S-55 treatment

[gdsqdcr]

Got a question on how to? I know how they look when finished but how do you get the paint to adhere to the lights? I have talked to a couple of shots, but none are convinced that it would last ...


Thanks
Anthony

[Peace2Peep]

It does adhere and it does last. If a body shop doesnt believe it would...dont let them touch your car! I am on my third year with it does last. I cannot tell you how, but I really dont care, that's not my job...but if anyone cares to share we will all be enlightened.

[fastblackmerc]

Proper prep before painting is key. I painted my tail lights and Marauderman's tail lights. Both came out good and have lasted years.

[gdsqdcr]

Proper prep before painting is key. I painted my tail lights and Marauderman's tail lights. Both came out good and have lasted years.

What kind of prep is requires? I am not a painter but I like to have a clue when I talk to folks about it.

Thanks!

[fastblackmerc]

What kind of prep is requires? I am not a painter but I like to have a clue when I talk to folks about it.

Thanks!


Remove the tail light assemblies
Lightly scuff the surfaces to be painted using fine sand paper
Clean all the surfaces
Clean all the surfaces
Clean all the surfaces
And if you think all the surfaces are clean... clean them one more time
Tape off the areas that you don't want to paint
Clean the areas that you want to paint
Clean the areas that you want to paint
Using the desired color paint, apply a lite coat of paint
Let dry
Keep applying lite coats of paint until you have the desired thickness
You can sand the coats of paint after they are dry if you have any imperfections
Let dry thoroughly before removing tape
Apply multiple lite applications of an automotive clear top coat
Let them dry thoroughly, at least over night
Reinstall tail lights.


Before you do all that now would be a good time to install two extra tail light sockets and bulbs per side.

The best is to find a good body shop.

[2,4shofast]

Remove the tail light assemblies
Lightly scuff the surfaces to be painted using fine sand paper
Clean all the surfaces
Clean all the surfaces
Clean all the surfaces
And if you think all the surfaces are clean... clean them one more time
Tape off the areas that you don't want to paint
Clean the areas that you want to paint
Clean the areas that you want to paint
Using the desired color paint, apply a lite coat of paint
Let dry
Keep applying lite coats of paint until you have the desired thickness
You can sand the coats of paint after they are dry if you have any imperfections
Let dry thoroughly before removing tape
Apply multiple lite applications of an automotive clear top coat
Let them dry thoroughly, at least over night
Reinstall tail lights.

Before you do all that now would be a good time to install two extra tail light sockets and bulbs per side.

The best is to find a good body shop.

Has anyone done a write up on this? Part numbers for the sockets and wiring diagram? Im sure it isnt that difficult but it would save some time to see where the holes are drilled etc. Thanks :beer:

[Hotrauder]

Defyant posted the extra sockets installation write up years ago but a search should find it. My S-55 tailight paint (Ford body shop applied) has been on for years and still looks like the first day. The light addition is simple, get 2 stock tail light socket and pig tail assemblies from the dealer, pull the lights out, trace around the sockets on the back of the empty pockets and dremel cut them out, install and connect the lights, Viola!. Easy, quick and cost less than a fifth of good scotch. Dennis

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/files/3/8/5/5/IMG_0109.jpg

[ctrlraven]

First I have heard about the sockets. Are you replacing them or just adding in another light bulb to each side?

[fastblackmerc]

Has anyone done a write up on this? Part numbers for the sockets and wiring diagram? Im sure it isnt that difficult but it would save some time to see where the holes are drilled etc. Thanks :beer:

Any FLAPS should have the 3157 sockets in stock. They may not have 4 but they should at least have 2.

I used a 1 1/8" hole saw to make the holes, followed up with a dremel to make the appropriate cut outs. Then it's a simple job to wire in the sockets.

[2,4shofast]

That is what I needed to know!! Thanks guys:beer:

[gdsqdcr]

Okay. So I have the paint aspect down. But, what is this about the two lower lights? I searched through the forum and can find reference to the mod, but no instructions.

I know I need a dual pig tail for the 3157 bulb. Where am I drilling and how am I connecting these? I would rather have some guidance before I just drill away ...

Thanks!
Anthony

[fastblackmerc]

Okay. So I have the paint aspect down. But, what is this about the two lower lights? I searched through the forum and can find reference to the mod, but no instructions.

I know I need a dual pig tail for the 3157 bulb. Where am I drilling and how am I connecting these? I would rather have some guidance before I just drill away ...

Thanks!
Anthony

When you pull the taillights out you'll see the spots where the sockets should go.

Use a test light to figure out the wires you'll need to splice into. I'd go check mine but I don't feel like pulling the taillight assemblies out.