Taillight Mod. w/ Silver Shades

[DEFYANT]

I have been looking at the Marauders with the “Night Shades” taillights and back up lights. I really liked what I was seeing but didn’t like the idea that it reduced the important warning to the other drivers that I was stopping or turning. In some CV and /or GMs, Ford used the lower portion of the taillights as the directionals. Our cars do not use this section of the taillight. Our entire light blinks. So I decided to have my cake and eat it too.

When the spoiler came in and had to be painted, it seemed only logical to paint the lights in a “Silver Shades” style. As stated above, I needed to maintain rear taillight illumination. I located taillight-wiring harnesses from similar equipped vehicle (CV GM or MM). Then the modding began.

Tools:
Electric drill
1-inch hole bit
11mm socket w/ driver
Dremel
Wire cutter / crimpers
Six wire connectors

I will attempt to give you all a step-by-step review. Each step and pics I show, apply twice.

Each taillight is held in by three nuts.
Looking in the trunk at the left taillight, you see the nuts and the stock wiring harness.

Once removed, the taillight pops right out
Looking at these pics, you see the two locations for the OEM bulbs. Below is the location I used for the additional lights.

First I used the Dremel to remove the little nub thingy. Then I used the drill w/ 1-inch hole bit to make the socket for the bulbs. This has to be done 4 times.
I then used the dremel again to make OEM style notches for the OEM light sockets. This has to be done 4 times.

At this point I sent the taillights, rear valance (reverse lights) and spoiler out to paint.

I then turned my attention to the wiring. This was very simple. The donor wire was threaded through the rubber grommet along side the OEM wires. I cut the plug off the donor harness and simply spliced it into the OEM wires. They are wired identical.

After everything was painted, the taillights with the new bulbs were reinstalled.
Here are the pics:

[DEFYANT]

more pics......

[TAF]

Job well done! :up: I like it on the Silver as much as I do the Black. Painting body color looks much better than the NiteShades in my opinion. I also like what you did by adding the 3rd light.

Nice write-up as well.

[djv5150]

Great info, I think I just found my next project.

[fastblackmerc]

I have been looking at the Marauders with the “Night Shades” taillights and back up lights. I really liked what I was seeing but didn’t like the idea that it reduced the important warning to the other drivers that I was stopping or turning. In some CV and /or GMs, Ford used the lower portion of the taillights as the directionals. Our cars do not use this section of the taillight. Our entire light blinks. So I decided to have my cake and eat it too.

When the spoiler came in and had to be painted, it seemed only logical to paint the lights in a “Silver Shades” style. As stated above, I needed to maintain rear taillight illumination. I located taillight-wiring harnesses from similar equipped vehicle (CV GM or MM). Then the modding began.

Tools:
Electric drill
1-inch hole bit
11mm socket w/ driver
Dremel
Wire cutter / crimpers
Six wire connectors

I will attempt to give you all a step-by-step review. Each step and pics I show, apply twice.

Each taillight is held in by three nuts.
Looking in the trunk at the left taillight, you see the nuts and the stock wiring harness.

Once removed, the taillight pops right out
Looking at these pics, you see the two locations for the OEM bulbs. Below is the location I used for the additional lights.

First I used the Dremel to remove the little nub thingy. Then I used the drill w/ 1-inch hole bit to make the socket for the bulbs. This has to be done 4 times.
I then used the dremel again to make OEM style notches for the OEM light sockets. This has to be done 4 times.

At this point I sent the taillights, rear valance (reverse lights) and spoiler out to paint.

I then turned my attention to the wiring. This was very simple. The donor wire was threaded through the rubber grommet along side the OEM wires. I cut the plug off the donor harness and simply spliced it into the OEM wires. They are wired identical.

After everything was painted, the taillights with the new bulbs were reinstalled.
Here are the pics:
I just put 34xx bulbs in place of the 31xx's to get more light. I like this mod better. Looks like I'll doing this shortly.... Thanks!

[drgnrdr33]

This is a great mod. Now to find time......

[Bigdogjim]

Nice job :up:
I asked Steve Babcock when I saw him in Indy last summer why we did not have the amber turn signal? His reply was they wanted the stealth look.
I had mine done using the same paint as is on the car plus clear coated:)
Expense process as your looking at 3 hours shop time.
While pointed out that you loose some tail light area the amount of light coming though the 2 slits is very bright.
Steve was concerned that they might not be legal due to less lense area.
Mine car passes Pa. state inspection.

[Sully008]

Nice job, Defyant! Looks exactly like the Photoshopped version I did for you awhile ago! I'm just waiting to afford the Marauder wing, then it's off to the paint shop with everything.

[wchain]

more pics......

LOoks good! :up: I had a guy call me a while back, US ARmy, Stationed in Germany, and he had to make his car compliant with the Amber rear turn signal laws there, So I hooked him up with the CV Taillights and CV Wiring harness. Looks great on a MM with AMber Turns!

[Sully008]

LOoks good! :up: I had a guy call me a while back, US ARmy, Stationed in Germany, and he had to make his car compliant with the Amber rear turn signal laws there, So I hooked him up with the CV Taillights and CV Wiring harness. Looks great on a MM with AMber Turns!

:hijack: Sorry to hijack, but I have a quick question:

Wes, When he switched to the amber turns, does the main brake light still flash? Or is it just the ambers now? I ask because I have a set of amber tails that (harness and bulbs still attached) and I just want the ambers to flash with the turn signals/flashers.

Okay, back to the original topic...

[Krytin]

VERY NICE!
Well done Charlie - now I really have to start working on my car!

[MarauderMark]

Great job ! :up: Look like i may be into this as well w/o the paint on the lense as i cannot see out the windows so the more light the better for me ..

[DEFYANT]

I used my taillights, I thought about getting the amber turn signal taillights, but there arent any nearby and cost was a factor. Here is a pic of the wires. These are all you need to make the entire taillight light up with the parking, brake and turn lights.

[DEFYANT]

BTW, props to "Sully 008". I took the photoshoped silver MM from the other <A href="http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showpost.php?p=220817&postcount=9" target=_blank>thread (http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showpost.php?p=220817&postcount=9</a>)to the body shop. It made getting my (our) idea across.

Thanks again.

[Petrograde]

dude,.. sweet!!! That looks awesome!

Now,.. lets see a blue! :D

[AzMarauder]

more pics......
OH YES ! Nice one !

:beer:

[AzMarauder]

What type of prep did your body shop do on the lights. When I asked the local body shop (that is doing the warranty repaint on the upper surfaces) about painting mine ala S55... they said they couldn't do it... that the paint would eat right thru the plastic..... :rolleyes:

[martyo]

Simply beautiful!!

[DEFYANT]

What type of prep did your body shop do on the lights. When I asked the local body shop (that is doing the warranty repaint on the upper surfaces) about painting mine ala S55... they said they couldn't do it... that the paint would eat right thru the plastic..... :rolleyes:
I dont know. But you can check my garage for the body shop info. I showed them the pics of what I wanted and said "Make it so the light does not show through, otherwise it will look like crap." They said "No problem"

Came out great. Now I have to wait for all this damm snow to melt!

[TAF]

What type of prep did your body shop do on the lights. When I asked the local body shop (that is doing the warranty repaint on the upper surfaces) about painting mine ala S55... they said they couldn't do it... that the paint would eat right thru the plastic..... :rolleyes:
yeah...I want THOSE guys painting my car....

[Donny Carlson]

yeah...I want THOSE guys painting my car....
It's that special sulphuric acid base they use in their paint.

[Sully008]

dude,.. sweet!!! That looks awesome!

Now,.. lets see a blue! :D

For those that are blue fans:

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=57 66&stc=1

This was the ONLY decent blue rear shot in the gallery.

[Sully008]

BTW, props to "Sully 008". I took the photoshoped silver MM from the other <A href="http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showpost.php?p=220817&postcount=9" target=_blank>thread (http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showpost.php?p=220817&postcount=9</a>)to the body shop. It made getting my (our) idea across.

Thanks again.

Your welcome! If anybody has any photoshop/image requests, I'll be glad to help out.

[martyo]

Your welcome! If anybody has any photoshop/image requests, I'll be glad to help out.

Okay then, come up with some paint schemes for Legal Knevil. If they come out good, I will host them up on the Legal Knevil site.

[Sully008]

Okay then, come up with some paint schemes for Legal Knevil. If they come out good, I will host them up on the Legal Knevil site.

What kind of scheme are you looking for? Any specific colors/look? I'm going to need some exterior pics of the car as well. Or can I get them from the gallery?

[Embassy]

Excellent work.

When I installed the 2001 P71 rear fascia and tail lamps on my '98, I also had to drill the holes for the turn signal bulbs.

[DEFYANT]

To the future readers;

Check out this idea on a DTR Marauder: http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=19239

[BigCars4Ever]

Do you have any concern that the added 4 bulbs will cause harm to the Lighting Control Module? I have heard of people with vics and GM's burning out the LCM's when they tie directly into the wire harness for trailers.

[teamrope]

Looking Good! I think the painted S-55/Niteshade look is going to be my next mod. :)

[DEFYANT]

Do you have any concern that the added 4 bulbs will cause harm to the Lighting Control Module? I have heard of people with vics and GM's burning out the LCM's when they tie directly into the wire harness for trailers.Hmmm, good point. But no. I think a trailer harness would draw alot more current. However, if i do have a problem, now I'll know exactly where to start looking. I will post here if I do.

Thanks

EDIT; We have CVPI's at work that have trailers, none have had a problem.

[Sully008]

Hmmm, good point. But no. I think a trailer harness would draw alot more current. However, if i do have a problem, now I'll know exactly where to start looking. I will post here if I do.

Thanks

EDIT; We have CVPI's at work that have trailers, none have had a problem.

I also did the 4 bulb conversion and have had no issues either. I'm still saving up for the spoiler so I can get everything painted at once. :(

[lucenti]

Thanks For Posting The PicS Defyant.


Had It Done On The Marauder And IT LOOKS NICE

Thanks DL

[KillJoy]

Wow. You raised a 2 year old Thread for a :up: ???

Being a PITA aside...I agree ;)

KillJoy

[lucenti]

It's Always Good Hearing From Yu Now For Revolving Blue Light On The Roooff Ba- Donge :lol:

[DEFYANT]

Thanks For Posting The PicS Defyant.


Had It Done On The Marauder And IT LOOKS NICE

Thanks DL


Your welcome, I am glad you like it. Enjoy!
:beer:

And since we are on the subject... I have not had any Light Control Module issues.

[Drewstang]

Sorry to bump and old thread.


Defyant, did you use the 4 bulb harness or modify your stock 2 bulb harness? If you used the 4 bulb harnesses, are they the ones pictured above?

[fastblackmerc]

You can do either. I got replacement sockets from a FLAPS that i spliced in.

[Drewstang]

You can do either. I got replacement sockets from a FLAPS that i spliced in.
Do you have the Amber tails, or did you make openings in the MM tails?

[ctrlraven]

I got a set painted and didn't touch any wiring.

[fastblackmerc]

Do you have the Amber tails, or did you make openings in the MM tails?

I added 2 more sockets and bulbs per side to the original Marauder tail lights.

[Drewstang]

I added 2 more sockets and bulbs per side to the original Marauder tail lights.
I really don't want to cut into the wiring. I want to look at the plugs on a 2003 Crown Vic LX, but I can't find any for sale around here.

[DEFYANT]

I spliced into the OEM harness. To this date, I have not had any problems with this mod.

[TAKEDOWN]

Oh so Awesome!

[bob6364]

Now if you could do 3 bulbs per side somehow and a sequential kit that would be nostalgic ....

[TAKEDOWN]

Now if you could do 3 bulbs per side somehow and a sequential kit that would be nostalgic .... and some gold fish to swim around in those rear tail lights.

[bob6364]

Don't forget the fuzzy dice....

[Drewstang]

I spliced into the OEM harness. To this date, I have not had any problems with this mod.
Does just the lower part of the tailight where you added the bulbs flash with the turn signal, or does the whole housing and the lower flash at the same sime?

[Embassy]

Does just the lower part of the tailight where you added the bulbs flash with the turn signal, or does the whole housing and the lower flash at the same sime?

Judging from the write-up I'd say they flash and illuminate along with the OEM wiring, since the donor wires are spliced into them.


I cut the plug off the donor harness and simply spliced it into the OEM wires. They are wired identical.

[raed attar]

Man few weeks ago i was thinking about this mod but I was wondering about two things and u only can answer
first is the lower part has a reflecting paint on its inner surface or it's just black? cz I feel from ur photos it's a little bit dull...
second question is about cutting the socket locks, is there any specific direction for doing that? am afraid to make it anyhow then when I lock the socket it touches the light body tgen it will be a FAIL







I have been looking at the Marauders with the “Night Shades” taillights and back up lights. I really liked what I was seeing but didn’t like the idea that it reduced the important warning to the other drivers that I was stopping or turning. In some CV and /or GMs, Ford used the lower portion of the taillights as the directionals. Our cars do not use this section of the taillight. Our entire light blinks. So I decided to have my cake and eat it too.

When the spoiler came in and had to be painted, it seemed only logical to paint the lights in a “Silver Shades” style. As stated above, I needed to maintain rear taillight illumination. I located taillight-wiring harnesses from similar equipped vehicle (CV GM or MM). Then the modding began.

Tools:
Electric drill
1-inch hole bit
11mm socket w/ driver
Dremel
Wire cutter / crimpers
Six wire connectors

I will attempt to give you all a step-by-step review. Each step and pics I show, apply twice.

Each taillight is held in by three nuts.
Looking in the trunk at the left taillight, you see the nuts and the stock wiring harness.

Once removed, the taillight pops right out
Looking at these pics, you see the two locations for the OEM bulbs. Below is the location I used for the additional lights.

First I used the Dremel to remove the little nub thingy. Then I used the drill w/ 1-inch hole bit to make the socket for the bulbs. This has to be done 4 times.
I then used the dremel again to make OEM style notches for the OEM light sockets. This has to be done 4 times.

At this point I sent the taillights, rear valance (reverse lights) and spoiler out to paint.

I then turned my attention to the wiring. This was very simple. The donor wire was threaded through the rubber grommet along side the OEM wires. I cut the plug off the donor harness and simply spliced it into the OEM wires. They are wired identical.

After everything was painted, the taillights with the new bulbs were reinstalled.
Here are the pics:

[DEFYANT]

Man few weeks ago i was thinking about this mod but I was wondering about two things and u only can answer
first is the lower part has a reflecting paint on its inner surface or it's just black? cz I feel from ur photos it's a little bit dull...
second question is about cutting the socket locks, is there any specific direction for doing that? am afraid to make it anyhow then when I lock the socket it touches the light body tgen it will be a FAIL

I think the tail light housing has the silver reflecting surface. im not sure. There was no specific direction considered when I cut the sockets. I did this mod along time ago. It still looks good and works well.

Good luck :)

[fastblackmerc]

Man few weeks ago i was thinking about this mod but I was wondering about two things and u only can answer
first is the lower part has a reflecting paint on its inner surface or it's just black? cz I feel from ur photos it's a little bit dull...
second question is about cutting the socket locks, is there any specific direction for doing that? am afraid to make it anyhow then when I lock the socket it touches the light body tgen it will be a FAIL

Why cut the locks? I modified the holes I cut in the taillight body so the new sockets lock in like the originals. A dremel tool is you friend.

[BLACKBEAST]

i also recently did my tail lights. Same color code for the car , I painted them and cleared them myself, I had the Car Paint put into a spray can and bought a uv clearcoat
http://s21.postimg.org/ypxt1l6qf/20140616_210628.jpg (http://postimg.org/image/n0ttdmfrn/full/)

No Clear Coat yet just 3 coats

http://s21.postimg.org/71b5u2jpz/20140616_213823.jpg (http://postimg.org/image/fjklyeq8j/full/)


1 Layer of Clear

http://s21.postimg.org/3x53b0sbb/20140616_234641.jpg (http://postimg.org/image/mcpk8f6fn/full/)


3 Layers of clear

http://s21.postimg.org/nb1bwyudz/20140616_234819.jpg (http://postimg.org/image/x8ccq11zn/full/)

And I hit it with rubbing compound to take out the lite ripples and glazed for the final, i have the final pic in my camera these were taken with my phone camera

[raed attar]

I mean to cut the housing for the locks, I never cut the socket locks!!!




Why cut the locks? I modified the holes I cut in the taillight body so the new sockets lock in like the originals. A dremel tool is you friend.

[fastblackmerc]

Might be a good idea to clear coat everything.

[Marauderman]

Fast......did you mentioned that you added two extra light bulbs in the lower lens when doing mine..................

[fastblackmerc]

Fast......did you mentioned that you added two extra light bulbs in the lower lens when doing mine..................

Yes..... A few posts back.

[redmercy04]

Did mine's recently. One came out like glass the other a bit flat. Both has 3 coats of clear. Popped off the flat one today for som 2000 grit wet sanding & polish will upload pics tomorrow