mikeb

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

mystrx8

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.

Irish_in_a_RX8

iTrader: (1)

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" :-)

mikeb

here is a pic without reflector

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?

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?

mikeb

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

RodsterinFL

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.

mikeb

thanks rod

broose

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?

frogzapper

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.

Kawi

neat!

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

LightEmUp

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

mikeb

frogzapper, looks good
how much did the stealth bulb cost

frogzapper

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?

mikeb

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

Omicron

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!!!

msrecant

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.

Omicron

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!!!

mikeb

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

but it would be cool, thank god for the aftermarket

jdaled

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.

msrecant

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

mikeb

I want those stealth bulbs for my blinkers next to headlight

anyone change those

loco4rx8

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.

Rx8Mango

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!

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?