5.5 Gen Tail Light Project
12-03-2013, 10:20 AM
#1
5.5 Gen Tail Light Project
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.
My overall plan is pretty simple. Separate, black out the chrome, and reassemble with a complete seal. I'll keep you guys updated.
Last edited by Claybob86; 12-03-2013 at 10:23 AM.
12-26-2013, 02:53 PM
#2
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.
Last edited by Claybob86; 12-26-2013 at 02:57 PM.
12-26-2013, 04:35 PM
#7
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.
12-27-2013, 07:01 AM
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Snakeden Branch, VA
Posts: 1,441
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.
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.
12-27-2013, 07:16 AM
#14
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.
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.
12-28-2013, 06:42 AM
#19
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.
12-28-2013, 10:14 AM
#22
Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 175
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.
Keep us posted on how reassembly goes... I might have to try this.
12-28-2013, 06:47 PM
#23
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.
12-28-2013, 07:17 PM
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,215
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
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
01-05-2014, 06:34 PM
#34
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.
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.
Last edited by Will; 01-05-2014 at 06:37 PM.
01-06-2014, 06:47 AM
#38
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.
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.
No, it shouldnt affect any light output. I taped off the parts that did any direct reflection.
01-08-2014, 10:39 AM
#40
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.