Blog – TrackCraft Performance

Rally Lamp Pod

Welcome back to TrackCraft Performance! Today, we’re excited to share the installation process of a custom lamp pod made in collaboration with Yorkshire 3D Printing for our 2006 Ford Fiesta ST150. This lamp pod houses two 10″ light bars with a combo flood and spot feature, adding both style and functionality to our Fiesta project. Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of how we installed this custom-made lamp pod.

Preparation

The first step in any installation is proper preparation. We began by thoroughly cleaning and drying the bonnet of the Fiesta. This ensured a clean surface for marking and working on during the installation process.

Marking and Alignment

We measured the central line of the bonnet and marked it to ensure our lamp pod would be centered.

The lamp pod comes in two parts, each designed to hold one light. We started with the driver’s side, aligning its edge with the central line and marking where the four holes for the rivnuts would go.

After marking, we removed the pod and drilled the four holes, then inserted and set the rivnuts using a bolt and nut technique.

With the rivnuts in place, we positioned the pod back, ensuring proper alignment, and drilled a hole for the wires to pass through.

Installation

With the bottom of the pod coated in Tiger seal, we carefully placed it on the bonnet, passing the light cable through the hole as it went down.

Quickly securing the pod with four M8 bolts, we ensured it was tightly sealed to prevent water ingress.

Moving on to the passenger side, we aligned the second pod’s inner edge with the first, using the previous pod as a guide.

Checking alignment against the bonnet’s edge, we marked the holes, drilled, and mounted the second pod following the same process.

Electrical Setup

Now that the pods were securely in place, it was time for the electrical connections.

We connected the wires from the two lights, joining the positive wires into one and the negatives into one.

These combined positive and negative wires were then connected to corresponding 8-amp wires for a clean setup.

Running these cables down through the bonnet and into the engine bay area, we kept them hidden within the bonnet’s skin for a clean appearance.

Passing the cables through a small hole in the bulkhead, we sealed it with Tiger seal to prevent water ingress.

Inside the cabin, we removed the glove box to access the fuse box.

Splicing the positive wire into the F53 fuse for the right-hand high beam bulb allowed the lights to come on with the full beam.

The negative wire was connected to the chassis negative for proper grounding.

After reconnecting the glove box, we tested the lights to ensure they functioned as intended.

Conclusion

With the lamp pods securely installed and the electrical connections made, our Fiesta ST150 now boasts fantastic additional lighting thanks to the custom lamp pod from Yorkshire 3D Printing. This project was a true collaboration, and we’re thrilled with the results. Stay tuned for more exciting updates on TrackCraft Performance!

A huge shoutout and credit to Yorkshire 3D Printing for their incredible work in making these custom lamp pods a reality. Their effort and expertise truly shine through in the final product. Cheers to brighter adventures ahead!

Brightening the Night: Upgrading to Osram Nightbreaker Laser Bulbs

Introduction:

Driving in the dark just got a whole lot brighter! Recently, I decided to enhance the nighttime visibility of my 2006 Ford Fiesta ST150 by upgrading its headlights to Osram Nightbreaker Laser bulbs. In this detailed write-up, I’ll guide you through the installation process and shed light on the remarkable features of these high-performance bulbs.

Choosing Osram Nightbreaker Laser Bulbs:

Osram Nightbreaker Laser bulbs are not your average headlights. With innovative laser ablation technology, these halogen headlight lamps shine up to 150% brighter than the minimum legal standard. The highly engineered filament provides an extra light boost, offering a 150m long beam and up to 20% whiter light. This means improved visibility and quicker identification of potential hazards on the road.

Installation Process on a 2006 Ford Fiesta ST150:

Upgrading the headlights on a Ford Fiesta ST150 to Osram Nightbreaker Laser bulbs is a straightforward process. Follow these steps:

Open the Bonnet:
Lift the hood of your car to access the headlight assembly.
Remove the Front Grille:
Gently pull the front grille forward and upward to detach it.
Access the Headlight Bolts:
Locate the three bolts securing the headlight unit—one at the top rear area, one in the middle inner side, and one on the lower inner side of the headlight.
Remove the Headlight Unit:
Once the bolts are out, carefully pull the headlight unit forward and upward to remove it.
Access the Bulbs:
The bulbs are housed within the headlight unit. Remove the large rubber cover to reveal the bulbs.
Replace the Bulbs:
Inside, you’ll find the old bulbs held in place by a simple spring clip. Open the clip, remove the old bulbs, and replace them with the new Osram Nightbreaker Laser bulbs.
Reassemble the Headlight Unit:
Put everything back together by securing the headlight unit in place and reattaching the front grille.

Osram Nightbreaker Laser Features:

The Nightbreaker Laser bulbs offer a range of features that make them stand out:

Innovative Technology:
Thanks to laser ablation technology, these bulbs provide a strong halogen light that meets high demands.
Exceptional Brightness:
Enjoy up to 150% brighter illumination, ensuring enhanced visibility on the road.
Extended Beam Range:
With a beam range of up to 150m, these bulbs contribute to safer and more confident night driving.
Whiter Light:
Experience up to 20% whiter light compared to the minimum legal standard, reducing eye strain and improving contrast.

Driving with Osram Nightbreaker Laser:

Since upgrading to Osram Nightbreaker Laser bulbs, my nighttime driving experience has been nothing short of extraordinary. The improved brightness and clarity have significantly increased my confidence on the road, especially during low-light conditions.

Conclusion:

Investing in Osram Nightbreaker Laser bulbs for my Ford Fiesta ST150 has proven to be a game-changer for my nighttime driving experience. With easy installation and exceptional performance, these bulbs have truly illuminated the road ahead, making every drive a safer and more enjoyable journey.

Pictires for reference, drivers side changed to the Osram. You can see the very evident change in colour and beam pattern which is a great improvement over the cheaper original bulbs

Enhancing the Stance: A Step-by-Step Guide to Installing 20mm Wheel Spacers on Your Ford Fiesta ST150

Introduction:

Welcome back, we’re diving into the world of car modifications. In this blog post, we’ll be focusing on a simple yet effective upgrade for your Ford Fiesta ST150 – installing 20mm wheel spacers, generously provided to us by Barbarian Racing. These spacers not only enhance the visual appeal of your ride but also contribute to improved handling and stability. Follow along as we take you through the step-by-step process of installing these spacers on both the front and rear wheels.

Step 1: Preparation

Before diving into the installation process, it’s crucial to ensure your vehicle is securely positioned and that you have all the necessary tools at your disposal. Here’s a checklist of the tools you’ll need:

A jack, preferably a trolley jack, to safely lift the front of the car.
A torque wrench capable of applying torque settings of 95NM and 110NM.
A small amount of lithium grease for the application on specific surfaces.
A small flat-head screwdriver, handy for removing the wheel hub cover.
A 19mm high-tensile socket for loosening and tightening the wheel nuts.
Additionally, consider the following: if your vehicle has locking wheel nuts, it’s advisable to replace them temporarily with standard-style nuts featuring a hole at the end. This modification allows for proper tightening during the installation process. Always prioritize safety and preparedness before beginning any car maintenance or modification tasks.

Step 2: Front Wheel Spacer Installation

Move to the front of the vehicle and lift the entire front end using the central area of the subframe.
Place axle stands on the sills on both sides for extra support, Safety First!
Remove both front wheels to access the brake components.
Clean the brake disc surface that mates with the wheels and the rear surface of the wheel that connects to the brake disc, ideally using a course and soft wire brush.
Apply a small amount of grease to the central disc surface, being careful not to get any on the braking surface of the disc.
Install the wheel spacer onto the disc, securing it with the provided acorn nuts.
Tighten the disc to the hub and torque it to 110NM.
Reinstall the front wheels with the spacers, ensuring proper alignment.
Tighten the wheel bolts to 95NM and make sure the wheel is securely seated.
Remove axle stands and Lower the front of the vehicle.

Step 3: Rear Wheel Spacer Installation

Move to the rear of the vehicle and lift the entire rear end using the rear beam.
place axle stands on both sides for extra support.
Remove both rear wheels to access the brake components.
Follow the same cleaning and greasing process as with the front wheels.
Install the wheel spacers, securing them with acorn nuts.
Tighten the disc to the hub and torque it to 110NM.
Reinstall the rear wheels with the spacers, aligning them correctly.
Tighten the wheel bolts to 95NM and ensure the wheel is properly seated.
Remove axle stands and Lower the rear of the vehicle.

Step 4: Final Checks and Lowering

Double-check all nuts and bolts for tightness.
Take your car for a short test drive to ensure everything feels stable and aligned.

Conclusion:

Congratulations! You’ve successfully enhanced the stance and performance of your Ford Fiesta ST150 by installing 20mm wheel spacers. If you found this guide helpful, don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel for more exciting car-related content. Drive safe and stay tuned for the next upgrade!

TrackCraft Performance: DIY Automatic Boot Strut Installation on the 2006 Ford Fiesta ST150

Greetings, TrackCraft enthusiasts! We’re excited to share with you the latest upgrade we’ve made to our 2006 Ford Fiesta ST150 – the installation of automatic boot struts provided by our generous sponsor, Emerald Struts. This simple yet impactful modification allows for a seamless and convenient experience every time you open your Fiesta’s boot.

Project Overview:

In collaboration with Emerald Struts, we recently undertook the installation of automatic boot struts on our 2006 Ford Fiesta ST150. This enhancement ensures that the boot automatically opens fully when the latch release is activated, eliminating the need for manual effort. This not only adds a touch of modern convenience but also enhances the visual appeal of your vehicle.

Installation Process:

Verification of Strut Compatibility:
Open the package from Emerald Struts and verify that the struts are labeled for your specific vehicle. In our case, they were correctly marked for the “Fiesta MK6.”
Preparation for Installation:
Open the boot of your car and prop it open at a suitable height. This prevents the boot from dropping when the original struts are removed.
One Strut at a Time:
It’s recommended to replace one strut at a time. Choose a side and proceed with the replacement to avoid any unforeseen issues.
Removal of Original Strut:
Identify the metal C-clips on both ends of the standard struts. Use a small flat-headed screwdriver to release the C-clip by accessing the small tab just below it. Remove the C-clip from both ends.
Detach Original Strut:
Once the C-clips are off, carefully detach the original strut from the ball joints on the vehicle. Ensure that the boot is securely propped to prevent it from dropping.
Installation of New Strut:
Carefully remove the pins at either end of the new Emerald Strut. Push the strut onto the ball joints, ensuring a snug fit. Reinsert the pins securely.
Repeat for the Other Side:
Repeat the entire process for the other side of the boot. Take your time to ensure proper installation.

Testing:

Close the boot lid, and after a few initial uses that may feel a bit stiff, test the automatic opening feature by pressing the boot release button on your fob or inside the car.

Benefits and Final Thoughts:

Not only does this upgrade bring a visually appealing touch to your vehicle, but it also serves as a functional enhancement. As demonstrated in our case, being able to open the boot effortlessly is particularly useful for busy parents carrying groceries or juggling a child. The TrackCraft Performance team is thrilled with the results, and we believe this easy and worthwhile upgrade is a must for fellow Fiesta enthusiasts.

Remember, this is a quick and hassle-free project that can be completed in just 15 minutes, offering a great return in terms of both form and function. Stay tuned for more exciting updates from TrackCraft Performance!