We all know that the tail lights on the 02-03's are one of the few things we are not so fond of on our cars (especially on the darker colors). After much research and random PM's to folks, nothing much turned up as far as separating the tail lenses. So with a spare lens, some new Dremel wheels, and a bit of patience, here's what I've got so far.

My overall plan is pretty simple. Separate, black out the chrome, and reassemble with a complete seal. I'll keep you guys updated.

 

Haven't been in KY (I do all my work in my dads building), so since I'm in over Christmas break I'm looking to finish up this project. If all goes well I'm going to do the other side as well.

 

I've been planning on baking open some that I have here. Hmmmmm.. Rather not cut em.

 

Can't bake these can you? I think the have to be cut. I have a set in the shop I will have to look and make for sure on thought

 

Nope, cant bake the tails. I used a very fine dremel. Lost just a little bit of material, but will use some black silicone to reseal them.

 

Wouldn't it be less of a hassle to just buy 5.0 gen SE taillights?

 

I know where you're coming from, and did consider that, but it really hasn't been a hassle and this is a little more unique and not done nearly as much. I've heard that it's been done, but have searched and not found anyone.

 

Red/amber lens put back in. Going to get some silicone from lowes or Home Depot tomorrow and hopefully finish it up.

 

Ambitious & cool, buy buying 5gen tails is much easier.

 

Color matching them woulda been unique also......

 

I like that idea.

 

Awesome job and very nice work. But IMO altezza tails are rice, 5th gen SE tails are easily the best:



Just compare these two, yours are same as the second pic just without the chrome ring and no amber delete (some site is trying to pass em off as 5th gen SE tails BTW, liars). Those remind me of s2000/mazda3 altezzas w/ black housing which I never liked, but then I hated the altima/maxima 5.5gen chrome ones (at least the black is way better). 5th gen SE tails are pure sex, best option you can go with.

To each his own of course, whatever floats your boat. Just saying what a huge difference no clear lens makes. The color match idea might actually be real nice tho.

 

My car is black. So it will be color matched.

 

How are they rice if they're the exact same tail light that came on the car but opened up and painted the housing?

And if you would have read my prior posts you would see that I am reassembling the entire light, including the lens.

All I'm doing is posting pictures of the progress. I personally think this will look better than the OEM black tails, but, as you said, to each his own.

 

I'll get those things open.

 

Have 4 sets of tails myelf. Originals. Tinted. Overlays. And 01 SE. I personally like and use my custom ones most. Good job OP

 

I like this. I'm gonna get a spare set and do this and do some crazy stuff with the reverse light area.

 

The red with amber is pretty sick

 

Thanks for the positive comments, guys. I had heard of very few people being able to successfully open the tails, so figured it would be a benefit to all 5th gen owners. If anybody has any questions don't hesitate to ask here or PM me. I'll post progress and install pics soon.

 

Love this. 5.5 tail housings look so much better than the tacky fake CF 5th gens. This would've been my goal with my 5.5 if they weren't such a hassle to open up. Props.

 

The effort and skill are clear. The results speak for themself - great job!

 

That's pretty awesome man. I'd love to crack open my 5.5 tail lights and swap that awful amber lens with the clear one from the 5th gen. It'd look something like this:



Keep us posted on how reassembly goes... I might have to try this.

 

The red/amber is one piece. I'm not sure how the earlier ones are made, it may be a one piece red and clear. If somebody has a busted light and doesn't care to tear it up any more we could all easily find out.

 

Cool that looks allot better then the chrome.
I bet I'm not the only person who said what was nissan thinking when they
put those chrome taillights on the 5.5.

Like in the 90s or early 2000s with the "euro" lights. altizza I think they were called.
Body color I think would look allot better.

Or all red like this.
http://autotrim.files.wordpress.com/...t-covers-1.jpg




http://4.cdn.customerpics.americanmu...hts-chrome.jpg

 

Almost perfect time to go with a custom LED boards.

S

 

^^^^^^^^^THIS must do

 

Lens connected with black silicone. Hope to install it tomorrow!

 

Good job man, it looks nice.

 

Please install ASAP!!!

 

My buddy drew did this a few months back and another for customer, but the housing was sprayed purple, came out pretty good.

 

Ask and ye shall receive.

 

looks great! so much more aggressive

 

Nice job! like most people said, 5.0 "cf" is the easiest route for this... but major props to doing it!!! should have polished the lenses while you have them out too!

 

That looks fantastic, great work! I'm lucky I have the KY0 colour, so the silver actually suits it.

Our cars' rear ends don't look that great, but for some reason, I really like the minimalist look when it comes to lenses and bulbs; just one bulb per function for braking, reversing and signalling. Our dash brake light bulb burn-out indicator is an excellent safety feature too.

PS - Fulton County, nice! I was a huge Matlock fan when I was growing up as a teen.

 

Looks good. Wondering how the paint will affect the light output, if any.

 

Why would it? The clear lens isn't even tinted. Output should be absolutely unchanged.

 

that turned out great, nice job man!

 

Thanks for the comments! You're right, on the lighter cars it's not too bad. However on the darker colors it's a negative look. Haha, I'm originally a KY guy, now living in this big ol' city. Never been to the courthouse though, thankfully!!!

No, it shouldnt affect any light output. I taped off the parts that did any direct reflection.

 

That looks awesome. I have a black 5.5 as well and I switched to the 5.0 SE tails a while back, but I like the way those look a lot better.

 

Looks great. This was what I wanted when I had my 5.5. I did also try to red out the amber, as one org member used Testors model paint (Transparent Candy Apple Red IIRC) to spray into the amber signal socket. I think I may have the can of paint still somewhere.