SLO1 posted a thread similar to this, about installing cabin air filters, and this is my attempt to "pay it forward". This thread documents my installation of clear side-markers on my Velocity-Red 2004 RX-8. Like the cabin air filters, the side-markers did not come with installation instructions.

The only tool you will need is a small Phillips-head screwdriver. Below is the "before" picture showing my RX-8 with stock side-markers.

The clear side-markers were purchased from www.rotaryextreme.com for $70.00. The picture shows a front view of the left side-marker and the rear view of the right side-marker. Note the two TABS that are used to hold the side-marker in place once it is installed.

The RotaryExtreme side-markers did not come with colored bulbs. Rather that researching Virginia state-inspection regulations as to whether white side-marker lights are legal, I simply purchased a pair of generic colored side-marker bulbs from my local auto supply store.

This was the first unexpected issue I encountered. Unlike the stock side-markers, the clear side-markers have an internal reflector just in front of the bulb. As can be seen from the photo, this focuses the bulk of the light to the rear-half of the side marker (sorry about the fuzzy photo).

It is not hard to remove the reflectors and I believe it substantially improves the look of the marker at night (see installation photos). Unfortunately, due to the small size, it is hard to take pictures of the reflector.

Below is a rough diagram of the right-side side marker, looking down from the top. The reflector is located inside the side marker at the top of the opening where the bulb-assembly plugs in, and is angled to reflect the bulb's light towards the back of the side marker.

To remove the reflector:

1. The reflector is a single piece of soft metal, about 3/8 inch wide, roughly in the shape of a reverse "L". It is held in place by the flat bottom-portion of the reflector sliding in between two plastic slots rising from the back of the side marker housing. The bottom portion of the reflector has a tooth-edge to secure it between the two plastic slots. Note that the reflector is made of a soft metal that is easily deformed.

2. Entering through the bulb-assembly hole, place a small flat-blade screwdriver between the back of the side marker and the bottom of the reflector. Gently rotate the screwdriver side to side to loosen the reflector. Repeat using progressively larger flat-blade screw drivers until the base of the reflector has been deformed enough that the reflector falls free from the back of the side marker.

3. The reflector is now free within the side marker but it is too wide to simply come out the bulb-assembly hole. Shake the side marker until the reflector rests against the bulb-assembly hole. Reach in the hole with a pair of needle-nose pliers and attempt to bend each side of the reflector towards the center of the reflector. Eventually the reflector will become narrow enough to slip through the bulb-assembly hole.

Be gentle to avoid scratching or cracking the interrior of the side marker. If you are familiar with doing it, the process takes about 3-5 minutes.

Helpful hint: You may want to crush the reflector (squeeze the sides together) before you break it loose from the side marker. This can be done using a long neck version of a needle-nose pliers or by looping a piece of wire around the top of the reflector and pulling towards you.

I cannot guarantee that everyone will be able to do this, but I was successful and caused minimal internal scratching in the side-marker. If not done carefully, you can break the side-marker ($35 out the window).

Now I am actually starting installation. First you need to position the front wheels so that they are turned to the other side of the car from where you are working. This exposes the forward inside of the wheel well. The two fasteners that need to be removed are noted in the picture.

By using a Phillips-head screwdriver and turning counter-clockwise about a quarter turn, you release the pin from the middle of the fastener. The pin will pop out. You may have to hold the outer ring to keep the whole fastener from rotating. Once released, pull the pin all the way out and then simply pull the entire fastener from the vehicle. Remove both the noted fasteners, then pull back the plastic trim to expose the back of the side-marker.

As shown in the picture, the side-marker is held in place by two things. A Phillips-head screw and the REAR TAB of the side-marker which clips on the fender sheet-metal. Use a screwdriver to remove the screw. Then reach behind the metal frame and push the tip of the side-marker REAR TAB forward, which should release the side marker and allow the back of the side-marker to swing out from the car. Once the rear of the side-marker and the bulb assembly are clear of the fender, then pull the side marker rearward to release the side-marker FRONT-TAB.

This is a picture of the side-marker, clear of the vehicle. Simply turn the bulb assembly counter clockwise to remove it from the side-marker.

Pull the clear bulb out of the bulb assembly. Push the colored bulb into the slot in the bulb assembly.

Insert the bulb assembly into the clear side-marker and turn clockwise to lock in place. The side-marker is now ready for re-installation into the vehicle.

In the picture, note that the clear side-marker is not the same shape as the stock side-marker. The stock side-marker has been sculpted to match the lines of the fender. The clear side-marker flares out and then tapers in at the back. I'm still not sure which I prefer.

For installation of the clear side-marker, position the FRONT TAB at the front slot in the fender and rotate the back of the side-marker until it barely makes contact with the fender. You may have to reach behind and use your fingers to keep the bulb assembly wires from getting pinched. Then slide the side marker forward as far as it will go. As a last step gently push on the rear of the side-marker until you feel the REAR TAB click into position. Insert the screw, at the rear of the side-marker, and tighten it down.

Reposition the plastic that covers the forward side of the wheel well. Make sure that, where appropriate, it is tucked beneath the lip of sheet-metal and that the fastener holes line up. Insert the two fasteners and push the center pins all the way in.

This is a picture of the finished product. Repeat the process for the other side of the vehicle.

This is what the clear side-marker looks like when illuminated. Remember I used colored bulbs and removed the internal reflector.

Nice! Thanks!

--SL01

Originally posted by msrecant
I personally did not like the look when illuminated so I removed the reflector from both clear side-markers.

now why didn't i think of that? i will have to do this when i get home...thanks for the tip

great post.. It looks way better to me with the reflector out.

Excellent instructions and photos!

This is a great example of the quality everyone should use when posting instructions on "How to....".

What was the total time frame to get this job done?

Thanks!

time frame when I installed is like 5 to 10 min
but I didn't take out reflectors yet

Originally posted by Magar
What was the total time frame to get this job done?


The whole process took me about 2 hours but there are several considerations:
- I am still overly cautious about doing something that would damage the car
- I was constantly taking picture of the process for the forum
- I initially tried to remove 3 or 4 wheel-well fasteners, some of which are
a bear to get off with the wheel in place
- The reflector and the shape of the clear side-marker stopped me cold.
I didn't like it and had to think it through. I did several test
mounts and dismounts.
- Removal of the first reflector was done with unnecessary caution

Regardless, in answer to your question, after practice it would now take me 10 minutes to swap out both side-markers. Removing the reflectors is about another 10-15 minutes work (5-7 minutes a piece) depending on what tools you have, how dexterous you are and how carefully you proceed.

Wait a second, in your post you say if you break it your out $35?? I thought the markers were $200!

Originally posted by Wing
Wait a second, in your post you say if you break it your out $35?? I thought the markers were $200!

The pair I got was only $70. I think I saw in another thread that you can find them at some other after-market shops for a little less.

Check out www.rotaryextreme.com.

That was $70 US.

good grief!!! it took you 2 hours?!? it took me 5 minutes each side...and i was very cautious...

well i took the reflectors out and they makes a big difference...the first one was a bitch, but as soon as you get one out, the second one took me a minute...just take a flat head and pry it under the reflector...get it in deep, twist, deeper, twist...eventually it pops right off...then take a needle nose plier, grab one side, then twist it until you bend it small enough to fit through the hole...a fair amount of force is necessary...

it looks good! thanks for that tip

... that's because msrecant took all of those great pictures, downloaded them into Photoshop, added the graphics & arrow pointers then upload them here to this fourm!

:D

Great job msrecant!

I was going to try to practice taking the reflectors out on my stock orange corners but the orange corners don't have reflectors.

ok I just spent about 20 minutes but got the reflectors out of the clear sidemarks. This shit better look great, removing the reflectors was tough. Thanks for the tip

Just got my clear markers today (from RotaryExtreme.com) - RotaryExtreme sent them out as promised, but our beloved USPS sent them to the WRONG ADDRESS (not even CLOSE to mine! :( ) Boy was I glad when the guy called me! :D

At any rate, thanks to your instructions, I had the reflectors removed and the clear markers installed in less than 20 minutes! (Heck, it took more time to actually print out the instructions than it did to do everything else!:) )

As good as the car already looked before, it looks more like a new car now than it did before I bought it! Thanks a lot for the instructions! Even a village idiot should be able to follow them! Whenever possible, I may try to post a few pics of the finished product.

Also purchased the lights via rotary extreme. Took about 10 minutes. Its worth purchasing xenon 194 through ebay or LED's. Look great - worth the "investment" :-)

here is a pic without reflector

I have my clear lenses on order from Rotary Extreme. Is everyone just using a standard 194 amber bulb or is anyone using (or considering using) a LED or Stealth bulb which glows amber but isn't amber when it's off? If so, does anyone have a picture to post so we can compare it to msrecant's helpful photos?

Thanks BTW for your helpful instructions and pictures and the tip about the reflector.

I wish someone could post similar instructions and photos with regards to installing the rear fog light. Apparently instructions that come with it are only in Japanese. Anyone tried installing one yet?:confused:

many people have installed led lights with corners, mine have ultra white bulbs in them but not led

I want the rear fog light but where can you order one

Thanks installed mine this evening. I even bought the same bulbs! I like the more ample design of the clear marker housing. I noticed it when I installed them.

I believe the rear fog is available through the dealers. Try Trussville Mazda in AL.

thanks rod

I've yet to hear of anyone in North America selling the rear fog light. From what I've seen, it's only avaliable from Japan. I hope someone can prove me wrong. Please post any info regarding sourcing a rear fog light.

Also, the units from Japan come with installation instructions in Japanese only. Has anyone heard of a set of installation instructions in English?

Originally posted by broose
I have my clear lenses on order from Rotary Extreme. Is everyone just using a standard 194 amber bulb or is anyone using (or considering using) a LED or Stealth bulb which glows amber but isn't amber when it's off? If so, does anyone have a picture to post so we can compare it to msrecant's helpful photos?

I installed my clear markers today, and I used the Stealth bulbs that are silver when turned off and amber when illuminated. I also removed the internal reflectors.

Thanks to msrecant for those great instructions! :)

Here are a couple of photos with the light turned off and on.

neat!

I went with the standard amber bulbs just because they were only like $2.50 for the pack.

Do the JDM RX-8's use amber bulbs for the sidemarkers as well?

frogzapper, looks good
how much did the stealth bulb cost

Originally posted by mikeb
frogzapper, looks good
how much did the stealth bulb cost

Thanks, Mike -- they were rather expensive -- $29.95 for the pair, but I thought, what the hey, as long as I'm doing this, I'll try these! I'm kind of curious to see how they look compared to the regular amber bulbs when illuminated. I was kind of expecting them to give off more of an amber glow than they do when lit -- I guess I'll have to take a look at them at night and see how they look. Or maybe if I'm not feeling too lazy I'll have to try putting in the regular amber bulbs for comparison. Has anyone had any problems with law enforcement when using the clear marker/amber bulb combo?

you shouldn't have any problems since you are using the stealth bulb and its amber. I might have a problem with cops because I'm using a hyper white or blue bulb that is not legal but you should be ok

And thanks to msrecant's EXCELLENT directions, it only took me about 20 minutes end to end. Hardest part was removing the reflector that came in the first clear corner I installed. Eventually discovered a medium size flat head inserted under the retaining clip took about 2 good twists to pop it out it's mount point, then needle nose pliers to bend it a bit and out it came from the reflector. Once I discovered this trick, I had the second clear corner de-reflectored and installed in about 5 minutes.

They look really, really good on my Titanium 8... SO much better than stock. I see what was meant now by the slight outward flare of the new reflector, and think the factory flush models look a bit better, shape-wise, at least. But the clear looks SO much better than that ugly yellow-orange, that there is no way I'm going back.

MANY THANKS msrecant for the blow-by-blow directions!!!

Originally posted by Omicron
I see what was meant now by the slight outward flare of the new reflector, and think the factory flush models look a bit better, shape-wise, at least. But the clear looks SO much better than that ugly yellow-orange, that there is no way I'm going back.


I think you picked up on the bottom line here. The factory flush shape is technically cleaner (I really do like it) but getting rid of the yellow-orange color is so much of an improvement that it makes the shape difference a moot point.

It would be great is Mazda simply switched the US models to clear markers with amber bulbs. I would buy a replacement set in an instant if they did.

Agreed, I would buy them too. Mayhap Mazda will come out with clear corners, but I wouldn't bank on it.

BTW, I love your sig line with the "Century Ascend Booster Seat" listed. First time I saw I was ROTFLMAO!!! :)

mazda wont come out with clear sidemarks because its illegal in the states

but it would be cool, thank god for the aftermarket

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.

Originally posted by jdaled
I looked up the legal code here in Indiana, and it requires the front corners to reflect amber, as well as light up.

I may need to do a follow-on installation sequence about a year from now (state inspection anniversary) "Amber Side-marker re-Installation Photos".

I want those stealth bulbs for my blinkers next to headlight

anyone change those

Just wanted to add another "Thank You!" to msrecant for the photos and detailed instructions.

I just installed my clear markers this morning, and I LOVE the look of them. I actually think I prefer the shape of the clear markers to the original orange ones. I like them both, but the way these "flare out" a bit just looks a bit more stylish and gives the car a unique look.

The actual installation was a breeze, thanks to msrecant, even for ME! :) The most trouble I had was removing that darned reflector, but I got it out and it was definitely worth the effort.

Anyway, I'm glad it's an easy install, since it looks like I'll be switching them out come next August when it's time for my state inspection. Anyone know what the regulations for this are in Virginia? I've been looking but can't find the answer. I get the feeling, though, that amber reflectors are probably required.

got my clearmarkers from Jt-imports a couple of days ago (quick delivery) and installed them today! They look great and it was worth it! Thanks for the instructions man, they made life easy for me!

Does anybody know about Florida laws? I'm pretty sure there's no yearly inspection, so I'm good with that. But, I actually didn't know that it was against the law to have white lights....how is that?

I like the clear sides, but not when you can see an orange bulb behind it. So, what I'm asking is, if I install the clears, BUT KEEP the white bulbs, what kind of potential "trouble" will I be getting myself into?

I'd like to add that I'm not into ricey stuff...I just prefer the look of "clear" lights. Because the only aesthetic gain with the clears is during the day, with the lights off. I figure why not get the look at night (lights on) as well?

Originally posted by strong bad
Does anybody know about Florida laws? I'm pretty sure there's no yearly inspection, so I'm good with that. But, I actually didn't know that it was against the law to have white lights....how is that?

I like the clear sides, but not when you can see an orange bulb behind it. So, what I'm asking is, if I install the clears, BUT KEEP the white bulbs, what kind of potential "trouble" will I be getting myself into?

I'd like to add that I'm not into ricey stuff...I just prefer the look of "clear" lights. Because the only aesthetic gain with the clears is during the day, with the lights off. I figure why not get the look at night (lights on) as well?

Do not quote me, but I think as long as the turn signal lights are not changed to another color other than amber its legal. i.e. no white bulbs, but I am sure it would be fine to change your side parking lights. They seem more cosmetic on the RX8......

Can someone w/ winning blue who put these on the car post pics so I can see how they will look on mine? Thanks!

Ok... Just how hard is it to remove the reflectors in the oem turn signal? I will be receiving my CSM's soon and want to know if I should go with removing the reflectors? Anyone have any pics on removing the reflectors? Just wondering...

Originally posted by my10ae
Ok... Just how hard is it to remove the reflectors in the oem turn signal? I will be receiving my CSM's soon and want to know if I should go with removing the reflectors? Anyone have any pics on removing the reflectors? Just wondering...

It is not hard to remove the reflectors and I believe it substantially improves the look of the marker at night (see installation photos). Unfortunately, due to the small size, it is hard to take pictures of the reflector.

Below is a rough diagram of the right-side side marker, looking down from the top. The reflector is located inside the side marker at the top of the opening where the bulb-assembly plugs in, and is angled to reflect the bulb's light towards the back of the side marker.

To remove the reflector:

1. The reflector is a single piece of soft metal, about 3/8 inch wide, roughly in the shape of a reverse "L". It is held in place by the flat bottom-portion of the reflector sliding in between two plastic slots rising from the back of the side marker housing. The bottom portion of the reflector has a tooth-edge to secure it between the two plastic slots. Note that the reflector is made of a soft metal that is easily deformed.

2. Entering through the bulb-assembly hole, place a small flat-blade screwdriver between the back of the side marker and the bottom of the reflector. Gently rotate the screwdriver side to side to loosen the reflector. Repeat using progressively larger flat-blade screw drivers until the base of the reflector has been deformed enough that the reflector falls free from the back of the side marker.

3. The reflector is now free within the side marker but it is too wide to simply come out the bulb-assembly hole. Shake the side marker until the reflector rests against the bulb-assembly hole. Reach in the hole with a pair of needle-nose pliers and attempt to bend each side of the reflector towards the center of the reflector. Eventually the reflector will become narrow enough to slip through the bulb-assembly hole.

Be gentle to avoid scratching or cracking the interrior of the side marker. If you are familiar with doing it, the process takes about 3-5 minutes.

Thanks for the writeup msrecant. I am now not afraid to do this mod along with the reflector.

Thanks,
Kevin

Originally posted by mikeb
I want those stealth bulbs for my blinkers next to headlight

anyone change those

If you find some, let me know, too!

the problem is that they are WY21W's.

They are NOT W21W's, nor are they 7004's.

Google turns up squat.

I just emailed a few vendors of lights about it.

Originally posted by spdspappy
Can someone w/ winning blue who put these on the car post pics so I can see how they will look on mine? Thanks!

I think it looks great. Here's a couple...

one more...

Great, thanks!

What's with all the rust on the rotor. Humid environment?

Originally posted by brothervoodoo
What's with all the rust on the rotor. Humid environment?

No, I keep the rotors wet as much as possible. I like the look of the rust!! :p


j/k It didn't take long, did it? Just got the car mid-August.


EDIT By the way, I'm planning on working on those rotors tomorrow. I think I can get most, if not all, of the rust off with some of that Eagle One Nevr Dull stuff that was recommended for the tailpipes in another part of the forum. Maybe I'll post "before and after" pics. :)

Won't hard braking take it off? Try going to an autocross, that should take care of it (a lot more fun than some chemical method :) )

Originally posted by spdspappy
Won't hard braking take it off? Try going to an autocross, that should take care of it (a lot more fun than some chemical method :) )

Yeah, that would've been more fun, but here's the results from the boring method. There's some left under the caliper, but oh well.

Looks much better!

I don't think I posted a pic of mine in here yet:

http://rx8.swankmonkey.com/images/clear_corners/car_clears.jpg

I replaced my winning blue GT with clear sidemarkers (sans reflectors) a week ago, and then immediately replaced the bulbs with ultra-white bulbs. Also replaced the front running lights with the ultra-whites, but the lens for those is still slightly yellowish. All in all, a much cleaner look for the front end during the night and day. Love to see all the winning blues, still haven't seen another one on the road here in Atlanta. They must all be in garages!!! :)
Aaron

Just wanna yell out a big TY to msrecant. I'm a car noob and with your detail instructions, all took me about 20 min to take out the reflectors AND installed them.

Looks good, Winning Blues. Admittedly not as good looking as on other colors, but what can I do? The blue is what I drive, and therefore what I will install my clears on.

BTW loco, exactly how close were you to hitting that brick wall?? :eek:

Originally posted by strong bad
BTW loco, exactly how close were you to hitting that brick wall?? :eek:


LOL! It does look close in that pic. It was really about 8 inches. :p

Installed my clear corners today. Very easy install, except for the removal of the reflective metal inside the new markers. That took about an hour pushing and pulling. I was very concerned about breaking the plastic, which is very thin and fragile. Pushing is easy, but finding the right tool to pull was tough. In the end, I used the metal from a paper clamp and a pair of needle nosed pliers.



http://home.comcast.net/~celitz/small_clear_corner.jpg
http://home.comcast.net/~celitz/small_tools.jpg

I'll still have to do the same to my clear corners, looks much better without the reflector.

heheh, is strongbad the same as the internet cartoon?

Notice my spare rims in the pic above ;)

Thinking of painting them white, actually powdercoating them!

i put blue bulbs in the front running lights and it is sort of blue white when illuminated. looks much better than shit yellow.

Don't know about idaho, but in california sidemarkers legally have to alluminate amber..

Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer.

It appears that Texas law allows those side marker lights to be white:

http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/statutes/tr/tr0054700.html#tr028.547.324

instead of amber.

FWIW.

Anyone thought about tinting or "smoking" the clear side markers? I think the clears stand out a bit much on black cars. I have some on order and I'm thinking about trying it when I get them in.

team hybrid rx8 blacked out their corners

it looked pretty good

why not test it out on your stock orange corners first

I just used msrecant's instructions on reflector removal. Marching up in flat blade size and increasing the depth of penetration of the screwdriver with each rotation was helpful. (No analogies to other activities are implied or intended). I had both reflectors out in 10 minutes. Thanks for good directions, and I encourage others who may be interested in reflector removal not to hesitate!

Has anyone found a REASONABLE price for these sidemarkers? (such as $40 versus $70 for a pair).
Just wonderin'

Got mine at JT-Imports.com for 55.95 with bulbs + shipping.

Has anyone seen any mention of trying to do a group buy on these clear/white side markers? I would like them, like a lot of other folks but $70 is just ridiculious...

Thanks in advance!

P.S. Already forked out $$$ for: 6CD player, strakes, exhaust finishers, splash guards, and scuff plates with rotary emblem.

Would like to not pay $70 for markers...

Originally posted by CoastalKT
Has anyone found a REASONABLE price for these sidemarkers? (such as $40 versus $70 for a pair).
Just wonderin'

Got mine today from JT-imports also. $50.95 w/ shipping included. Cheapest price anywhere, doubt they'll get lower.
Thanks for the great info on putting them on, probably would've broke the little tab off if I hadn't read this post first. Also took out the reflector piece.

Finished installing them a couple of hours ago.
Also installed chrome orange bulbs from ebay. (You can't see any orange only when they're on. Had to stay legal. Thanks to jdaled who had pictures of the chromed bulbs on his 8. I had to get them. (194 bulb size) ebay link here (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&category=33717&item=2452754058&sspagename=STRK%3AMEBWN%3AIT)
Also did my front and rear turn signals in the chrome amber. (7440 bulb size) ebay link here (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&category=33717&item=2452754491&sspagename=STRK%3AMEBWN%3AIT)
Might get some stealth bulbs if these burn out quickly.
Anyways here's the pictures of them (they're kindof dark , I'll take some during the daytime soon).....
click here (http://www.cox-internet.com/adrian-1/images/RX8/clear%20sidemarkers%20and%20lights/)


http://www.cox-internet.com/adrian-1/images/RX8/clear%20sidemarkers%20and%20lights/IMG_0056.jpg

nice adrian, one step closer to getting your car to look like your sig.

I got mine from jt imports too. It was kind of fun getting something in the mail from Tokyo!

Great job, very very informative.

Just put my clears on my Nordic Green, looks great, but just one question. The button on top won't tighten back in propertly. It turns and pops in but is loose. Any ideas?

Originally posted by Cobalt_RX
Just put my clears on my Nordic Green, looks great, but just one question. The button on top won't tighten back in propertly. It turns and pops in but is loose. Any ideas?

I assume you are refering to the fastener that holds the plastic trim in place in the wheel well. I can think of two things that would cause it to be loose.

First, check the alignment of the trim. Do the holes pretty much line up or do you have to apply a lot of pressure to align the holes for the fastener or to get them close enough to fasten? If you have to apply pressure, then the trim may be binding or be miss-aligned elsewhere. Check to make sure that the trim is correctly aligned and seated behind the sheet metal. The trim hole and the sheet metal holes should be aligned and pretty much back-to-back before the fastner is inserted. It sounds like the fastener is only going through the trim panel and missing the sheet metal.

My second thought is that these fasteners are easy to damage. The fastener in question may simply be stripped, in which case you should be able to buy a replacement from you local Mazda dealer for undet $2.00 I would actually stock up as I believe this same trim panel needs to be pulled to replace headlamp bulbs.

Push! not turn

I tried switching the pin with another one and the alignment is correct. Even after I put is back in through both the plastic and metal and tighten it, it is still loose. Its doing the same thing on both sides. I put a rubber washer on one side but would be much happier if I could just get it to tighten up by itself.

I got it worked out, it just took a little more force then I would have liked to have used.

Cork Sport has the clear markers with harness and bulbs for $67.00. In stock as of 3/10/04.

http://www.corksport.com/main.php3?primNavIndex=0&mainURL=%2Fstore%2Findex.php3%3Fcat%3D260824

Originally posted by mp5
Anyone thought about tinting or "smoking" the clear side markers? I think the clears stand out a bit much on black cars. I have some on order and I'm thinking about trying it when I get them in.

so clear side markers stand out too much yet side skirts are rear diffusers are inconspicuous :D

I just purchased the clear corners from Cork Sport. However, these have the harness.

Anyone install the clears with the new harness?

Thanks. :cool:

310Guy,

By harness, do you mean the bulb socket and wiring harness? If so, one would just use the existing socket/harness with the new side marker.

Can you post a picture?

Yeah, you don't need the harness.

Here's a pic:

http://www.acurainspired.com/gallery/data/2f55707d4193dc27118a0f19a1985716/861_p24957.jpg

It includes the bulb and harness.

EDIT: I have NO idea why it is not posting the picture. I have the [img] and [/ img] on either side of the link. Strange. I've posted pictures in the West Coast forum with no problems. Oh well...

310Guy,

ATL RX-8 is right. Simply remove the bulb socket and harness from the side marker (turn counter clockwise until it stops and pull out) and install the side marker on the car using the bulb socket and harness that is already on your car. Just replace your 8's clear bulb with the amber bulb from the new bulb socket/harness assembly.

It's strange, some come with the harness, some don't. Mine didn't.

Cool. Thanks for the help. :cool:

I purchased a set from Japanparts.com via E-Bay for $59.95 including shipping and received within 3 days. They are factory Mazda parts as well. Check it out! They also have the rear fog light and with the conversion rate it was running aroung $250.

I put in the clear sidemarkers on my Titanium 8 this past weekend(only 6 days after purchasing the car). The clear side markers are a definite must for the titanium Rx8 (IMHO). Right now I just have the amber 194's in there, but I think I'll pick up a set of the stealth bulbs in a few days and compare to see which one I like better.
Many thanks to msrecant for your DIY posts on this.

I just finished pulling the reflectors out of my clear markers....most def a pain-in-the-a*s....but it'll be worth it,I just oredered the chromed,stealth-look bulbs for the markers and f/r blinkers to complete the package.

Thanks ;) Just checked this out and wammo theyre now installed :)

agreed.....got them in sat moring...checked this out to double check how-to...bam....7 minutes later....all done!!

and what an EASY improvement. i left the bulbs the same....i doubt ill get pulled over for it....

Just installed my Japanparts.com clear blinkers after a fast consult with this thread. It went perfectly; not even a 15 minute job. Many thanks!!

Ned M, I assume you are talking about the clear side markers. Where did you find them on the Japanparts.com site? Thanks.

For those in Washington State:

RCW 46.37.100
Color of clearance lamps, side marker lamps, back-up lamps, and reflectors.

(1) Front clearance lamps and those marker lamps and reflectors mounted on the front or on the side near the front of a vehicle shall display or reflect an amber color.

So you need you need amber or stealth lamps that illuminate amber.

This is a great DIY thread. Many thanks. I think this is going to be my first mod.

Just want to says thanks.....Got mine installed in under 10 min because of this thread.....this fourm rocks!!!!!!

Yeah, it is pretty cool, isn't it? :D

Just installed my clear corners from JapanParts. I read the DIY, removed the reflectors and installed the lights in under 15 minutes...Such a simple mod. I LOVE IT!

Pics:
http://photos.yahoo.com/stangmatt66

finally got them in^^^
nice work man

Here is a little more info on the reflector removal process.

If you look through the hole for the bulb on the clear side markers, you'll see a piece of metal. This metal reflects light backwards, giving the reflector an awkward appearance. It's pretty easy to take out, though.

Get a pair of needle nose pliers and something with a ridged surface that will grip the edge of the piece of metal w/o clamping (I have a pair of "surgical" clamps I procured from somewhere that served this purpose well).

Use your needle nose pliers to push the piece backwards towards the inside. Then use the ridged surface to pull it forward. Do this several times until the metal tab will bend down enough that you can grab the edge of the metal with the pliers.

Once you get it with the pliers, rotate it left then right. Basically, there are two tabs holding the metal piece in place. You want to loosen those up. Eventually, you'll be able to turn the piece almost a full turn. It should "fall out" of the slots inside.

Then you want to deform the metal enough that you can pull it out of the hole. Fin.

You have to put some muscle into it, but it isn't difficult. I attached a picture of how the piece looked after I got it out.

Here is a little more info on the reflector removal process.

If you look through the hole for the bulb on the clear side markers, you'll see a piece of metal. This metal reflects light backwards, giving the reflector an awkward appearance. It's pretty easy to take out, though.

Get a pair of needle nose pliers and something with a ridged surface that will grip the edge of the piece of metal w/o clamping (I have a pair of "surgical" clamps I procured from somewhere that served this purpose well).

Use your needle nose pliers to push the piece backwards towards the inside. Then use the ridged surface to pull it forward. Do this several times until the metal tab will bend down enough that you can grab the edge of the metal with the pliers.

Once you get it with the pliers, rotate it left then right. Basically, there are two tabs holding the metal piece in place. You want to loosen those up. Eventually, you'll be able to turn the piece almost a full turn. It should "fall out" of the slots inside.

Then you want to deform the metal enough that you can pull it out of the hole. Fin.

You have to put some muscle into it, but it isn't difficult. I attached a picture of how the piece looked after I got it out.

I just finished putting in my clear side markers from japanparts that I got on ebay. I went ahead and removed the reflectors... at first it took a little long to figure out how to knock it loose but then believe it or not my wife figure it out, just wedge a screwdriver underneath the reflector, (there is a small gap), then just push it off...

It comes right off:D , than to take it out I just grabbed a pair of craftsman wire stripper (Small) and knock the tab right to the edge of the hole, so that I can grab it with the wire stripper, then I just bent one side enough to pull it out, the first one took a while but once I figure out how, the second took less than 5 minutes, installation was quick 10 mins tops....

will post pics later...;)

Texas Statue for those interested:
§ 547.324. TURN SIGNAL LAMPS REQUIRED. (a) Except as
provided by Subsection (b), a motor vehicle, trailer, semitrailer,
or pole trailer shall be equipped with electric turn signal lamps
that indicate the operator's intent to turn by displaying flashing
lights to the front and rear of a vehicle or combination of vehicles
and on that side of the vehicle or combination toward which the turn
is to be made.
(b) Subsection (a) does not apply to a passenger car or
truck less than 80 inches wide manufactured or assembled before the
model year 1960.
(c) Turn signal lamps:
(1) shall be mounted at the same level and spaced as
widely apart as practicable on the front and on the rear of the
vehicle; and
(2) may be included as a part of another lamp on the
vehicle.
(d) A turn signal lamp shall emit:
(1) a white or amber light, or a color between white
and amber, if the lamp is mounted on the front of the vehicle; or
(2) a red or amber light, or a color between red and
amber, if the lamp is mounted on the rear of the vehicle.
(e) A turn signal lamp must be visible in normal sunlight at
a distance of:
(1) at least 500 feet from the front and rear of the
vehicle if the vehicle is at least 80 inches wide; and
(2) at least 300 feet from the front and rear of the
vehicle if the vehicle is less than 80 inches wide.

Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.

very thorough instructions, easy even for a dope like me ;) thanks

Thanks for the instructions; the install took only 10 min. These match the silver RX8 nicely and look a lot better than the amber markers. Some additional tips:

1) Inner screw can also be removed with a 5/16" ratchet.
2) You don't need to turn the wheels if you use a short driver/ratchet.
3) If bulb doesn't work, check to see if its metal contacts need to be straightened.
4) JT-Imports (http://jt-imports.com/Mazda_RX8_JDM_Parts.htm) has markers for $55 shipped (arrived in 8 days).
5) Autolumination (http://autolumination.com/194.htm) has stealth bulbs (bulb 194, Silver Vision, Amber) for $3 each and shipping is cheap.

EDIT (3 years later):
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). Now I gotta install new sockets and either my original amber markers or another set of clear corners.

Just got mine today from:
this guy (http://stores.ebay.com/JAPANPARTS-IN-TOKYO-Store_W0QQsspagenameZl2QQtZkm)

Took longer to get the reflector out than it did to install them. Probably 15 minutes to get the first reflector out, then 5 for the second one.

Then about 5 - 10 minutes a side for the install.

I don't like the look of the amber bulbs, so I just ordered the clear bulbs that glow amber.

All in all, a very easy mod thanks to this DIY.

Thanks!

For all you Alabama residents, the 1975 code of Alabama has this to say about side markers (from 32-5-242 (http://www.legislature.state.al.us/CodeofAlabama/1975/32-5-242.htm))

(g) Color of clearance lamps, side marker lamps and reflectors.

(1) Front clearance lamps and those marker lamps and reflectors mounted on the front or on the side near the front of a vehicle shall display or reflect an amber color.

(2) Rear clearance lamps and those marker lamps and reflectors mounted on the rear or on the sides near the rear of a vehicle shall display or reflect a red color.

(3) All lighting devices and reflectors mounted on the rear of any vehicle shall display or reflect a red color, except the stop light or other signal device, which may be red, amber or yellow, and except that the light illuminating the license plate or the light emitted by a back-up lamp shall be white.

installed my clear corners last night... very easy thanks to this DIY.... took about 15 minutes and only ran into 2 slight problems... on one corner, the bulb didn't wanna go back in and i had to force it a little bit..... one of the fastners didn't wanna snap back into that car, cause the screw was already in the fastner... i pulled the screw back out, push the fastner in, push the screw in, then turn the screw.... i did not take the reflectors out, but after looking at how it looks, i might go back and remove them... if i'm not too lazy.... thanks for the DIY

Installed my clear corners this morning. Took me 15mins, simple thanks to the fellow rx8 peeps.. Thanks!! I ordered them from JTimports and I received the corners in a few days from Japan.. props to them.. One thing though, you don't need to order the harness, (I think that is what it is called), I just put my orange bulbs into the existing harness and just popped the corner on..

Thanks again DIY!!

Just a quick thanks for this thread! The reflectors were easy to get out. Like someone else figured out, I just used a flat head screwdriver, lightly pushed up, and the reflectors detatched. Used a good pair of needle nose pliers and bent the ends so they'd slide through the hole, and wha-lah! Took less than 2 minutes to get them both out.

Another 10 minutes they were installed on the car, and they look great on the winning blue :)

Thanks again!

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!!! Thanks to this excellent tread, I had noth done in 15 minutes! Thanks again!

Awesome Thread, got my clear markers today, took me about 10 minutes to do both, probably would have been 30 without it, thank you for the DIY. I agree the reflectors kind of ruin it however I am hesitant to take them out as I often have to park on the street at work and it kind of freaks me out to have zero reflectors on the side of my car plus my main goal was to get rid of them ugly orange things, mission accomplished.

This mod is easy simple and very rewarding if you are considering doing it, there is no reason to wait.

Cheers

Originally posted by Silver04RX8
I agree the reflectors kind of ruin it however I am hesitant to take them out as I often have to park on the street at work and it kind of freaks me out to have zero reflectors on the side of my car

The reflector that people are removing from the clear side marker does not reflect light coming into the marker back out. The purpose is to only reflect the light from the bulb to the rear of the side marker, keeping the front third unlit (why this is done I do not know, I suspect some arcane Japanese automotive regulation).

With or without the internal reflector, the side marker is still designed to reflect exterior light back out.

Originally posted by msrecant
The reflector that people are removing from the clear side marker does not reflect light coming into the marker back out. The purpose is to only reflect the light from the bulb to the rear of the side marker, keeping the front third unlit (why this is done I do not know, I suspect some arcane Japanese automotive regulation).

With or without the internal reflector, the side marker is still designed to reflect exterior light back out.

<---Pulls out Flathead and needlenose, plus just found out the state Im in allows clear marker/parking lights, gonna throw in the hyper whites, Woot

Took msrecants advice pulled the markers off, the reflectors came out very easily and I put in the Bright whites and wow I am very impressed. Ill have to post a pic of em at night. Thanks msrecant this has been a very rewarding mod and you made it easy.

Adding Picture as promised.

http://www.frehners.net/images/Rx8/sidemarker.jpg

man im really upset, i took one reflector off fine but the second one was a bitch! the reflectors are metal! the 2nd reflector, i literally jammed a flat head screwdriver underneath the reflector and slammed it down with a hammer. it finally came off but when i was shaking the reflector out, an outter plastic piece broke off cos of the hammer. there goes 70bucks.

That sucks but in the grand scheme of things $70 isn't enough to get too upset over. Consider the cost and inconvenience of an accident... even something trivial like curbing a wheel is a lot more of a pain than just ordering a couple more markers (maybe you can get just one?)

I don't see what the big deal is about the reflectors anyway... I left mine in.

I did the change out last week- Thanks for the instructions- I took the metal reflectors out as well. Easy to take out with needle nose, just be careful not to scratch the lense.

It took more time to take the reflectors out than to install the lenses. approx 20 minutes for the whole job..

Thanks for the photo's..

Just got mine installed. I fiddled with the harness for a while and finally decided to use the one in the car already. Really easy to do - total time less than 8 minutes. I am keeping the reflectors. I have tthe oil cooler grilles on order so I may decide to pop the reflector out when I do that. Looks like a job for next Saturday.

...I have tthe oil cooler grilles on order so I may decide to pop the reflector out when I do that. Looks like a job for next Saturday.

Where are you getting the grills??

is it illegal to have white bulb for the corner lights? If it is can I switch the turning lights from the back to the front turning lights?

is it illegal to have white bulb for the corner lights? If it is can I switch the turning lights from the back to the front turning lights?

Check with your local laws, typically clear IS illegal for a bulb, and sometimes you need amber reflectors/housings.

It was easy to remove the reflectors but it will get scratched no matter what but it wont be visible from the outside so that should be fine




It is not hard to remove the reflectors and I believe it substantially improves the look of the marker at night (see installation photos). Unfortunately, due to the small size, it is hard to take pictures of the reflector.

Below is a rough diagram of the right-side side marker, looking down from the top. The reflector is located inside the side marker at the top of the opening where the bulb-assembly plugs in, and is angled to reflect the bulb's light towards the back of the side marker.

To remove the reflector:

1. The reflector is a single piece of soft metal, about 3/8 inch wide, roughly in the shape of a reverse "L". It is held in place by the flat bottom-portion of the reflector sliding in between two plastic slots rising from the back of the side marker housing. The bottom portion of the reflector has a tooth-edge to secure it between the two plastic slots. Note that the reflector is made of a soft metal that is easily deformed.

2. Entering through the bulb-assembly hole, place a small flat-blade screwdriver between the back of the side marker and the bottom of the reflector. Gently rotate the screwdriver side to side to loosen the reflector. Repeat using progressively larger flat-blade screw drivers until the base of the reflector has been deformed enough that the reflector falls free from the back of the side marker.

3. The reflector is now free within the side marker but it is too wide to simply come out the bulb-assembly hole. Shake the side marker until the reflector rests against the bulb-assembly hole. Reach in the hole with a pair of needle-nose pliers and attempt to bend each side of the reflector towards the center of the reflector. Eventually the reflector will become narrow enough to slip through the bulb-assembly hole.

Be gentle to avoid scratching or cracking the interrior of the side marker. If you are familiar with doing it, the process takes about 3-5 minutes.

Thanks, Mike -- they were rather expensive -- $29.95 for the pair, but I thought, what the hey, as long as I'm doing this, I'll try these! I'm kind of curious to see how they look compared to the regular amber bulbs when illuminated. I was kind of expecting them to give off more of an amber glow than they do when lit -- I guess I'll have to take a look at them at night and see how they look. Or maybe if I'm not feeling too lazy I'll have to try putting in the regular amber bulbs for comparison. Has anyone had any problems with law enforcement when using the clear marker/amber bulb combo?
Where did you get them?

few questions
-so the clear sidemarkers don't come with bubls
-what size bulb is it, what color do you buy
-is it necessary to remove the reflector, does it look decent with the reflector
-can you put the bulb in the stock one to the clear sidemarkers
thanks alot for any info

few questions
-so the clear sidemarkers don't come with bubls
-what size bulb is it, what color do you buy
-is it necessary to remove the reflector, does it look decent with the reflector
-can you put the bulb in the stock one to the clear sidemarkers
thanks alot for any info

A few answers:

- Sidemarkers usually do not come with bulbs. They may come with a bulb-socket which is not needed. The existing socket can be used.

- The size/type is a 194NA amber bulb.

- No, the reflector does not have to be removed. It is your call call as to whether it looks decent. Check out the picture in post http://www.rx8club.com/showpost.php?p=113298&postcount=4

- The stock bulb is a clear bulb which will make the side marker look white at night. You may or may not pass state inspection.

A few answers:

- Sidemarkers usually do not come with bulbs. They may come with a bulb-socket which is not needed. The existing socket can be used.

- The size/type is a 194NA amber bulb.

- No, the reflector does not have to be removed. It is your call call as to whether it looks decent. Check out the picture in post http://www.rx8club.com/showpost.php?p=113298&postcount=4

- The stock bulb is a clear bulb which will make the side marker look white at night. You may or may not pass state inspection.One correction... IMHO, the stock bulb looks kind of "cream" colored. Matches the front marker light.

I've replaced both of these with "Hyper white" 194 bulbs, which match the HID headlights. Legal in the corner lights? Probably not - but it looks great. :D

I just installed my clear sidemarkers that I got from Rotary Extreme. They are now shipping them with orange colored bulbs for free. I installed the orange bulbs, but I'm not sure I like it, so I might put the white back in.

I removed the reflector, which was probably the most difficult part of the installation! Like other said, once you have the first one done, the second is much easier.

Installation of the sidemarkers was a breeze, thanks to these instructions.

The clear sidemarkers look so much better on the Velocity Red paint. The orange really clashed quite badly.

Thanks for the great thread!

go with bright white LEDs :)

I just installed my clear sidemarkers that I got from Rotary Extreme. They are now shipping them with orange colored bulbs for free. I installed the orange bulbs, but I'm not sure I like it, so I might put the white back in.

I removed the reflector, which was probably the most difficult part of the installation! Like other said, once you have the first one done, the second is much easier.

Installation of the sidemarkers was a breeze, thanks to these instructions.

The clear sidemarkers look so much better on the Velocity Red paint. The orange really clashed quite badly.

Thanks for the great thread!

Could somebody recomend the brand of a good 194 Xenon bulb? I got my clear markers today, removed the reflectors, installed them (no prob :D ) with these "super white" bulbs I got from and auto parts store ( http://www.4apc.net ).
However, I found out after turning them on that they were not Xenon. The blue fooled me I guess :(

I see lots to choose from on ebay, but am now aprehensive! Can someone recomend Xenon bulb that is true? Also, what is LED ?

Thanks for all your help, and for all of great DIY posts in this thread that made changing the side-markers easy!

well there are no xenon 194s...just headlights come that way, when it says xenon it is usually refering to the look (as in the bright white when a blue tint is applied) thus your better of getting LEDs, I'll find a pic for you...the are bright white and the nice thing is they run really cool and will never ever burn out

but you can get them in any color, right now I have LED (Light Emitting Diode)s in the reverse light bright whites, front bright white turn signals, rear amber turn signals (turn signals require a load equalizer, or they will triple blink) and white led clear corner lights and inner running lights...let me find a pic for you of my car, one sec

Could somebody recomend the brand of a good 194 Xenon bulb? I got my clear markers today, removed the reflectors, installed them (no prob :D ) with these "super white" bulbs I got from and auto parts store ( http://www.4apc.net ).
However, I found out after turning them on that they were not Xenon. The blue fooled me I guess :(

I see lots to choose from on ebay, but am now aprehensive! Can someone recomend Xenon bulb that is true? Also, what is LED ?

Thanks for all your help, and for all of great DIY posts in this thread that made changing the side-markers easy!

sorry I forgot to mention where I got them... http://autolumination.com/194.htm the 5 LED wedge bulb, choose your color

msrecant or loco4rx8, have you guys hit VA state inspection yet? I'm wondering if you had any problems with the clears. I perused the VA code and couldn't find specifics on side marker color, but the inspection rules state:
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.)
:confused:

msrecant or loco4rx8, have you guys hit VA state inspection yet? I'm wondering if you had any problems with the clears. I perused the VA code and couldn't find specifics on side marker color, but the inspection rules state:


I have been through one state inspection, done at the Mazda dealer, with no problem.

I have looked at the VA law and it does not explicitly say what the running light reflected color must be (I have amber bulbs). However there is a general statement about Federal regulations applying if no explicit State regulation is stated and I have not analyzed the Federal regs on this.

On a practical level, a long as it is not broken and it lights up and I don't think the inspecting mechanic even thinks about the color.

I just wanted to let you i appreciate the DIY you created. It was helpful and i completed the task in about 15 minutes taking my time. I did remove the reflectors and i am very happy with it.

Thanks to all the contributors on this thread, I installed my Christmas present clear corners. The instruction in this DIY are fantastic, it made the job much easier and less stressful.

Here's my one contribution on the procedure. When detaching the internal reflector on my first corner I slightly scratched the inside of the lens with the end of the reflector. Its not real noticable from the outside but it bugged me. So on the second corner, before I started to detach the reflector I looped a wire around the reflector and pulled to bend it up, i.e., toward the hole and away from the lens. This prevented any scratching of the lens during removal.

Thanks again, guys. This is what makes this forum great.

Excellent suggestion! I understand the scratches bugging you (I worried about them too) but you really can't see them from outside.

Just got mine on today! Thanks for the D.I.Y.; it was easy to do, but nice to have directions for confidence. I left the internal mirrors for now.

BTW, I was speaking to a patient (who is a cop) about car mods. I asked about the corner markers. He checked with the traffic enforcement guys and they said they'd let the clear corners go if the light was amber. He said they tend to go after those valve stem and windshield washer lights or lights that are off legal colors (like white corners). It looks like federal regs specify amber lights and reflectors at the corners, hence the lights that came on the cars.

BTW, I was speaking to a patient (who is a cop) about car mods. I asked about the corner markers. He checked with the traffic enforcement guys and they said they'd let the clear corners go if the light was amber. He said they tend to go after those valve stem and windshield washer lights or lights that are off legal colors (like white corners). It looks like federal regs specify amber lights and reflectors at the corners, hence the lights that came on the cars.

FYI...there are no federal regulations regarding lighting on your car. There are federal recommendations. This is why there is such a variance state to state, because not all state Regulations follow the federal Recommendations.

For instance, I can have white front turn signals, white clear corner (white corners and white, specifically super-white, bulbs) in the state of Minnesota. In fact there are virtually no regulations regarding lighting in the state of minnesota, most of it has to do with Emergency vehicles, trucks, and RVs.

When it is referring to lighting it states to follow what the Commisioner of Public Safety mandates, the problem is the Commissioner never mandated anything after the regulations were passed in the 60s and 70s...so most things are up in the air.

Up in the air=challengable in court of law :D

I even spoke to the DMV and the Commisioner of Public Safety's office to verify my findings...I thought I'd be wrong (and even laughed at) but shockingly I was right!

FYI...there are no federal regulations regarding lighting on your car. There are federal recommendations. This is why there is such a variance state to state, because not all state Regulations follow the federal Recommendations.Here's a link to the DOT regs: http://frwebgate6.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/waisgate.cgi?WAISdocID=291295258986+6+0+0&WAISaction=retrieve
It's mostly about headlights (hard to believe you can even make a car with all the regs), but it does address all lighting & reflectors. Here's some selected preliminary info:Sec. 571.108 Standard No. 108; Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.

S1. Scope. This standard specifies requirements for original and
replacement lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.

S5.2.1 The words ``it is recommended that,'' ``recommendations,'' or
``should be'' appearing in any SAE Standard or Recommended Practice
referenced or subreferenced in this standard shall be read as setting
forth mandatory requirements, except that the aiming pads on the lens
face and the black area surrounding the signal lamp recommended in SAE
Standard J887, School Bus Red Signal Lamps, July 1964, are not required.Cut and paste didn't work well for the tables (they are at the very end of the regs), so I did screenshots. Note that intermediate markers/reflectors are only required if the vehicle is over 30ft.

The wording "side marker lamps" and "amber" is confusing to me. (And PA has the same wording, BTW.) Does this wording mean if the clear side markers illuminate in an amber color, they would be considered legal? I suspect this wording would be open to interpretation by the person doing the inspection. What do you think?

Here's a link to the DOT regs: http://frwebgate6.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/waisgate.cgi?WAISdocID=291295258986+6+0+0&WAISaction=retrieve
It's mostly about headlights (hard to believe you can even make a car with all the regs), but it does address all lighting & reflectors. Here's some selected preliminary info:Cut and paste didn't work well for the tables (they are at the very end of the regs), so I did screenshots. Note that intermediate markers/reflectors are only required if the vehicle is over 30ft.

these are regs for making a car, recommendations for states, but most states do not follow them...simply a gap in state legislation, which is good for us

also look at your state regs/legislation on these things, that is all that matters

even listening to a police officer is not needed since it is impossible for them to know all the state regs...and you can challenge it in court if it isn't in the state regs.

good luck guys!

truemagellan, after I looked again through Virginia code, I guess you're right. The code does list what lights you're allowed to have and thus excludes extra lighting, but doesn't address the markers. The inspection rules here refer back to "approved lights" & "lens color", but that's where your case for vagueness works; there's no reference back to DOT rules specifically. I suppose a Nazi inspector who actually knew what he was doing could fail clear corners. It's worth looking at each state's code, though, since it's all different. I didn't realize that nitrous was illegal here and you can't have more than 4 foglamps. So much for the rally car look.

The wording "side marker lamps" and "amber" is confusing to me. (And PA has the same wording, BTW.) Does this wording mean if the clear side markers illuminate in an amber color, they would be considered legal? I suspect this wording would be open to interpretation by the person doing the inspection. What do you think?DOT regs want an amber light and an amber reflector on the front corners. That's why cars with wrap-around headlamp assemblies sometimes have clear/white marker lenses on the corners with amber bulbs, and amber reflective trim surrounding it. Like truemagellan states, unless PA refers to DOT regs specifically or mandates side reflector color, the clears with amber bulbs (and maybe white bulbs) should be fine.

truemagellan, after I looked again through Virginia code, I guess you're right. The code does list what lights you're allowed to have and thus excludes extra lighting, but doesn't address the markers.

I found the following in the Virginia Motor Vehicle Code (http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+cod+46.2-1017). It indicates the front "marker" s should be both amber lights and amber reflectors. However, I agree that as long as the marker lights up amber and the lens is not broken, I doubt it will ever be an issue.

Also remember I am not a lawyer!

On the positive side, after 18 months, I have yet to see anyone in any state post that they failed their state inspection (knock on wood) because of having clear corners on their RX-8.


§ 46.2-1017. Dimension or marker lights and reflectors, generally.

All motor vehicles, trailers, or semitrailers exceeding seven feet in width or the widest portion of which extends four inches beyond the front fender extremes shall be equipped with amber lights mounted at the extreme right and left front top corners of such vehicle. Each such light shall be visible in clear weather for a distance of at least 500 feet to the front of such vehicle. Such vehicles shall also be equipped with red lights mounted at the extreme right and left rear top corners of such vehicle. Each such light shall be visible in clear weather for at least 500 feet to the rear of such vehicle. Any tractor truck, however, need not be equipped with rear red dimension or marker lights. If the front or the rear of such vehicle is not the widest portion of the vehicle, the dimension or marker lights required in this section shall be mounted on the widest portions of the vehicle with the amber lights herein required visible from the front as herein required and the red lights herein required visible from the rear as herein required. The lights herein required shall be of a type approved by the Superintendent.

In addition to the lights required in this section, each such vehicle shall be equipped with amber reflectors located on each side thereof, at or near the front. Red reflectors shall be used on the rear of each such vehicle. Such reflectors shall be securely fastened to the vehicle not less than fifteen inches and not more than sixty inches from the ground. For a vehicle that is less than fifteen inches tall, however, such reflectors shall be securely fastened thereto at the highest point the structure of a vehicle will permit. The reflectors shall be of a type approved by the Superintendent.

If any vehicle is so constructed as to make compliance with the requirements of this section impractical, the lights and reflectors shall be placed on the vehicle in accordance with the Superintendent's regulations.

If any vehicle required by this section to be equipped with dimension or marker lights has installed on its rear, as close as practicable to the top of the vehicle and as close as practicable to the vertical centerline of the vehicle, three red identification lights of a type approved by the Superintendent, with the light centers spaced not less than six inches or more than twelve inches apart, the rear dimension or marker lights may be mounted at any height but must indicate as nearly as practicable the extreme width of the vehicle.

(Code 1950, § 46-271; 1952, c. 652; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-265; 1960, c. 156; 1974, c. 218; 1977, c. 383; 1989, c. 727; 1997, c. 23.)

I saw that one, too, but I read exceeding seven feet in width or the widest portion of which extends four inches beyond the front fender extremesas indicating big stuff only. It becomes a grammar question.

I saw that one, too, but I read as indicated big stuff only. It becomes a grammar question.

Depends on where they intended the comma to be. There is also the start to paragraph two "In addition to the lights required in this section," which requires amber reflector on the side at the front. Who knows ... probably no one.

I just finished installing my clear corners with stealth amber bulbs. Once the stock corner was free of the body, there was no third screw holding the corner in place.

A couple of questions:

Did anyone else have a problem getting the bulb assembly to twist into the clear corner? I couldn't do it. I hope it doesn't fall out.

Does the clear corner seem looser than the stock corner? After I got done, I noticed I can wiggle the corner a little from the outside. The stock corner didn't do that.

I just finished installing my clear corners with stealth amber bulbs. Once the stock corner was free of the body, there was no third screw holding the corner in place.

A couple of questions:

Did anyone else have a problem getting the bulb assembly to twist into the clear corner? I couldn't do it. I hope it doesn't fall out.

Does the clear corner seem looser than the stock corner? After I got done, I noticed I can wiggle the corner a little from the outside. The stock corner didn't do that.

1. There is only one screw, the sheet metal screw in the rear. The fixture is held in place by the front tab, the rear tab and the one screw in back that secures the rear tab. It is possible that on newer models, Mazda has stopped putting in that screw. Anyone else notice that there was no screw?

2. For me the bulb assembly definitively twisted into place with a clockwise turn.

3. Depends on what you mean by wiggle. I just checked mine and there is a little flex when I push directly on the lens (maybe 1/32nd of an inch) and almost no movement up/down or back/forth. Without the screw there could well be more wiggle.

I just finished installing my clear corners with stealth amber bulbs. Once the stock corner was free of the body, there was no third screw holding the corner in place.

A couple of questions:

Did anyone else have a problem getting the bulb assembly to twist into the clear corner? I couldn't do it. I hope it doesn't fall out.

Does the clear corner seem looser than the stock corner? After I got done, I noticed I can wiggle the corner a little from the outside. The stock corner didn't do that.
The length of wiring made it hard to grip the bulb & get it in, but it did lock in fine. The lights are stable on my car, but they do stick out as install states. Is it the vertical screw holding the corner in that's missing?

One more thought on the VA law: It wouldn't make sense to me to not legislate the markers for a small semi-trailer but do it for a little trailer for a lawn tractor, so I've got to think it's all under the 7 foot rule. For sure, though, no clear corners on a full-size Hummer (7'2").

My car (VIN = 33814) does not have this screw on either side.

My car (VIN = 33814) does not have this screw on either side.

Well, the screw should be there IMHO. My VIN is more recent than that and mine has both screws. Get some at the dealer or your local hardware.

My car (VIN = 33814) does not have this screw on either side.
Got to be misassembled. The corner marker bolt guy must have gone on break for your car! Mazda owes you some bolts.

Virginians and Honored Guests, ;)

I saw references to this and just had to know the lowdown.

19VAC30-70-170. Parking lamps.

A. Parking lamps are not required. However, if installed they must operate and be inspected. Parking lamps may burn in conjunction with the headlamps.

B. INSPECT FOR AND REJECT IF:

1. Lamps are not of an approved type or a lamp has been altered;

2. Parking lamps have other than white or amber lenses showing to the front;

3. Parking lamps do not burn with the rear lamps;

4. If lens has a piece broken from it. Lens may have one or more cracks provided no off-color light projects through the crack or cracks;

5. Reject if the vehicle has unapproved lens or plastic covers, any other materials which are not original equipment or any colored material placed on or in front of the parking lamps;

6. Wiring or electrical connections are defective or filaments do not burn.

Statutory Authority

§§46.2-1037 and 46.2-1165 of the Code of Virginia.

So, by my read, the lights that our Owners Manuals (and the Commonwealth of Virginia) refer to as "parking lights" can be either white or amber. So we can now live in peace and tranquility, life, liberty, pursuit of happiness, etc. :)

Unfortunately, I kept reading (d'oh!) If you like those sunshades across the top of your windshield, that's fine, but:

19VAC30-70-210. Glazing.

...

Sunshading material on windshield displaying words, lettering, numbers or pictures is not approved and is not permitted.

Grrr! :mad:

This might sound like a noob question, but do all of the clear markers for sale thru the various online retailers flare out or are there any that are the "flush" design?

Sorry if this answer was somewhere in this thread, but it got a bit too long for me to comb through.

This might sound like a noob question, but do all of the clear markers for sale thru the various online retailers flare out or are there any that are the "flush" design?

Sorry if this answer was somewhere in this thread, but it got a bit too long for me to comb through.

I believe that the clear side markers, currently for sale in the US, are simply the "stock" side markers for the Japanese market and adhears to Japanese motor vehicle requirements, which dictate the clear color, shape and internal reflector. I am not aware of any manufacturer that makes/sells a sidemarker that is a duplicate of the US side marker only made of clear rather than amber material.

This might sound like a noob question, but do all of the clear markers for sale thru the various online retailers flare out or are there any that are the "flush" design?

Sorry if this answer was somewhere in this thread, but it got a bit too long for me to comb through.


I looked for the same thing several months ago and did not find anyone that had for sale the same style marker lights that came with the car. I purchased the clear ones that flared and thought I would give them a try. Once installed I was so happy with the look that the flare did not matter and to be honest with you I think the flare actually adds a bit of distinction to the overall look, it has grown on me. Good luck on your quest.

Thanks for the quick response guys. I just ordered my set from JT-Imports. I look forward to making this the first "mod" to my new baby... using the fine directions that can be found in this post, of course. :)

This might sound like a noob question, but do all of the clear markers for sale thru the various online retailers flare out or are there any that are the "flush" design?

Sorry if this answer was somewhere in this thread, but it got a bit too long for me to comb through.

What do you mean by flare out?

What do you mean by flare out?

He means that the rear part of the clear markers don't fit the contour of the fender. It flares out a little more than the original amber unit.

I hate all of you.
I have been trying to get one reflector out for over an hour now.

AWWWWWWWW!!!!

I hate all of you.
I have been trying to get one reflector out for over an hour now.

AWWWWWWWW!!!!

use a needle nose pliers buddy but not the kind they have at any hardware store even target/walmart

use the very long kind...best part is you can walk into Home Depot with your clear corner...use the pliers to 'test it out' and place it back on the shelf...no purchase necessary

BTW I did not say that ;)

Thanks.. i eventually got it done...
I had to take it to my friend davids house. He is hte one i go racing with, and is also a mechanic. It took him about 15 seconds. I feel like such a dumba*ss
He took a long set of needle nose plyers, squeezed down, and pushed it down. This caused the reflector to slide right out of its brace. That simple. This is alot easier than the screwdriver/wiggling method described on here. After that the actual install took only a few minutes.

Now i have these in with Piaa Super White LEDs. I will take some pics of the whole set up. It is OEM HIDs, PIAA Xtreme White Bulbs in the Fog Lights, and PIAA Super White LEDs in the driving lights and clear corners.

It took him about 15 seconds. He took a long set of needle nose plyers, squeezed down, and pushed it down. This caused the reflector to slide right out of its brace. That simple. This is alot easier than the screwdriver/wiggling method described on here.

Actually that is a great idea to use a set of long nose pliers (if you have one) to crush the top part of the reflector first while it is still mounted in the base. That is a lot easier than doing it after the reflector has come free. Someone else did that by looping the reflector with a wire. The long nose pliers are definitely the way to go.

For those in Florida:
Taken From http://www.flsenate.gov/
316.224 Color of clearance lamps, identification lamps, side marker lamps, backup lamps, reflectors, and deceleration lights.--

(1) Front clearance lamps, identification lamps, and those marker lamps and reflectors mounted on the front or on the side near the front of a vehicle shall display or reflect an amber color.

(2) Rear clearance lamps, identification lamps, and those marker lamps and reflectors mounted on the rear or on the sides near the rear of a vehicle shall display or reflect a red color.

(3) All lighting devices and reflectors mounted on the rear of any vehicle shall display or reflect a red color, except the stop light or other signal device, which may be red, amber, or yellow, and except that the light illuminating the license plate shall be white and the light emitted by a backup lamp shall be white or amber. Deceleration lights as authorized by s. 316.235(5) shall display an amber color.

(4) A violation of this section is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a nonmoving violation as provided in chapter 318.

History.--s. 1, ch. 71-135; s. 2, ch. 86-23; s. 176, ch. 99-248.

I finally posted pics of the Clear Corners and Lights...

http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?p=746685#post746685

cool, are you going to remove the reflector inside?

Yeah, i did

How about I spent 45 mins yesterday trying to do the install (but FAILED of course). I just read this and installed it in 5 mins, FU^%! I feel like such a dumb A$$. Great DIY! Next time I'll check here first.

Gotta love shared knoweledge, saves so much time and frustration. Glad you were successful :D

I hate all of you.
I have been trying to get one reflector out for over an hour now.

AWWWWWWWW!!!!

I tried it too and just gave up for fear of breaking the whole marker. Thanks for the DIY, it came out great!

you just kinda have to break the reflector off

I will be getting the clear corners soon, but I canno't understand why everyone wants to break off this foil. Is there such a great improvement in doing this?

I will be getting the clear corners soon, but I canno't understand why everyone wants to break off this foil. Is there such a great improvement in doing this?

When the internal reflector is left in place, I think it looks ugly when the side marker is illuminated (see http://www.rx8club.com/showpost.php?p=113298&postcount=4).

As this is a personal preference, you may not agree.

i just got this done today, took about 15 mins total. i removed the reflector, the first one yeah was kinda scary to remove. just use a very long an thin flat head screw driver and use a kind of 'opening the door method', twist the screw driver left, then right. do this about 10-15 times, then use a larger flathead and keep using that one till the reflector pops out. then i used some very long and thin needle nose to bend the reflector till it comes out. this took longer than popping it out. i did scratch other reflector the metal part but you cant notice it. its easy to do. i also used some temporary 194A leds from autozone until the hyper whites come in.

i have a pearl white 8 and it makes it look sooooo much cleaner.

tnx so much for the instructions. The reflector took awhile to get out, but it looks amazing. I had my laptop outside and was reading the instructions while I was doin it. Looks awesome. Tnx tons. :)

IMO, you shouldn't be too worried about scratching up the insides of the clear corner.

After I pulled my relectors out, I looked inside and it looked REALLY bad. However, from the outside it looks like nothing ever happened, unless you look EXTREMELY closely.

If you're willing to take this risk, it's tons easier ^^

tnx so much for the instructions. The reflector took awhile to get out, but it looks amazing. I had my laptop outside and was reading the instructions while I was doin it. Looks awesome. Tnx tons. :)

ha you did it! now you'll become a DIY mod whore like all of us yippie!

I finally got my corners in today ... but it was a b!tch to get those damn pins to pop out... I guess maybe the person before me had clear corners and replaced his back with the amber before he sold it to me cuz the screws were stripped...

Yea one of mine was stripped too so i had to wedge my finger in ti and push REALLY hard to just get the thing to pop out on its own... not to much fun but whatcha gonna doo... u know?

got mine in today : ) With no reflectors and Stealh bulbs...

msrecant, thanks for the instructions. Great job! Pulled out the reflectors in 10 mins and installed mine in less than 20 mins.

hey guys got mine from ebay for 47.99 for both streight from mazda japan :)

hey guys got mine from ebay for 47.99 for both streight from mazda japan :)
how are the shipping costs on that one :wink2:

Thanks so much for the instructions Mscreant. Looks Great!!

Whew, just finished. I dunno about yall but for me it seemed like gettin the rear tab of the yellow side markers to pop out was the hardest part. I've still got dents in both my thumbs. The finished product looks good though, glad I went ahead and took the reflectors out.

Did you get the clear corners with the stealth bulbs, Mike?

I need to look up on this thread...what are the reflectors about?

Edit: Ok, do the reflectors still come in the clear corners with stealth bulbs (via mazdaparts)? If they do, would it make a difference to remove them?

Ok, do the reflectors still come in the clear corners with stealth bulbs (via mazdaparts)? If they do, would it make a difference to remove them?

Yes, the reflector comes in all clear corners.

The type of buld makes no difference. The difference is in the look when the bolb is illuminated. The reflector blocks the light to the back half of the light fixture. Check out the picture in the following post.

http://www.rx8club.com/showpost.php?p=113298&postcount=4

Thanks for the reply

I didnt get the stealth bulbs, I got mine off Ebay through ICB Motorsports and they came with white bulbs. Just be careful when taking out the reflectors Raptor, if they touch the inside of the lenses, they will scratch really easy. Saw em at night for the first time and they look great, thanks for the detailed instruction Msrecant.

wonderful! i got the reflector out of the corner with no problems.. go to put install the left corner and the second screw became stripped.. blahhhh! now i gotta figure out how to get the screw out..

I bought the Xmas special from Mazdaparts.com (clear corners with stealth bulbs for $70) and put them on last week. I popped out the reflectors (which looked more like chromed plastic until I got them out) and installed the units. They were easy to install and they really look good on my Silver. The DIY really gave me the information I needed to make this happen.

wonderful! i got the reflector out of the corner with no problems.. go to put install the left corner and the second screw became stripped.. blahhhh! now i gotta figure out how to get the screw out..


One of my screws was stripped and I hadn't done anything yet. I wedged a thin screw driver underneath the lip and then pulled up while unscrewing. It worked for me, but the head of the screw wasn't stripped, the threads were

One of my screws was stripped and I hadn't done anything yet. I wedged a thin screw driver underneath the lip and then pulled up while unscrewing. It worked for me, but the head of the screw wasn't stripped, the threads wereI can't remember, isn't that screw a 10mm bolt config. as well? much easier to work with

I bought the clears from mazdaparts.com a couple of months ago but it was way to cold to put them on. Finally a nice day comes around (65 degrees in Michigan!!) and i put them in and they look SWEETTTTT!! Thank you to mazdaparts.com and this thread!!

wooohooo I drove up to the service dept. at my dealership today and parked behind somebody elses silver 8 ... some guy waiting for his protege kept eyeing mine down then staring at the one I parked behind - he goes "WOW DID YOU PUT THOSE ON ?!!! THEY LOOK 60 TIMES BETTER THAN THIS OTHER CAR !!!!!" that alone made it worth the 10 min. it took me to remove the reflectors and install the lenses

=D

thanks for all the info guys

Wish I knew where to get em....mazdaparts doesn't list them anymore.

http://www.rotaryextreme.com/rx8index.html

Wish I knew where to get em....mazdaparts doesn't list them anymore.

They are on order, coming in soon.

http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?threadid=78169

Just got mine from Mazdaparts.com, installed in 5 minutes a side thanks to this thread. Looks awesome!

http://www.rx8club.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=73032&stc=1

Is taking out the reflector that big of deal?

Is taking out the reflector that big of deal?


If you are asking is it hard, the answer is no.

If you are asking why bother, it is personal preference. I thought the reflector made it look ugly when the amber light was on. Check out http://www.rx8club.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=4351 for a picture of light on with reflector..

If you are asking is it hard, the answer is no.

If you are asking why bother, it is personal preference. I thought the reflector made it look ugly when the amber light was on. Check out http://www.rx8club.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=4351 for a picture of light on with reflector..


Thanks. I was asking the second question. I'm still not sure whether or not I'm going to take the reflector out or not. I just want to get my corners on!

Oh and thanks for the great DIY! :ylsuper:

Since the beauty of the clear corners is recognized during the day I don't know whether I am going to take it out either.

Got the reflectors out no problem. Took like five minutes like you said, and just a few small scratches. Thanks again.

Okay, here's a really stupid question that I think I already know the answer to. Are the side markers supposed to be turn signals as well or not? I always thought they were, but upon installation, I noticed they just stayed lit.

no not turn signals, just running lights / sidemarker lights.

Thanks. That's what I figured. Just always thought they were.

Okay, here's a really stupid question that I think I already know the answer to. Are the side markers supposed to be turn signals as well or not? I always thought they were, but upon installation, I noticed they just stayed lit.

Here's a rundown of what the corner lights do in different markets:

US. standards:
Corner markers must REFLECT amber in front
Corner markers must light amber when any time the parking lights or headlights are on.
Corner markers can but do not have to flash with the turn signals. In a lot of cars with wrap around head lights, the functions of the corner marker and the turn signal are tied into the same bulb.
The RX-8's corner markers do NOT blink on US market cars.

Japanese and Eurpean standards
Car must have a side repeater. Most are located behind the front wheel (it doesn't have to be a "corner" light). Check out the 99 spec FD's, no corner light at all, just a side repeater behind the front wheel.
It does not light up with the parking lights or the headlights, but only flashes as a side turnsignal.
This is why the reflector is in the clear corner, to reflect the signal back along the car.

Personally, I think from a safety aspect the JDM or Euro use of that light makes more sense. If I knew anything about wiring I'd tie my side markers into the turn signals, so they function the same.

Edit: The US sandard is what the Federal government tells the Auto makers to do. State to state law may very on what modifications you can make. For instance in TX or FL it may be perfectly legal to have clear corners, even ones that light white, while in OR and WA it is the same as the federal standard, needs to reflect and light amber. Technically clear corners are illegal here, but i have them anyway.

just installed mine today, they look great!

Just installed mine today as well, for some reason I was suprised that the bulbs were that yellow/off-white color. Not really sure why but I expected the bulbs themselves to be orange. I'll have to swap bulbs out some other time.

Hey guys, i took the reflector out and have a few scratches..... :spank:
Just wondering if anyone took pics of the scratches on there light.
I don't see a way of taking them out without some damage.

Thanks.

I have not noticed scratches visible from the outside on my clear corners.

The scratches should just be to the inside of the fixture. Are you saying these scratches are visible from the outside of yours.

yea while taking then out (moving the screwdriver around) the metal part scuffed up the top part also.....am i the only tool that messed this up :Freak_ani

I'm sure other people have done it. I was super careful but it also took me forever to get the reflector out.

yeah it took me forever to get the reflectors out. my arm started to get a lil tired and i was getting fustrated.

shit I actually did this too, but I accidently kind of scratched the lense, its not going to show up when I light it up right? its not too noticeable, but I'm pissed!!! ARGGHHH

Im pissed because I broke my clip to the plastic thingy behind the bumper...it had to be the bottom one too >< ......but honestly I think im one of the few people wanting to go back to my stock corners....the clear's look a little dull on the WB ....think the orange made the car stand out more ((in a good way))

Done!!! Thanks again for the great instructions and unique idea...I had to stay with the amber bulbs coz Maryland doesn't think clear with clear looks cool ;) .... but what can I say.

Great job and look forward to more of your mods.

Great DIY, thanks! Looks soooo much better ^.^

stupid question, I don't care. Please, can someone answer me, i've had a long day and am hoping someone will answer my stupid question first. then they can nag about me using the Search.

Where can i get white bulbs? ultra white, doesn't matter, as long as they are white. and prices?

you could try leds thats what i use and i like them.

try http://autolumination.com/ they are 194's

What bulbs are people using in their fogs and parking lights that more closely match the HID?

im using the 6 led white for the parking lights and white h11's for the fogs. i cant post pictures in the diy section so here is a link to pics of my car. there is one good pic of my lights

http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=96512

maybe someone here can help me out. i might be a little bit of a sped but on my 06 there is an extra piece blocking me from getting my hand in where i can pop out the tab. i can get to the screw but when i go for the tab there is a piece of metal that goes around the corner and prevents access to the tab. can someone provide some insight to this or am i just doing something stupid.

on my 06 there is an extra piece blocking me from getting my hand in where i can pop out the tab.

Can you post a picture?

msrecant, i figured it out. i had a friend helping out and we figured out that the piece that i thought was blocking wasnt actually doing anything. the corner just popped out after we pulled on the back of the corner. so they are on there now and thanks for the awesome diy.

What a great DIY...I mean, even I got it done in about 15 minutes. Great pics. No need for me to call my bf for help. Ha,ha

great diy made my clear corners simple! thanks!

how do you find out if you can keep white side marker bulbs or not in your state...is it legal in massachusetts or do you ahve to get the yellow bulb?

You can Google your states DMV Code for details on lighting. The issue is both the color of the light and the color of the reflector. If you are truly concerned about remaining "absolutely" legal then best not to change either, however, the chances of you running into problems with the law is pretty low (vs driving without a front plate in a two-plate state).

? for anyone to answer....i cant remember if before i switched my lights out if they blinked when i put my turn signal on but they dont blink now that i put the clears in, they light up when i turn on the lights....for some reason i cant remember...are they suppose to blink????

The side markers do not blink since they are not associated with the turn signals.

thanks go48 for a second there i thought i screwed something up =)

There's a DIY somewhere around here to wire them to blink opposite of your turn signals if that's what you want to do. Took me about 15 minutes to do that to mine :)

how did u do that?????

http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=96495&highlight=turn+signal+wire

(make sure to thank Fray for pioneering this for us!)

Thanks for the great DIY. This is probably the best 5 minutes you'll spend upgrading the look of your 8.

Took longer to remove the reflector (a few minor scratches but invisible from the outside) then to instal the markers :ylsuper:

Anyone have pics of an 8 with reflector left in? I saw the one the OP posted but it was close and a bit blurry. Anyone have one from farther away?

Thanks!

California laws suck..no tint, no modified exhaust (even if its carb legal elsewhere) amber bulbs in sidemarkers..blah blah blah, they just keep it as an excuse to meet their quotas or to pull you over to see if you've been drinking or if there's drugs in the car!