Okay here's the thing. I've just pulled out my trunk lining pending some suspension work tomorrow (Tein H and Konis - Yeaaaah!) and I remembered that the last time I was in here behind the trunk liner I noticed something odd.

On the Passenger Side (US) I seem to have a metal plate bolted to the back of the tail light - presumably to protect the wiring. But on the (US) Drivers side - no such thing is present just bare wires coming out of the light assembly. Is this normal? Am I missing a plate for the Driver's side?

Anyone know the part number for it or have one for sale?? See pix for clarity.

thx

 

I actually don't have a "protective plate" on my '04... first I've seen that.

 

No "protector plate" here either. Never heard of this.
Must be an Aussie thing

 

How Wierd!

 

I don't have either on both side. Just the bulbs.

 

Yea, I see a second little plate for the turn bulb too in behind the big one. That's the strangest thing. What is the reason behind this Aussie enigma?

 

dont know my self but i could make it if you need it

 

I have the same metal plate on the same side and no plate on the US driver side.

I own a "231 HP" LHD "European" Winning Blue 2005 Rex; from 200X till 2009 on stock at a Mazda dealer; purchased April 2009 (during worst period in dipped car sales) with 30km's (brand new) at 45% of the latest list price.
Rennies are rare in the Netherlands; approx. 350 units on a total of 7,6 million cars on the road. ( Ferrari 1.400 units and Porsche 18.000 units)
Official import/sales was stopped end 2009; after that only available on special request.
Due to immensive taxes as "luxury tax" and taxes for high CO2-emission and bad fuel efficiency the price rocketed in early 2009 to Euro 57.220,- at that time equivalent to USD 75.300,- !!!
At this price, even in the Netherlands, the Rex was only purchased by Rotary-idiots.
Gasoline costs Euro 1,59 / USD 2.01 per litre 95 Octane, equivalent to USD 7,62 per US Gallon.
Fortunately local tulip bulbs and cheese are inexpensive (by the way......footware is inexpensive too; allowed in a Rex; but difficult to drive)





I love my Rex.

 

I might pull it off on the weekend and see if there's any obvious reason to it - its a complete bolt on job - it literally goes on the same studs that mount the tail light, but uses a second set of nuts to keep it in place.