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

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

 

Just installed mine 2 days ago... fantastic instructions! Reflector at first was a pain in the *** to remove but the second try went smoothly... Thanks again

 

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

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

Found this regarding PA law:

 

cheers for this post! I just did mine and they look stunning! :D

 

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

 

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

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

 

If that was directed at me, the lights were OK (amber), the white reflectors are what they called me on. Another tech even commented he saw the amber light and wouldn't have dinged it, even though it's technically a fail.
Just don't go when they're not busy. I think boredom contributed to the tighter screening. The clears and the rotary light are back on now. I left the brake light mask off. To date, I can't find anyone else failed for any of this stuff. I'm just special, I guess.

 

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

btw: the DIY is outstanding!

 

just completed my first mod!!, clear corners, thanks for the detailed DIY

 

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

 

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

 

Just got rid of the damn reflectors..... it was definitely a pain in the *** I was about to give up....

 

i got mine out too. hemostats and wiggling. PITA.

looks much better though.

 

I often wonder if the RX-8 owners in Japan also pull the reflectors out of their side markers.

 

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

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

 

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

Let us know if bending it back works.

 

you would think who ever made these clear side markers would take the reflectors out because 95% of the community here takes them out......is there a reason why its there in the first place?..........just curious

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

Great thread. Just installed mine.

 

From: http://www.leg.state.fl.us/STATUTES/...316/Sec234.HTM

It may now be legal in Florida


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

 

I can't freaking remove the internal reflector.. What did you guys use?!

 

L shaped needle nose pliers work fine