IN OUR GARAGE

Let there be light, lots of it!

In our December issue, you may remember that we included a light bar in our new product section, it was the LTPZ-DLX-20E, a slim-line light bar that's only 45mm tall. In fact, it’s the smallest of the LTPRTZ range, and when Chris from ORE4x4.com asked if I’d like one for Deux Smurf, well, I couldn’t refuse.

Electrics = WITCHCRAFT!

I have zero electrical skills, and what little I have are limited to wiring up a plug, so I entrusted Steve Wilson, a local mechanic I’ve known for the last thirty-odd years, with fitting it, along with instructions to give a Deux Smurf a full service.

I gave him the light bar and the DT1 wiring kit, and told him where I wanted it fitting - on the bumper just in front of the grill. Measuring only 526×52×45mm, it’s small enough to blend in nicely, and not look too obvious.

A bit of crimping, soldering and screwing later, the light bar was fitted, and I eagerly waited for it to go dark so I could venture out and blind as many nocturnal creatures as possible.

The result?

Bloody ‘ell, what a huge difference it makes!

And I’m not just saying that because it was a freebie.

Incorporating a 10° spot and 60° flood light, the LTPZ-DLX-20E has fifteen 3W high-quality OSRAM LED chips that means the light certainly packs a punch for it’s size. It is powerful enough to reach 825m, and gives a cracking peripheral spread of light.

It’s truly transformed driving Deux Smurf along unlit country lanes at night, the whole experience is much more enjoyable. It’s a lot safer, too.

Due to recent lockdown measures I haven’t been out laning, but with an IP67 waterproof rating, a die-cast aluminium body and an impactresistant polycarbonate screen, I’m confident it will handle a bit of a beating.

If you’re interested, check it out at www.ore4x4.co.uk and you'll get 5% off this light and anything on their website if you use the code: MUDLIFE5 during the checkout process.

Next on the list of lighting upgrades will be to replace the standard headlamps with some Bi-LED retrofit projectors, which should bring Deux Smurf well and truly into the 21st century!