JDM taillight mod DIY

static-psi · 05-06-2011, 10:52 AM

This is a fairly easy modification you can do in 5-10 minutes.

The only tool you'll need is a flathead screwdriver (this may not be necessary if you have fingernails).

To access the taillights, you need to remove clips from your trunk.

There is one clip on the driver side:

There are two clips on the passenger side:

I found the following picture of the taillight:

Instructions:
Take out the three harnesses.
Take the one that was closest to you and move it to the furthest one.
Move the middle one closest to you.
Remove the harness from the furthest, and move it to the middle.
Remove the middle bulb
Replace the clips

Pictures (these are not my car - it's still light out)

Before (no brake):

Before (brake):

After (no brake):

After (brake):

Found DIY @
http://www.clubwrx.net/forums/exteri...od-05-sti.html

* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

Joshz400_03 · 05-06-2011, 12:07 PM

I have mine as the outside and inside are running lights and the center is the stoplight.

static-psi · 05-07-2011, 10:30 AM

Iphone photos suck

02Rexticy · 05-07-2011, 10:35 AM

thats pretty sick, i like it!!

static-psi · 05-15-2011, 10:59 PM

Thanks

Black_EG · 05-22-2011, 05:01 PM

The wires on the harnesses became really tight after doing it.

Drivers side middle harness is a pain to take out.

sars101 · 05-23-2011, 12:49 AM

i have the same tail lights but i have all the bottoms come on when i pressing on the breaks. now i have to setup to have all 3 of the bottom ones stay on while no breaks being pressed, it will still get brighter. but im waiting for some free pigtails from my job. i also got my rear lights tinted like 20% dark. and got got my turn signals red not the correct bulb but it fits just fine with a little shave or pressure.

O5 RexWag · 07-30-2011, 12:56 PM

Definitely doin this! SICK

DSRX2005 · 07-30-2011, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Black_EG

The wires on the harnesses became really tight after doing it.

Drivers side middle harness is a pain to take out.

Ya when I did this I noticed the same thing, I decided that the wires wouldn't enjoy that much tension so I just cut them and extend it with a separate wire. I just soldered and put heat shrink on them. The lights defiantly look a ton better after. Good write-up!

kamotors · 07-31-2011, 01:23 AM

I did this this and like it a lot.

Tehmap · 08-03-2011, 12:42 PM

I really wish that look was possible on the 07 impreza. The lights are arranged differently and while I am going to attempt it, I think the end result will not look nearly as good.

Big-E · 08-03-2011, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tehmap

I really wish that look was possible on the 07 impreza. The lights are arranged differently and while I am going to attempt it, I think the end result will not look nearly as good.

You could do a lot with the 2006-2007 tail lamps.

If however you do this, be aware that the bulb in this position will be the "high" side of the bulb. It will look as if you have the brake lights on all of the time.

None-the-less, if you want to, you can back out the terminals from the connector to rewire the bulb-socket positions to achieve this look. You will however need red LED bulbs to achieve this effect.

Otherwise, you could rewire the lamps so that the inner lower is the brake, outer lower is the back-up, outer upper is both the parking and turn-signal and the inner upper is just the parking or both the parking and fog-lamps.

If you have any other questions, PM me and I'll tell you what you need to do and which LED bulbs you'll need to achieve this.

WrxBogdan · 09-04-2011, 01:53 AM

So in the end you have no middle bulb?

djtoone · 09-04-2011, 03:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WrxBogdan

So in the end you have no middle bulb?

Correct.

WrxBogdan · 09-04-2011, 09:16 PM

Going to do this soon!

indytruckboy · 09-05-2011, 10:59 AM

i don't know about everyone's states, but in PA, this is illegal as you no longer have rear sidemarkers.

ktgt · 09-08-2011, 03:57 PM

okay I have a question, I bought a set of jdm v8 tailights at a jdm parts shop and i do not want the jdm mod i personally don't like how the circles stay lit, i tried using the old bug eye tail light harness but the bulb are somewhat bigger atleast the signals one. i also tried to switch bulbs places but the harness is not long enough.

what do you guys recommend? i dont wanna trade tails either..

car is a wrx 03 sedan, and yes v8 tails does fit the bug eyes without dremel or cutting..took me 10 minutes..just a small gap hardly noticeable..

nate02wrx · 12-03-2011, 10:46 PM

Hey has anyone tried rewiring a little take the outer socket move it to the inner spot. So then the circle is the one lighting up with headlights the wire it so the other two bulbs come on when hitting the brakes and the circle would also get brighter too

ABeastinWRX · 02-06-2012, 10:49 PM

thank you sir for this haha

08OBS · 02-11-2012, 02:41 PM

just did this mod. looks awesome!

djtoone · 04-15-2012, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nate02wrx

Hey has anyone tried rewiring a little take the outer socket move it to the inner spot. So then the circle is the one lighting up with headlights the wire it so the other two bulbs come on when hitting the brakes and the circle would also get brighter too

Sounds easy enough and would be pretty cool to see.

3xtra brake light power to fend off tailgaters ;-)

Anyone tried it yet?

nosmo · 04-18-2012, 04:08 PM

^^^Yup it works well

WRX_FTW · 04-21-2012, 07:03 PM

I couldn't get the outer and inner switched because of the ground wires. Didn't feel like splicing anything today, I'll probably end up doing it later though.

Black_EG · 05-03-2012, 05:30 PM

Anyone have only the outer lights turn on when braking?
How do I get the inside (circular) ones to turn on without having my headlights on and braking.

JStrath · 05-17-2012, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nosmo

^^^Yup it works well

How exactly did you wire it to get that result? I like that look a lot better

05-06-2011, 10:52 AM	#1
static-psi Scooby Newbie Member#: 237649 Join Date: Feb 2010 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: ephrata,pa Vehicle: 04 STI blue	JDM taillight mod DIY This is a fairly easy modification you can do in 5-10 minutes. The only tool you'll need is a flathead screwdriver (this may not be necessary if you have fingernails). To access the taillights, you need to remove clips from your trunk. There is one clip on the driver side: There are two clips on the passenger side: I found the following picture of the taillight: Instructions: Take out the three harnesses. Take the one that was closest to you and move it to the furthest one. Move the middle one closest to you. Remove the harness from the furthest, and move it to the middle. Remove the middle bulb Replace the clips Pictures (these are not my car - it's still light out) Before (no brake): Before (brake): After (no brake): After (brake): Found DIY @ http://www.clubwrx.net/forums/exteri...od-05-sti.html * Registered users of the site do not see these ads. Last edited by static-psi; 05-06-2011 at 11:31 AM. Reason: I MADE ONE

09-04-2011, 09:16 PM	#15
WrxBogdan Scooby Newbie Member#: 281716 Join Date: May 2011 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Vancouver Washington Vehicle: 2005 Impreza Wrx Platinum Silver Metallic	Going to do this soon! Last edited by WrxBogdan; 09-17-2011 at 11:07 PM.

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05-06-2011, 12:07 PM	#2
Joshz400_03 Scooby Specialist Member#: 198844 Join Date: Dec 2008 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Green Bay, WI Vehicle: 2003 WRX	I have mine as the outside and inside are running lights and the center is the stoplight.

05-07-2011, 10:30 AM	#3
static-psi Scooby Newbie Member#: 237649 Join Date: Feb 2010 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: ephrata,pa Vehicle: 04 STI blue	Iphone photos suck

05-07-2011, 10:35 AM	#4
02Rexticy Scooby Newbie Member#: 223313 Join Date: Sep 2009 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: Middletown, CT Vehicle: 02 WRX PSM	thats pretty sick, i like it!!

05-15-2011, 10:59 PM	#5
static-psi Scooby Newbie Member#: 237649 Join Date: Feb 2010 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: ephrata,pa Vehicle: 04 STI blue	Thanks

05-22-2011, 05:01 PM	#6
Black_EG Scooby Specialist Member#: 239917 Join Date: Mar 2010 Chapter/Region: SWIC Location: Does it worth it? Vehicle: 2005 STi OBP	The wires on the harnesses became really tight after doing it. Drivers side middle harness is a pain to take out.

05-23-2011, 12:49 AM	#7
sars101 Scooby Newbie Member#: 280420 Join Date: Apr 2011 Chapter/Region: TXIC Location: south side Vehicle: 2005 2.5 rs silver ish	i have the same tail lights but i have all the bottoms come on when i pressing on the breaks. now i have to setup to have all 3 of the bottom ones stay on while no breaks being pressed, it will still get brighter. but im waiting for some free pigtails from my job. i also got my rear lights tinted like 20% dark. and got got my turn signals red not the correct bulb but it fits just fine with a little shave or pressure.

07-30-2011, 12:56 PM	#8
O5 RexWag Scooby Newbie Member#: 286503 Join Date: Jun 2011 Chapter/Region: South East Location: Orlando, FL Vehicle: 2005 WRX Wagon WRB	Definitely doin this! SICK

07-31-2011, 01:23 AM	#10
kamotors Scooby Newbie Member#: 261910 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Reno Vehicle: 2004 WRX PSM	I did this this and like it a lot.

08-03-2011, 12:42 PM	#11
Tehmap Scooby Newbie Member#: 290235 Join Date: Aug 2011 Chapter/Region: South East Location: Atlanta, GA & Boone, NC Vehicle: 2007 Subaru Impreza	I really wish that look was possible on the 07 impreza. The lights are arranged differently and while I am going to attempt it, I think the end result will not look nearly as good.

09-04-2011, 01:53 AM	#13
WrxBogdan Scooby Newbie Member#: 281716 Join Date: May 2011 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: Vancouver Washington Vehicle: 2005 Impreza Wrx Platinum Silver Metallic	So in the end you have no middle bulb?

09-05-2011, 10:59 AM	#16
indytruckboy Scooby Specialist Member#: 192599 Join Date: Oct 2008 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Reading, PA Vehicle: 2004 STI 2007 Outback Wagon	i don't know about everyone's states, but in PA, this is illegal as you no longer have rear sidemarkers.

09-08-2011, 03:57 PM	#17
ktgt Scooby Newbie Member#: 164964 Join Date: Nov 2007 Chapter/Region: E. Canada Location: Canada, Quebec, Montreal Vehicle: 2003 Impreza WRX wrb	okay I have a question, I bought a set of jdm v8 tailights at a jdm parts shop and i do not want the jdm mod i personally don't like how the circles stay lit, i tried using the old bug eye tail light harness but the bulb are somewhat bigger atleast the signals one. i also tried to switch bulbs places but the harness is not long enough. what do you guys recommend? i dont wanna trade tails either.. car is a wrx 03 sedan, and yes v8 tails does fit the bug eyes without dremel or cutting..took me 10 minutes..just a small gap hardly noticeable..

12-03-2011, 10:46 PM	#18
nate02wrx Scooby Newbie Member#: 271593 Join Date: Jan 2011 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: NE WV Vehicle: 2002 wrx midnight black pearl	Hey has anyone tried rewiring a little take the outer socket move it to the inner spot. So then the circle is the one lighting up with headlights the wire it so the other two bulbs come on when hitting the brakes and the circle would also get brighter too

02-06-2012, 10:49 PM	#19
ABeastinWRX Scooby Specialist Member#: 239469 Join Date: Feb 2010 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: Long Island Vehicle: 2004 WRX PSM for now ;)	thank you sir for this haha

02-11-2012, 02:41 PM	#20
08OBS Scooby Newbie Member#: 274397 Join Date: Feb 2011 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: NNJ/Williamsport Vehicle: 2005 WRX WRB	just did this mod. looks awesome!

04-18-2012, 04:08 PM	#22
nosmo Scooby Specialist Member#: 53142 Join Date: Jan 2004 Chapter/Region: SWIC Location: Las Vegas Vehicle: 06' STI,02WRX,982.5 www.Flat4lv.com	^^^Yup it works well

04-21-2012, 07:03 PM	#23
WRX_FTW Scooby Specialist Member#: 240792 Join Date: Mar 2010 Chapter/Region: South East Location: Burlington, NC Vehicle: 04 AW STi Stage ? 04 AW FXT Stage 3	I couldn't get the outer and inner switched because of the ground wires. Didn't feel like splicing anything today, I'll probably end up doing it later though.

05-03-2012, 05:30 PM	#24
Black_EG Scooby Specialist Member#: 239917 Join Date: Mar 2010 Chapter/Region: SWIC Location: Does it worth it? Vehicle: 2005 STi OBP	Anyone have only the outer lights turn on when braking? How do I get the inside (circular) ones to turn on without having my headlights on and braking.