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ФП101 (hereonafter in lat. FP101) is a model name for a standard rear lights array used on GAZ vehicles manufactured in the Soviet Union and Russia. FP101 was on the rear left side of the vehicle, and FP101-B (ФП101-Б) on the right side. The lights array is featured on GAZ-51, GAZ-52, and GAZ-53 trucks and truck-based vehicles, and on a GAZ-69 off-roader.
History
editA very close predecessor to FP101 lights is FP13 (ФП13). The difference between FP101 and FP13 is, that the newer model has a plastic (polystyrol) reflector and cover, while the older model has one made of glass.[1]
As a result of the GOST 8769-58 (ГОСТ 8769-58) standard on vehicle lighting equipment released in 1961, the GAZ-51 trucks, which first only had the rear left-side FP13 array, began to be factory-equipped with a similar FP13-K (ФП13-К) array for the rear right side.[1]
Since late 1967, GAZ-51 began to be factory-equipped with the FP101 array instead of the previous FP13 lights.[1] The older GAZ-51 remained in production until 1975.
GAZ-52 trucks were manufactured between 1962–1989, whereby they retained the FP101 lights throughout their entire production run; while GAZ-53 got the newer FP130 (ФП130) lights array in mid-to-late 1980s.
Other predecessors or derivatives of FP101 can be found on a GAZ-M1 car (probably a predecessor lights model), and in/on some military-only vehicles, such as GAZ-77.
Design
editThe all-red FP101 lights array is round and fulfils many functions: rear position lamp, stop light, turn signals, reflector, and the left-side array also includes a number plate light.
The array is split in two: the upper side features rear position lights; the lower side has stop lights, which alternate as turn signals.
The design appears to have been a carryover from WWII-era U.S. trucks and other vehicles that the Soviet Union got through the Lend-Lease programme during the war, but was also a function of frugality in the post-WWII Soviet Union.
Reception and standards
editThe FP101 rear lights were so ascetic, that owners even during the Soviet period (mostly through 1980s and then later) would often swap them to a more modern lights array, such as FP130 (ФП130) or FP132 (ФП132). In some cases, a specialized vehicle would use one of these from the outset.
The FP101's function of stop lights as turn signals eventually became a problem for motorists in Russia, where motor vehicle standards were updated to make sure all turn signals were yellow/amber and have emergency signalling. Only that these lights are red, the stop signal on one side is in disuse when used as a turn signal, and the lights' original configuration does not support emergency signalling. All this, and especially the lack of emergency signalling, are reasons why vehicles with FP101 lights either won't pass inspection, or could be stopped by traffic police.
This, of course, has forced owners of trucks with only FP101 lights to rewire, and either replace the lights arrays or add an additional turn light (see the GAZ-69 image).
The FP101 lights array, on the other hand, is often part of a vehicle's original configuration.
In other countries, requirements for rear lights may vary, usually apply to new vehicles since amber/yellow turn lights became standard, and, depending on legislation, might not be enforced retroactively on colour alone. (Retroactive enforcement may, on the other hand, require that the vehicle be equipped with a reverse light and/or sound signal.)
If the rules are stringent, then some countries have a legal loophole, whereby the vehicle can be given 'retro'/'unique' status (along with a special number plate), which requires that the vehicle must retain its original design, parts, and configuration. Appropriately, to obtain said status for a vehicle, it must first have the original design, parts, and configuraton. Which on its own can be rather expensive. In addition, the retro/unique status may impose limitations on extent of use for vehicles that hold this designation.