Exterior & Safety Modifications

Rear Fog Lights - European OEM Style

My most recent modification was also my most complex. Some American and Canadian Santa Fe owners have transformed their non-functioning rear fog lights (in the back bumper) into a second set of brake and tail lights. I had done this for a while and it was unique enough but I wanted something that nobody else had done. So, I went full-bore and decided to wire up the rear fog lights as just what they were meant to be.

It involved international cooperation from another Santa Fe owner in England (for the switch), some sheer luck here in the states, a bit of soldering, and a ton of patience. The entire thing took three months and cost over $200. The greatest part about having these lights is not only the safety aspect but that the setup looks and behaves 100% factory. The switch came from a wrecked Santa Fe in England and cost about $30 including shipping.

Rear of the vehicle with the fog lights off. Pretty standard and unassuming. The average person wouldn't think much of it.

With the rear fog lights on, they really get your attention!

And the dash with both fog lights on. The rear fog switch is to the inner right of the clock. That space is occupied by a blank 'dummy' switch from the factory. Getting the rear fog switch in there was as easy as sliding the blank out and sliding the switch in. Quite honestly, I like having the rear fog light switch there as it fills out the dash and makes everything look more complete. Without it, people were always asking me what that was supposed to do.

Horn Upgrade

This may not look like much and because it's the pansy OEM horn, it isn't much.

That's better...here's a brand-new FIAMM Freeway Blaster (one of two) fitted in March of 2006 or so.