Hey guys,
I was just curious as to how many people bought the 99'spec tailight conversion for about $450, or actually spray painted their OEM lights to make it seem the same.

 

I spray Painted and love them. Just take your time and go to this site for directions. Spend the 500 bucks on something else.
http://www.jsott.com/rx-7/lights/index.html

 

This might be a really dumb question but, I've seen rx7's with 99' style looking lights, but 1 of them the light was lit up during the day, and the other one wasn't. If i bought the 99'spec light conversion, will I have the one that has the inner 2 lights lit up during the day without having my lights acutally on?

 

Many 3rd Gen owners ride around with their parking lights on because it makes the fan come on at a lower temp. helping to keep the engine bay a little cooler.

I did the '99 spec spray paint mod and it's really easy, looks just like the $500 dollar ones...but you get to keep your $500 .

 

Yeah, it was either the $450 jdm ones or $9 do it yourself.. i did it myself and it looks REAL good!

 

What the heck??!! I didn't know about that. I should do that too.

 

i was wondering if anyone has some sort of template made for the 99 tails? B/c I was thinking of using a vinyl sticker and just cut out circle holes, but i would need some sort of template first.

Danny

 

mmonaco already posted it, but http://www.jsott.com/rx-7/lights/index.html gives the step-by-step procedure for doing the '99 tail lights.

 

I actually made an Adobe Illustrator file with 75mm and 80mm circles, but after doing the procedure, I think it's better to just get the circle cutting tool and set it for 75mm/80mm and cut your circles that way.

If you're interested in the file, I can post it-doesnt do much good unless you just want to use them to help you with the placement of the contact paper masks.

 

I've said it before, and I'll say it again. I think that 80mm and 75mm is too small compared to the OEM lights. I would increase the diameter to 85mm and 80mm if not bigger if i was to do it again.

 

Say i do try and do the spray paint conversion, and some how i mess up and have to buy the 99' spec light conversion. Does the 99' spec light conversion replace the OEM lights? is it a complete replacement? Also, Im sure this is a very dumb question but, how can you turn the lights on without having the front flip up lights pop up? (turn it to the middle light option thing?)

 

For anyone that wants to do this, but doesn't want to risk messing them up, I do these conversions for $65 plus shipping. I've done well over 100 sets before, and they come out looking 97% identical to the real lights. Turn around is next day. I don't have any pictures of some I've done on this computer, but I'm sure someone will see this and post a picture or two for me(hint hint). I'll be moving in 3 weeks, and I'm not sure yet if I'll still be able to do these after I move, but I'm going to try. If anyone is interested, send me a PM or an email at rx7even@yahoo.com.

 

rx7even did a fine job on mine. I'd recommend him. I'd challenge you to tell the difference between his $65 conversion and the $400 originals.
http://reganrotaryracing.tripod.com/lipntail.htm
For pics and details.
regards,
Crispy

 

Thanks Crispy!

 

anyone have a side by side comparison of real 99'spec conversion lights and spray painted ones? Also, i was curious, instead of using spray paint to cover the lights, couldnt i use some vinyl wrap of some sort?

 

i guess that i am a redneck here too. i performed the DIY version, but used a water goblet and the inside ring of a bisciut cutter as a template. i have done 4 of the conversions to date with this method. the only difference is the money -to- time ratio....

diy-takes approx 1 hr and 15 min. start to finish
real 99 lights-10 minutes max

diy-no $ if you have the items, otherwise ~$10
real 99 lights-~$450

go figure

 

I like the biscuit cutter and water goblet idea. You should put together a good How To using those "templates." I did mine the old boring contact paper way, but it was easy.

 

rx7even's work...



https://www.rx7club.com/forum/showth...threadid=83529

 

0 - lights off
1 - parking lights
2 - head lights

 

I did the mod before I got the real ones...

They look different and the JDM circles are not on the outside...

If you're going to spraypaint yours expect to see the straight edges of the light at an angle...which looks really dump IMO

 

do you have a picture of the real jdm spec 99' lights? Also, does the real JDM spec 99' lights replace the OEM lights? ( just wondering in case I have to buy the 99' spec if I messed up spray painting)

 

Being a little paranoid, but more than anything, looking for a more OEM look...

I bought some 2-3mm thick rubber from a hardware store... and cut out a template the shape of the light in 2 pieces. I then cut out the circles. After all looked good, I then glued these rubber pieces onto the lense without worry. They look 100% OEM and there is no risk of ******* up.

This is the way to go!!!!

 

Thanks R1Outcast for posting those pics...

Ryan did my lights as well (those are mine in those pictures). Sure, if I took the time I probably could have done them myself, however I know they would not have come out looking as good (I'm not that patient... ) as Ryan's work.

Thanks again Ryan. More than worth the amount you are charging.

 

Notice how the OEM lights look fuller than the above lights? It's not much, but I can tell. The gaps are correct, but on the OEM, the inner lights are spaced closer to the center line of the car so that a larger circle can be used.

 

IMO, spending $65 is better than spending $400-450. The outcome of the '99 taillight conversion is almost identical to the real '99 taillights.

1FAST7