View Full Version : DIY: Side-marker "Clear Corner Lights" Installation


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CarAndDriver
05-01-2007, 07:31 PM
After doing this....here are my additional recommendations.

1. Removing the side marker should be described with more detail. There is a little plastic nub/peg on the top of the rear tab and that needs to be pushed down out of a hole in the body to get the side marker to come out from the car. Take a look at a loose side marker and you can see it.

2. Get yourself some skinny pliers so you can pull that reflector out easier. Use the pliers to bend the corners and sides inward the best you can. Unless you bend them, you are not going to get it out of the hole. Bend first and then work the reflector out with a screwdriver. And patience--its a big pain.

3. Get yourself a can of compressed air to blow out any reflective particles that may come off the reflector when you work it out. Using the pliers, I left quite a bit of dust that I had to blow out.

My result: a driver's side marker with no scratches and a passenger side marker with a couple very very tiny marks that are unnoticeable.

I didn't think it would make that much a difference, but I love the clear markers now that they are on and the internal reflector is gone. I did plug the light in with the reflector to see what it looked like. It was a bit funny looking.

I put a regular amber bulb in there so I could be closer to the law than with stealth bulbs here in California.

Deslock
05-07-2007, 04:57 PM
Thanks for the instructions; the install took only 10 min.

{snip}

Autolumination (http://autolumination.com/194.htm) has stealth bulbs (bulb 194, Silver Vision, Amber) for $3 each and shipping is cheap.
FYI, their cheap incandescent stealth bulbs melted the nearby plastic so that the clear corners and bulb sockets fused together (meaning I can't replace the burnt out bulbs). Too bad they didn't have amber LEDs 3 years ago when I put the clear corners in... now I gotta install new sockets and either my original amber markers or another set of clear corners.

CTrx8
05-07-2007, 05:26 PM
C&D--
turned out pretty nice. it's not as noticeable with the amber bulbs as i thought it would be.

CarAndDriver
05-10-2007, 01:44 AM
C&D--
turned out pretty nice. it's not as noticeable with the amber bulbs as i thought it would be.
They remind me of some of the side Euro turn signals some cars are coming with on the side mirrors/side panels that have the hint of the orange bulbs behind the clear lenses.

S1lveRx8
06-02-2007, 12:20 PM
Easy installation :) Took about 10 Minutes w/ just a small phillips, however I didn't bother with the reflector. Too much of a pain for me. Looks good either way...

Zephyrzone
06-20-2007, 12:27 PM
Awesome photos and advice from everyone. I got my clear corners and stealth bulbs in today. Going to install tonight, can't wait!

ryan031581
07-03-2007, 07:44 PM
I received mine today, and installed them. I used the stock bulb, and not the amber bulb that came with the clear corner. I have to post pics later, but has anyone done this? I wonder how it will look at night, and is this set up legal? Would there be any difference if I used the bulb that came with the corner?

And thanks for the DIY posts.

Mazurfer
07-03-2007, 07:53 PM
I received mine today, and installed them. I used the stock bulb, and not the amber bulb that came with the clear corner. I have to post pics later, but has anyone done this? I wonder how it will look at night, and is this set up legal? Would there be any difference if I used the bulb that came with the corner?

And thanks for the DIY posts.

Have to check with your state on that one. I'll tell you that in Florida I have used bright white LED's in my clear corners and haven't been pulled over. I don't even know if it's legal here or not?????? Many, many people are running white LED's and/or standard clear bulbs in the corners. Keep the amber bulbs just in case you get pulled, but I doubt you will.
Yes...............if you use the ones that came with the clear corners, you will see a difference..........................then your light will be amber! Sorry, I couldn't resist! :rolleyes:
BTW, did you pull out the reflector? I'm not saying you should..as it can be a bitch until you have done one, I'm just curious. I think mine look better without the reflector but again.............I'm not using bulbs.

ryan031581
07-04-2007, 06:22 AM
Lol. My light would be amber. I can't resist being a smart ass either sometimes.

I did not pull out the reflector so I could see what it is like with it in. Plus it looked a little hard to do. I am not a handy person. It took me a good 45 minutes to do the install. I had much trouble taking out the OEM corners as it was. I just got home, and it is still a little dark. I am not sure if I like it. I do like the way it looks sitting in the drive way, just not the bulbs.

Is removing the bulb is as simple as indicated on the first page of this thread? You just remove the actual bulb, meaning the glass/plastic round tip?

Mazurfer
07-04-2007, 07:49 AM
Lol. My light would be amber. I can't resist being a smart ass either sometimes.

I did not pull out the reflector so I could see what it is like with it in. Plus it looked a little hard to do. I am not a handy person. It took me a good 45 minutes to do the install. I had much trouble taking out the OEM corners as it was. I just got home, and it is still a little dark. I am not sure if I like it. I do like the way it looks sitting in the drive way, just not the bulbs.

Is removing the bulb is as simple as indicated on the first page of this thread? You just remove the actual bulb, meaning the glass/plastic round tip?

Well, now since you know how to take out the side markers it would be easy. The biggest trick you've already dealt with and that's finding that little tab to release them so you can pull the whole thing out(that and the one screw). Anyway, you'd take them back out and with a 1/4 twist the bulb socket would remove from the housing. Then you just would have to unplug the bulb since these are basically 194 type sockets. You've got the old markers right? You can see how the bulbs come out using that one before you do the clears if you decide to do so. So your answer is "yes" although I should go look at the first page. If it's different I will let you know....otherwise, your good to go. And yes..............the reflector inside can be a pain in the butt and it's easy to dork up the clear lenses when getting it out. Leave it alone if you're unsure.

ryan031581
07-04-2007, 06:12 PM
I attached a picture of me removing the OEM corner. Did I do it correctly, or was I suppose to remove the bulb also?

I also posted before and after pics. I know its dirty, but when it rains everyday, what can you do?

salituro64
07-05-2007, 11:30 AM
If I am removing the front nose to install the Hymee oil cooler protectors, will I be able to install the clear corners without removing the panel inside the wheel well?

Mazurfer
07-05-2007, 01:36 PM
I attached a picture of me removing the OEM corner. Did I do it correctly, or was I suppose to remove the bulb also?

I also posted before and after pics. I know its dirty, but when it rains everyday, what can you do?

Removing the bulb doesn't matter. You're last pic implies that you did remove that bulb and used the amber bulb right? I like it with a clear or white light better, but then we are back to what will be allowed in the Bayou!

Dave

Mazurfer
07-05-2007, 01:39 PM
If I am removing the front nose to install the Hymee oil cooler protectors, will I be able to install the clear corners without removing the panel inside the wheel well?

Don't have to remove the panel, just have to take out about three of the push pins. Just enough to reach in and get that that little plastic clip(so to speak) and the screw that holds them in. If you are gonna remove the bumper, you should have little fear in doing the corners!

laythor
07-05-2007, 01:41 PM
If I am removing the front nose to install the Hymee oil cooler protectors, will I be able to install the clear corners without removing the panel inside the wheel well?

You have to undo those fastners anyway to remove the nose, as well as the corners.

Mazurfer
07-05-2007, 01:42 PM
You have to undo those fastners anyway to remove the nose, as well as the corners.

I thought so........I couldn't remember, so I didn't want to say it! :uhh:

ryan031581
07-05-2007, 04:40 PM
I left the stock bulbs connected to the car. I removed the bulbs that came with the clear corners. The bulbs that were connected to the car look more white than yellow or orange. I had some body work done on my car, and I am not sure if they hooked those lights back up stock. There is tape, but then again, maybe that is stock.

Zephyrzone
07-09-2007, 11:09 AM
Popped in the clear corners. Ordered them from Ebay- $40 shipped. Got Stealth bulbs for $30. I removed the reflector as advised and do prefer the look with it out. The removal process left some slight scratches inside the lens but they are unnoticeable from more than a few inches away. Definitely worth it, but I don't see how these can be removed without leaving at least a few scratches. It just seems impossible.

Stealth bulbs looks great and the clear looks sooooo much better on the red than the clashing amber. I'm also in the minority, but I think the flares lenses look better and more aggressive than then US spec.

A.Mair
07-10-2007, 06:35 AM
just installed mine, a lot easier than i expected with the explanation, i was just real carefulk when removing the reflector. all i did was got a small phillips screwdriver to loosen it and then get a larger one to completely break it free then ease it out if the corner. I love this look for just 80 dollars.

Thanks for the tutorial

firebirdude
12-06-2007, 07:18 PM
Doing this now.

First: Genuine Mazda clear corners direct from Japan can be had for $52 shipped off Ebay.

Second: That little plastic REAR TAB or what have ya... is the worst part. Push it forward of the car and start to slightly push downward towards the ground. Between those two movements, it should come free every time without breaking

And lastly.... to anyone thinking about just installing them and leaving the reflector....DONT. It DOES look like crap. I have no friggin idea why they would put that bull$%^& in the lens. Got one side done and decided to see how it looked. TERRIBLE. Turned them right off and started removing the reflector in the other one. lol Used a huge screw driver. Reflector popped free in under 30 seconds. Regular needle nose had it out in under 30 seconds. Yes. 1 minute reflector removal. lol

robel82
01-07-2008, 03:02 PM
Would it be too much to ask for night pics with and w/o the reflector in the housing? This isnt necessarily directed towards the OP just anyone. I just wanna know if worth potentialy damaging the side marker.

laythor
01-07-2008, 03:15 PM
Here's a link to a thread I posted awhile back. Shows pictures of the clear corners in the day and night. Reflectors were removed.

http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=114983

msrecant
01-07-2008, 03:29 PM
Would it be too much to ask for night pics with and w/o the reflector in the housing? This isnt necessarily directed towards the OP just anyone. I just wanna know if worth potentialy damaging the side marker.

Hopefully, someone who did not remove the reflectors will post a night picture.

However, if you are really not sure, I would suggest you install the side-markers with the reflectors in place. If you like it, leave it. If not, pop the side markers out, remove the reflectors and re-install. Removing and re-installing the side markers are pretty quick, particularly if you have already done it once.

smokedRX8
01-07-2008, 04:52 PM
Well I can say from experience that dealing with these markers can be a bitch. i broke through one of mine the first time i tried to remove a reflector and had to order a new pair. (sucks pretty bad). Havent had them installed but i am gonna run a white 6 LED bulb in mine to match my parking lights. does anyone know if thats legal in NC? their gonna be smoked which will make it a bit darker light but still noticeable. i really think cops have better things to do...

firebirdude
01-07-2008, 07:53 PM
However, if you are really not sure, I would suggest you install the side-markers with the reflectors in place. If you like it, leave it. If not, pop the side markers out, remove the reflectors and re-install. Removing and re-installing the side markers are pretty quick, particularly if you have already done it once.Exactly. It's not that big of a deal. I tried it real quick without them and instantly decided I needed to remove the reflectors. Barely any light comes through with them in. Also, I don't know how your broke through the whole lens by removing the reflector, but I was certainly not careful and managed to get them out without really scratching anything.

laythor
01-07-2008, 07:54 PM
best thing i found to use to remove the reflector is a pair of very thin pointed needlenose pliers or hemostats.

smokedRX8
01-09-2008, 08:37 PM
Exactly. It's not that big of a deal. I tried it real quick without them and instantly decided I needed to remove the reflectors. Barely any light comes through with them in. Also, I don't know how your broke through the whole lens by removing the reflector, but I was certainly not careful and managed to get them out without really scratching anything.

Ya, i got the first one out fine. the second one i accidentally broke the reflector free and lodged it up in the skinny part of the reflector; it didnt move, and after all the tugging, the glue and plastic finally cracked which sent a crack through the lense as well. there was no hope and being pissed off didnt help cause there was soon a hole through the lense...:lol:

galaxy07
01-16-2008, 09:08 AM
i just got one. thanks for posting this thread.

RotaryP7
03-15-2008, 03:42 PM
I've noticed that most of you people are using stock bulbs or amber bulbs. Where's the stealth bulbs at?!

msrecant
03-15-2008, 04:32 PM
I've noticed that most of you people are using stock bulbs or amber bulbs. Where's the stealth bulbs at?!

Try MazdaParts.com (SEARCH is your friend).

Mazurfer
03-15-2008, 07:54 PM
I've noticed that most of you people are using stock bulbs or amber bulbs. Where's the stealth bulbs at?!

www.stealthauto.com to be more exact.................. http://www.stealthauto.com/Departments/Stealth-Bulbs.aspx

jimtor
03-17-2008, 12:09 AM
hey fellas u can get the clear side marker's just for 45 USD plus 6 USD shipping at ebay, those come from japon

chunbelievable
04-05-2008, 01:35 PM
Very helpful stuff! Thanks Recant!

jessedrifter
04-09-2008, 10:11 PM
nice job...great thread

truemagellen
04-10-2008, 12:02 AM
Try MazdaParts.com (SEARCH is your friend).

We actually went to just selling authentic corners for now...and will be providing an LED combo package with a choice of Amber or Hyper white. We are taking longer as we wanted to test the bulbs before offering them since we sell so many combos it should be a hassle free purchase.

the4v3ry
04-13-2008, 06:21 PM
I want yellow light when lit, but no yellow visible when unlit. Are LEDs from RX8Strakes.com the best option?

the4v3ry
05-10-2008, 08:13 PM
CORNERS
I got Mazda ones from Japan off eBay (took weeks to get here), and just pulled out the reflectors (got some small scratches if you look closely). I'm kind of wondering if I should have gotten aftermarket ones that don't bulge out...

LIGHTS
Rotary Rasp, who is a LED guru, just recommended some LEDs to me at v-leds.com and they came out to $13 plus tax & shipping. They will look white when off, and bright amber when lit, they shouldn't burn out very soon, and they won't heat up and melt plastic like stealth bulbs can. I can't see why anyone would order normal bulbs with these out there...

2 V-LEDS AMBER 11 SMT LIGHT BULBS 194 168 158 2821 W5W

Also, rx8strakes.com sells LEDs, but I don't know how good they are, there's not a lot of info on them.

firebirdude
05-10-2008, 08:25 PM
CORNERS
I got Mazda ones from Japan off eBay (took weeks to get here), and just pulled out the reflectors (got some small scratches if you look closely). I'm kind of wondering if I should have gotten aftermarket ones that don't bulge out...I got those too. Also took the reflectors out. MUCH better without them. Good decision. And I wasn't crazy about the bulge either.... but quickly got used to it. Doesn't bother me at all now. Well worth the $40 or however much it was.

lopezian2004
05-14-2008, 01:50 PM
I thought I read a few people having LED problems in the side markers over shorter periods of time vs. the stealth bulbs.. maybe I just mis-read it. What have some of the other people here used? Stealth bulbs or LEDs?

Sorry I'm just trying to make absolutely sure I get the one that's best suited for me :P

WinningRX8Chick
05-17-2008, 01:37 PM
Boy am I glad I found this DIY before I tried to get the clear corners in. So happy I took the reflector out but it was quite a struggle to get them out. A few scratches on the lenses but nothing noticeable. I kept the stock bulbs in, although not legal, and I'll probably get stealth bulbs or the LED kind. Props to msrecant for the great DIY! Install took me about 10-20 minutes for both, getting the reflectors out took me about 30 minutes for the first one and about 5 for the other one. Well worth the effort and time though, I love the look.

Rems31
05-20-2008, 01:06 PM
Thanks for this DIY! Just put my clear corners in using this...very easy to follow

Are-Ex-Eight
05-23-2008, 10:36 AM
took 10 mins on first tire, 2 mins on second tire,
my bottom plastic fastner wouldnt come out, stripped it with the screwdriver i think but i could do it with just the top one out.
all in all a great guide, thanks man!

Descent
06-06-2008, 05:49 PM
I just finished installing my clear corners. Just wanna say if anyone is having any doubts about doing this themselves, just go for it. It took me a total of 20 minutes, including removing the reflectors, to install them.

BTW, I got the corners from rx8strakes.com, along with stealth bulbs- they sell them both there. I highly recommend them, they got here in less than 2 days.

RK
06-09-2008, 11:42 AM
Just one thing worth mentioning from my install.

Lights from rx8strakes came with the wire harness and the amber bulb already in. Getting the OEM harness unplugged was kinda a pain for me. Eventually I was able to get it by using a very small flat head screwdriver wedged in to pull it off. When you look at the new harness you will see the plastic clip that comes down off the plastic end piece. That is what holds the harness in. Using the flat head you want to wedge it in between the harness female and male part where that piece of plastic would be and then wedge apart the two pieces while pulling gently on the harness itself (using the plastic - not the wires).

I don't believe the harness was an option with OP posted the great DIYs. Also my fasteners seemed to be unable to turn because there was dirt in the upper fastner (grrr) so I ended up stripping both and just popping them out by wedging a flathead screwdriver between the fender and the plastic part held in place by the fasteners.

No big deal popping them out as they popped back in pretty easily.

BTW - I'd recommend rx8strakes right now. Price seems to beat MazdaParts once shipping is included and they consistently ship very fast (From SoCal to Ohio in 3 days).

Rems31
06-09-2008, 11:46 AM
Just one thing worth mentioning from my install.

Lights from rx8strakes came with the wire harness and the amber bulb already in. Getting the OEM harness unplugged was kinda a pain for me. Eventually I was able to get it by using a very small flat head screwdriver wedged in to pull it off. I don't believe the harness was an option with OP posted the great DIYs. Also my fasteners seemed to be unable to turn because there was dirt in the upper fastner (grrr) so I ended up stripping both and just popping them out by wedging a flathead screwdriver between the fender and the plastic part held in place by the fasteners.

No big deal popping them out as they popped back in pretty easily.

BTW - I'd recommend rx8strakes right now. Price seems to beat MazdaParts once shipping is included and they consistently ship very fast (From SoCal to Ohio in 3 days).

Couldn't you just use the harness already there? when I ordered mine from Japanparts, it also came with a harness. I just unscrewed it from the clear corners and exchanged the bulbs...

RK
06-09-2008, 11:58 AM
Couldn't you just use the harness already there? when I ordered mine from Japanparts, it also came with a harness. I just unscrewed it from the clear corners and exchanged the bulbs...

I actually thought about it but try not to touch bulbs that I don't have to since a spot of grease/dirt/etc. can cause a bulb to burn out quicker. Besides I knew I should be able to get the harness undone and I don't like to go a path because it's a little easier. Better to take my time (when I have it to give) and understand the way the car is setup. Spending 30 minutes more on this will probably help me the next time I'm screwing around with something in my 8 with an electrical harness.

Besides my old harness was dirty and wasn't JDM. Clean JDM harness = +2 HP. ;)

Mister Man
06-17-2008, 10:37 PM
How wonderfully simple. I think it took me all of 4 minutes.

plaintanrapper
07-06-2008, 03:52 PM
I looked up the legal code here in Indiana, and it requires the front corners to reflect amber, as well as light up. Of course, I put clear corners on yesterday anyways, with chrome coated amber bulbs... I'll be adding the pics soon, see the link in my sig.

The same sort of thing applies to the taillights as well... they have to reflect red, or there have to be a red colored reflectors on the rear corners of the car, within certain distances of the corners, etc.

Thanks, I was wondering about the code in Indiana, but you saved me some time:)

also, when, and if, I do get my 8 clear corners are about the only mod I really WANT.

neXib
07-18-2008, 03:43 PM
I'll admit I'm a dumbass and used a crappy phillipshead, should have used a tiny gentle screwdriver. But anyway, those plastic screw/clips lost their groove on the top after about 2 turns, so even if I got one loose I couldn't unscrew the other one. And I was kinda worried about getting them back in now so I just tightened them again and went here to see if anyone had the same problem. No idea how to replace these if I take it out by force :S Anyone?

neXib
07-18-2008, 07:48 PM
Damn, I see that I have to order these clips from my dealer in that case.

neXib
07-20-2008, 07:53 AM
Anyone have an idea how to get the screw out with a damaged thread? I must be able to get it back in too :P Can't believe how easily they got damaged.

Can't believe the damn screws have been a bigger problem than the reflectors, which took time but was fairly easy.

Ross_Dawg
08-09-2008, 01:51 AM
Just installed mine 2 days ago... fantastic instructions! Reflector at first was a pain in the ass to remove but the second try went smoothly... Thanks again

ShellDude
08-09-2008, 12:05 PM
Doing mine today. Great thread... and I'm removing the reflector. I bought some "super red" LEDs to go along with mine... I'm probably breaking PA law, but oh well... I'll just keep the amber lights handy in case I'm ever given a hard time.

I'm also thinking about doing the blinker mod. I really like the idea of making the markers more functional than just running lights.

Found this regarding PA law:

Intermediate side marker devices shall not be required on vehicles less than 30 feet in overall length.

kainis2k
08-12-2008, 12:47 PM
cheers for this post! I just did mine and they look stunning! :D

G-ReX
08-19-2008, 09:51 AM
I have the joy to resurrect an old issue here. I just failed my Virginia inspection at my dealer (who passed the same lights in 05, 06 & 07). They got me on my brake light mask (understandable), clear corners and Derwankel rear rotor light. The clears were for lack of an amber reflector (DOT regs) and both lights for not being DOT approved. I do have an amber bulb in the clears. I'm swapping out the lights to get rid of my "fail" sticker, then I'll revert to the clears and Derwankel light when I get the sticker. I like the dealer, but I'll go elsewhere for inspection next year.

6. - INSPECT OTHER LIGHTS FOR:
Approved type, proper bulbs, condition of lenses, wiring and switch.
Aim of fog and driving lamps.
Illumination of all lamps, lens color, and condition of lens.
(NOTE: Every vehicle must have a rear lamp showing a red light to the rear, a white light illuminating the rear license plate; vehicles over 7 feet wide or extending 4 inches or more beyond the front fender extremes must be equipped with approved clearance lamps and reflex reflectors. Count load in measuring.)

dhan
09-07-2008, 10:23 PM
Cant you get side markers the led ones not the mazda clear ones that are only around 15 dollars?

msrecant
09-08-2008, 09:12 AM
I just failed my Virginia inspection at my dealer ...

You are correct, the VA code wants the illuminated and reflecting color of the side marker to be amber. This is the first I have heard of a dealer actually enforcing that.

Friday, I just had my 5th state inspection with clear corners and no problems. Hopefully they will continue to skip over that detail.

G-ReX
09-08-2008, 11:22 AM
Cant you get side markers the led ones not the mazda clear ones that are only around 15 dollars?
If that was directed at me, the lights were OK (amber), the white reflectors are what they called me on. Another tech even commented he saw the amber light and wouldn't have dinged it, even though it's technically a fail.
You are correct, the VA code wants the illuminated and reflecting color of the side marker to be amber. This is the first I have heard of a dealer actually enforcing that.

Friday, I just had my 5th state inspection with clear corners and no problems. Hopefully they will continue to skip over that detail.
Just don't go when they're not busy. I think boredom contributed to the tighter screening. The clears and the rotary light are back on now. I left the brake light mask off. To date, I can't find anyone else failed for any of this stuff. I'm just special, I guess.

Huey52
09-08-2008, 12:00 PM
Clear corners, with stealth bulbs, should be on everyone's To Do list. They look soooo much better than stock amber lenses. I haven't had an inspection issue here in the other Commonwealth.

btw: the DIY is outstanding!

epmacman
03-05-2009, 06:27 PM
just completed my first mod!!, clear corners, thanks for the detailed DIY

rubberduckie
04-04-2009, 01:22 PM
Just did this in a 45min total. Very easy mod. I put the first one in with the reflector and than quickly removed the reflectors. I also pinched a wire which lead to one of the lights not turning on (i think it was that) so be careful for that.
Got stealth bulbs, wish I got the super whites to better match the headlights. Haven't seen it at night yet though.
Great directions.

myriadshalaks
04-04-2009, 04:02 PM
i'm having trouble with the damn reflectors. they've been on the f it list for almost a year now.
but this weekend, those bastards are coming out!

hotbwayjoel
04-14-2009, 05:42 PM
Just got rid of the damn reflectors..... it was definitely a pain in the ass I was about to give up....

myriadshalaks
04-14-2009, 06:40 PM
i got mine out too. hemostats and wiggling. PITA.

looks much better though.

msrecant
04-14-2009, 06:57 PM
I often wonder if the RX-8 owners in Japan also pull the reflectors out of their side markers.

YeahYeahYouWere
04-15-2009, 09:03 AM
I ordered my clear corners this weekend, so they should arrive this week (GLEE!). I also have some white LEDs from V-LEDs on the way. I haven't checked out the local laws yet, but I figure I'll give it a go and hope that if I catch the attention of an officer I can plead ignorance. If it becomes a problem, I'll try stealth amber bulbs, since I dislike the "egg yolk" look of amber bulbs in the clear housing.

I have a stupid question regarding the reflector...can you just bend it backwards out of the way, back against the backside of the housing? It seems to me that pushing it back would serve the same purpose as removing it, but be a much easier task. Has anyone tried this?

msrecant
04-15-2009, 09:13 AM
...can you just bend it backwards out of the way, back against the backside of the housing? It seems to me that pushing it back would serve the same purpose as removing it, but be a mess easier task. Has anyone tried this?

An interesting idea that I don't think anyone has tried. If I remember correctly the reflector is structurally designed so it won't bend back. Hence it may not be any easier to bend it back than to crush it and take it out.

Let us know if bending it back works.

cyclone1208
04-15-2009, 09:45 AM
you would think who ever made these clear side markers would take the reflectors out because 95% of the community here takes them out......is there a reason why its there in the first place?..........just curious

YeahYeahYouWere
04-15-2009, 09:51 AM
An interesting idea that I don't think anyone has tried. If I remember correctly the reflector is structurally designed so it won't bend back. Hence it may not be any easier to bend it back than to crush it and take it out.

Let us know if bending it back works.

I guess I never really thought that it might not be structurally possible, I just kind of figure it was a piece of metal that was just sort of flapping about out there. According to the USPS tracking site, my CCs have achieved "arrival at unit", so I will give it a go when I get home from work and let everyone know. I'm really hoping it works because I don't feel like messing with trying to pry the reflector out, and I don't really have any tools either so I'd likely have to go buy a pair of needle noses.

msrecant
04-15-2009, 10:12 AM
you would think who ever made these clear side markers would take the reflectors out because 95% of the community here takes them out......is there a reason why its there in the first place?..........just curious

The clear side markers are manufactured to Japanese safety specifications for RX-8s sold in Japan. The reflector is required to meet the side marker requirements in that country. They were never intended for use here in the US.

YeahYeahYouWere
04-15-2009, 07:57 PM
Well, I am sure it's a real shock to everyone to hear this, but I am not the genius I thought I was! I received my clear corners today, and rather than remove the reflectors, I thought I would try just bending them back and out of the way. It doesn't work that way. The problem is that when you try to push them back, they actually hit the outside lens. All it did was make it then harder to get them removed the normal way. I found it easiest to just shove a screwdriver in between the mirror and the back of the housing, and twist.

The first took me 15 or 20 minutes. The second I did in literally no more than 90 seconds. I snapped a few photos of the reflector inside the housing. The 3rd is difficult to discern anything, but if you look closely, you can see where the reflector is. Finally, a shot of the mangled mirrors, for fun.

pking1122
07-23-2009, 06:12 PM
Great thread. Just installed mine. :cool:

prisonerofcs
11-02-2009, 08:35 PM
From: http://www.leg.state.fl.us/STATUTES/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=Ch0316/Sec234.HTM

It may now be legal in Florida


(2) Any vehicle may be equipped and, when required under s. 316.222(2), shall be equipped with electric turn signals which shall indicate an intention to turn by flashing lights showing to the front and rear of a vehicle or on a combination of vehicles on the side of the vehicle or combination toward which the turn is to be made. The lamps showing to the front shall be mounted on the same level and as widely spaced laterally as practicable and, when signaling, shall emit white or amber light. The lamps showing to the rear shall be mounted on the same level and as widely spaced laterally as practicable, and, when signaling, shall emit a red or amber light. Turn signal lamps on vehicles 80 inches or more in overall width shall be visible from a distance of not less than 500 feet to the front and rear in normal sunlight, and an object, material, or covering that alters the lamp's visibility from a distance of 500 feet to the front or rear in normal sunlight may not be placed, displayed, installed, affixed, or applied over a turn signal lamp. Turn signal lamps on vehicles less than 80 inches wide shall be visible at a distance of not less than 300 feet to the front and rear in normal sunlight, and an object, material, or covering that alters the lamp's visibility from a distance of 300 feet to the front or rear in normal sunlight may not be placed, displayed, installed, affixed, or applied over a turn signal lamp. Turn signal lamps may, but need not be, incorporated in other lamps on the vehicle.

RotaryP7
01-09-2010, 04:15 PM
I can't freaking remove the internal reflector.. What did you guys use?!

HWK11
01-09-2010, 04:21 PM
L shaped needle nose pliers work fine

RotaryP7
01-09-2010, 05:34 PM
L shaped needle nose pliers work fine

I have regular nose pliers.. What do you mean L shaped?

HWK11
01-09-2010, 05:36 PM
like its bent in the middle. im not sure of the correct name but i used those

Huey52
01-10-2010, 07:07 AM
These: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=33202

Also very useful when installing an AFE short shifter. ;)

RotaryP7
01-10-2010, 07:40 PM
These: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=33202

Also very useful when installing an AFE short shifter. ;)

Oh ok thanks.

btw, do I use them to release the reflector? I've tried using a screw driver, it loosened the reflector but it's not out yet. It's stuck. lol.. God, I'm a noob.

HWK11
01-10-2010, 07:47 PM
oh.. like deform them with the pliers and then pull the reflectors out. that should be easier

RotaryP7
01-10-2010, 08:11 PM
oh.. like deform them with the pliers and then pull the reflectors out. that should be easier

Yea.. I need those pliers first. ;)

RotaryP7
02-06-2010, 01:17 PM
After almost a month, I finally took out that reflector piece.. lol..

RotaryP7
02-06-2010, 02:22 PM
After buying the clear corners in 2008. I just installed them. I've been lazy.. The DIY was amazing. :)