originally Posted by Leoshashi

Part Number and price:

This is interesting and should be very useful. Where did you purchase this?
I did a quick search on Boodmo. Thanks for sharing the part #

https://boodmo.com/catalog/part-refl..._door-6605429/

Priced at 99 Rs. however the photo is showing 3 reflectors? Not sure if Rs. 99 is per piece price.

[Leoshashi]

Originally Posted by mp417

This is interesting and should be very useful. Where did you purchase this?
I did a quick search on Boodmo. Thanks for sharing the part #

https://boodmo.com/catalog/part-refl..._door-6605429/

Priced at 99 Rs. however the photo is showing 3 reflectors? Not sure if Rs. 99 is per piece price.

Thanks for sharing the link. Boodmo was down for maintenance yesterday, hence couldn't share the link.

Price mentioned is for one unit, I had to buy 4 of those(99x4) for my purpose.

Regards,
Shashi

[MAKMADDY17]

Thanks for sharing a unique and easy to implement active safety addition to your car. You have always been adding some out of the box additions to your cars, which makes them better than factory production units.

The best picks are still Auto IRVM in XL6 and rear defogger in 800. Expecting to have a third one added to the list very soon.

Keep sharing and doing some great work!!

[Leoshashi]

Originally Posted by Leoshashi

Increasing the visibility: Part 1-Door Reflectors

Increasing the visibility: Part 2-Bumper LEDs Ever since DBHPian Parag Sachania did this mod on his Ertiga, it was on my wishlist. Link to his thread: Link (DIY Install: LED Bumper Reflectors for the Ertiga)

XL6 comes with larger reflectors than other regular Marutis, for whom many options exist in different designs, some from even reputed vendors like Lumax. Nothing for XL6. I did spot a couple of designs available in Delhi, but didn't like the dotted LED design. Recently, a friend in Pune spotted a pair of LEDs, Made in Taiwan, which had continuous illumination and I could imagine that it would look great, as an extension of the volvo-esque light guides.

It comes with three wires, ground, parking and brake lights. I didn't connect brake light wire since I wanted it to work like an extension of light guide. Used 3M scotch locks to tap from light guide wire. The only modification needed was that I had to make one small hole in bumper to pass the wire. It was quite easy with a sharp screwdriver from the Stanley kit.

Pics:

The LED reflector:

Used this waste rope to pull the cable upwards, didn't open the bumper for this mod. The old reflector can be removed from behind the bumper, it's easily accessible:

3M scotch locks for tapping:

Had to make this small hole to pass the wire:

Illuminated:

Another part to go into the "salvage" carton :

How it looks with Auto ON headlamps activated:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0SDNiY3KzKI

My take: I was pleasantly surprised with the quality, somehow justified the high price(Rs. 3000 including shipping). It's way better than the flimsy 500 rupees LEDs commonly seen on Marutis these days. Illumination feels great and exactly like the light guides on tail lamps.

It also illuminates the lower part of road quite well as its visible in one of the pics, and may help in increasing visibility to other road users in foggy conditions. I didn't connect brake light wire because it would have been too bright for low slung car users following me.

I hate Maruti for not providing rear fog lamps in their cars these days, and am also not in favor of missing rear reflectors. But this mod is like choosing one of the better devils. It's quite bright and not just for show.

Regards,
Shashi

[s4ch]

Originally Posted by Leoshashi

Increasing the visibility: Part 2-Bumper LEDs

XL6 comes with larger reflectors than other regular Marutis, for whom many options exist in different designs, some from even reputed vendors like Lumax. Nothing for XL6. I did spot a couple of designs available in Delhi, but didn't like the dotted LED design. Recently, a friend in Pune spotted a pair of LEDs, Made in Taiwan, which had continuous illumination and I could imagine that it would look great, as an extension of the volvo-esque light guides.

Interesting mod, but won't replacing the reflectors with LEDs basically mess with the original purpose of reflectors, that is to make your car visible to vehicles behind when it is parked and/or lights are off? Think it may also be against the law to do this?

Recent thread on this here: (Why you should NOT replace the rear reflectors with LED light accessories)

Interested to know your thoughts on this.

Besides this mod, love all your other mods and your meticulous documentation. Thank you.

EDIT: I believe Parag's mod involved adding LEDs to the reflector so even when the LEDs are off the reflector would still reflect light. Not clear if your replacement lights also works in this way?

[Leoshashi]

Originally Posted by s4ch

Interesting mod, but won't replacing the reflectors with LEDs basically mess with the original purpose of reflectors, that is to make your car visible to vehicles behind when it is parked and/or lights are off? Think it may also be against the law to do this?

Completely agree, and it will be against the law since I've lost the reflector. These existing lamps do reflect a bit when off, but not like original ones, I'd say 20% of original. But this mod was entirely for looks and increased visibility to people tailgating me in reduced visibility conditions(realised this after seeing its brightness).

Secondly, whenever I park my car by roadside, I always keep parking lights on. So it kind of makes the reflector useless for my use. Overnight parking on busy streets/roads is something I never do, even in other cities. So practically it won't affect me much I hope.

Regards,
Shashi

[Blow Horn Ok]

Good mod. I think sticking a precisely and similarly cut 3m reflective stickers somewhere on the bumper will compensate for the original plastic reflectors.

[jalex77]

Originally Posted by Leoshashi

Guys, did a mod about which I am super happy and proud at the same time.

Attachment 2049203

Problem: The gaping space in the engine bay was an eyesore, and a potential hazard as well.

My theory: The platform is same. So the parts will vary in dimensions at the most. Still some holes will match at some point. I was anyways ready to make holes in the new engine guard if needed.

I ordered the parts via my old MASS.

Great mod there and very neatly done
I too am visiting my old MASS today and ordering this part for my XL6 too. Spoke with my works head pal there, told him about your write up on this mod. Also asked him about the engine bay losing airflow/ventilation, he said that it is not going to be an issue and repeated the same things that you mentioned here.
Will share pictures here after I get the part and job done
Thank you so much

[VeBdrivE]

Originally Posted by Leoshashi

Nice, do share pics, and how it's fastened to the existing seats. Does it come with separate seat belts too for 7th occupant?

Regards,
Shashi

Hello ! Leo Shashi ji .
Firstly, thanks a lot for your extraordinary thread about XL6 , which is the reason I was able to decide to buy this car.
This extra seat weighs only 5-6 kgs. It’s just kept in between the captain seats and fits well.
It doesn’t have seat belts.
I bought it because-
1.- It can be used as big centre arm rest cum glass / bottle holder with the comfortable captain seats.
2.- For short or local trips (only) , an extra person can sit in middle row.
3.- I have 2 little kids who need bench seat like comfort to play and relax .

Fabric of the seat completely matches that of original leather seats .
Thanks.

[Leoshashi]

Originally Posted by Leoshashi

Increasing the visibility: Part 1-Door Reflectors

Originally Posted by Leoshashi

Increasing the visibility: Part 2-Bumper LEDs

Increasing the Visibility: Part 3-Fog Lamps I don't have much driving experience in fogs, and recently when I encountered it for perhaps the fifth time in my life, I was shaken. High Beam was creating a white wall in front of me(tried it out of desperation), low beam was slightly better, but the stock fog lamp was absolutely useless. No difference if it was turned on or off!

A friend who owns an Ertiga 1.5D was driving along, and he has IPH Projector fogs installed with 4300K HIDs. While his setup absolutely rocks in normal conditions, it struggled badly in that fog. Just two beams were visible, but even he wasn't able to locate road/divider edges properly. It was so bad that I nearly crashed into a divider despite being at 20kmph speed. I needed something which spreads the light lower on the road rather than focusing it.

I was actually eyeing this projector setup, but after my recent experience, I was shocked. Started exploring some old school options, and swapping LED stock units with Reflector based unit was an option high on my list.

Now almost everyone I asked opined that stock halogen fog lamps were useless. Also during casual browsing on Boodmo, I noticed that the fogs by Valeo had quite a dense reflector design. Hoping that it would translate to better spread, I placed an order. Link: Valeo Fog Lamp

Compare the different reflector design:

MGP, 75J:

MGP 66R:

Valeo:

My guess was right, and the Valeo fogs had awesome quality and the reflector design was also quite rich.

DBHPian ProcRJ was quite worried if we'll need to remove bumper to swap fog units/bulbs. XL6 has lots of space and one can easily reach the 3 screws each side to remove the unit. Well this pic is for you buddy:

Bulb swapping is a 10 second affair:

Stock LED fog vs Valeo:

Even with Osram 19W H16s which came with the Valeo Fogs, it was evident that light spread of this unit was way superior:

With the Fog lamp shortlisted, it was now time to test different bulbs. I tried Philips Ultinon Pro9000 H11 LED Fog, Osram H11 LED, Philips Xtreme Vision Halogen 55W H11s, Osram Night Breaker 55W H11s. I had the Philips Xtreme Vision H11 Halogens with me, while all others were new purchases. After testing them all, I decided to stick to Philips Ultinon Pro9000 LEDs. Bought it offline from a Philips distributor at a decent discount. Thus my entire setup costs Rs. 11k.

Osram H11 LED was extremely VFM at around 4k for set, but decided to return it because of following demerits:

1. A dangling controller:

2. Extremely loud fan, it was so loud that one can hear it even with engine running! With engine off, it's irritating:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BujxNvUeUpY

3. Throw of Philips was slightly better, although not enough to command 2x price difference. It's your call.

4. Osrams were rated at 6000K while Philips is 5800K and matches the Headlamp color exactly.

Still, for someone on a budget, I highly recommend Valeo fogs+Osram LEDs. Throw wise they are as good as my setup.

Pics of Philips Pro9000:

Osram H11 vs Philips H11 LEDs:

Pics post installation:

Note the sidways throw:

High Plus Fogs:

High Only:

Low Only:

Spread is almost 180 degrees:

Light spreads even below ORVM, who needs a cornering lamp!:

Final Look:

A video showing how nicely new fog setup makes a difference:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8GKH03Tmdw

Some important points:

-Entirely plug and play. No warranty will be void.

-Stock Maruti fuse is 20Amps for XL6's fogs. So it can comfortably take 55W bulbs also.

-Since swapping bulbs is so easy, I used to carry halogens and have swapped in dense fog. White light or Halogens made NO difference to the visibility.

-The feeling of helplessness one felt earlier in well lit conditions, or when opposite vehicle came with high beams on, is now gone. The immediate surroundings and road edges are so well illuminated that one can easily carry speeds confidently. Headlamp beams still disappear but the fogs now feel substantial thus helps a lot.

-Another reason for not opting for IPH projectors was the crude installation process. It's not as clean as the Valeo swap. Plus the quality is a hit or miss.

-XL6 uses just 3 screws per fog, thus any heavy unit like IPHs or Hella Knight rider vibrates when going over bad roads. Yes, had tested Hellas too!

-Took me around a month to test and narrow down to the best option.

-This setup will not help in long range visibility or throw like projectors do, for that, stock headlamps are decent. This setup illuminates immediate surroundings beautifully, and that's it's USP. Scattered light lower on the road helped better than focused output projector fogs give in foggy conditions.

Any question is most welcome.

Regards,
Shashi

[Blow Horn Ok]

Great find. I wonder why manufacturers use useless reflectors for fogs which light up as candles instead of these. The reflector design is one of the best I have seen so far.

[MadTiger]

Originally Posted by Leoshashi

Increasing the visibility: Part 1-Door Reflectors The doors of XL6 open quite wide, and I always wanted some kind of warning or reflector integrated into the design. Didn't like those rechargeable batteries based units. Some Tata cars get this red round reflector sticker on door edge, and that appeared like a cleaner solution to me.

This was an easy hack for puddle lamps. Inexpensive workaround and does the job well, will order them right away.

Originally Posted by Leoshashi

Increasing the visibility: Part 2-Bumper LEDs Ever since DBHPian Parag Sachania did this mod on his Ertiga, it was on my wishlist. Link to his thread: Link (DIY Install: LED Bumper Reflectors for the Ertiga)

This really looks nice and they all put together light up like Christmas tree. But I will give a pass, as they are quite expensive and require fiddling with some wiring; my OCD will get in the way

Originally Posted by Leoshashi

Increasing the Visibility: Part 3-Fog Lamps I don't have much driving experience in fogs, and recently when I encountered it for perhaps the fifth time in my life, I was shaken. High Beam was creating a white wall in front of me(tried it out of desperation), low beam was slightly better, but the stock fog lamp was absolutely useless. No difference if it was turned on or off!


Regards,
Shashi

This is probably the best Mod, visibility was a big issue for me during rain and fog. These pair of Valeo fog does brilliant job and throw is 180 degrees. Lights up the immediate front very well. However I will settle for the OSRAM Night Breaker Unlimited H11 as they do the job at 1/3rd the price of Philips LED. Since the current setup of XL6 already has load handling of 20A with a relay in place. Take a bow Shashi brilliant job done to perfection!

[Vignesh Vee]

Great modification Shashi, It's time to replace my Swift's stock foglamp unit with Valeo's.