DIY: Complete 04 taillight conversion!
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Originally Posted by Hurts2bStock
I know this is a semi-old thread and topic but, I couldn't find the adaptaplug thing.......so I just cut the plug to fit the new socket, it took about 45 seconds per plug and now they fit as good as oem ......
Shinier than yours, meatbag
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Originally Posted by jdm_veloz
will the cut the plastic work as well? like does is still light up properly?
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From: JER-Z
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Originally Posted by zen_master
<Updated: 10/11/05 -- Now I'm not using this DIY anymore, I replaced the whole wiring to 04/05 wiring 
>
Hi guys!
This is going to be my first DIY for 7thgencivic.com.
(for complete DIY of the 04 tailight itself, go down...........)
In concern of the other 2004 Civic taillight conversion DIY, I went to Radioshack and was trying to find the required stuffs....like the cables, butt connectors, Y shaped connectors, etc..
However, I got a trouble finding the correct butt connectors that I want to use to connect the wire to the socket. After 30 minutes trying to find the right connector, I was circling around Radioshack to find something else that is simpler and easier to use.
I got this:
1. Adaptaplug 6" Power Leads -- $2.99 from Radioshack.
2. Socket number 33304-S30-003 from Majestic or Honda dealer. $4.55
3. 7443 Bulb from any local auto store (DOUBLE FILAMENT) $5.83
*Taillight DIY: Step1 (Image)*
the wire/adapter that I bought is a "Adaptaplug 6" Power Leads," with the pricetag of $2.99 from Radioshack.
As you can guess, it's absolutely simple to use this wire to accomplish our DIY.
*Taillight DIY: Step2 (Image)*
Installation procedure:
The only thing that you have to remember is the way you install the connector into the socket.
Look at the picture above, as you can see, I plugged the connector not just by simply plugging it into the socket. All you need to do is to plug the two connectors on the wire into the LOWER part of the metal pins inside the T20 socket.
Why do we connect it this way? This way, the Radioshack adapter won't wiggle around. If you plug the adapter straight above the metal pins (so easy), the connector can move around and the bulb won't light up. Instead of doing that, we plug the adapter below the metal pins, so that the adapter won't wiggle anymore.
*Tailight DIY: Step3 (Image)*
Then, you should know the rest of the DIY....It's a simple connection to our wiring harness into the hardened wire of the Radioshack adapter.
Voila! We're finished! Just like that!
*Taillight DIY: Step 4 (Image)*
From the picture below, you should realize how easy it is to do this DIY.
SO.....
here's how to swap your 01-03 "sad" looking tallight into the "happy" looking 04 taillight...
first, take out the fabric cover by unscrewing that plastic tab (use nail or supermarket bonus card)...
this is how my old 01-03 tailllight looks like from behind...
then...we've to unplug all the sockets from the housing....simply by turning the socket anti-clockwise...
the second socket from the left is the old turning light socket that we got a trouble with....how to change it? you can read the DIY above....
simply unscrew the 5mm lug nut by using socket wrench number 8......metric size...
there are total 4 of em on each side....
this is how my car looks like without the taillight....neat, eh? hahaha..
after this step, you just have simply do the DIY above....or another DIY to prepare the T20 socket that fits the 04 taillight...
after everything's ready....just put back the 04 taillight into your civic...and everything should be allright.....make sure to look after the plastic tab on the side of the taillight...don't break em..
on the picture below, this is how my wiring looks like right now...by using the Radioshack Adaptaplug...
i used the green wire clipper to hold the old side market that we won't use no more...
and this is the final picture..
you should see the happines of my car.....and the "sad" look of the old taillight!
notice the happy look of my wal-mart muffler tip?
more pics and more pics for your information...........
This is the one that won't fit:
Enjoy!
<Updated: 10/11/05>
>Hi guys!
This is going to be my first DIY for 7thgencivic.com.
(for complete DIY of the 04 tailight itself, go down...........)
In concern of the other 2004 Civic taillight conversion DIY, I went to Radioshack and was trying to find the required stuffs....like the cables, butt connectors, Y shaped connectors, etc..
However, I got a trouble finding the correct butt connectors that I want to use to connect the wire to the socket. After 30 minutes trying to find the right connector, I was circling around Radioshack to find something else that is simpler and easier to use.
I got this:
1. Adaptaplug 6" Power Leads -- $2.99 from Radioshack.
2. Socket number 33304-S30-003 from Majestic or Honda dealer. $4.55
3. 7443 Bulb from any local auto store (DOUBLE FILAMENT) $5.83
*Taillight DIY: Step1 (Image)*
the wire/adapter that I bought is a "Adaptaplug 6" Power Leads," with the pricetag of $2.99 from Radioshack.
As you can guess, it's absolutely simple to use this wire to accomplish our DIY.
*Taillight DIY: Step2 (Image)*
Installation procedure:
The only thing that you have to remember is the way you install the connector into the socket.
Look at the picture above, as you can see, I plugged the connector not just by simply plugging it into the socket. All you need to do is to plug the two connectors on the wire into the LOWER part of the metal pins inside the T20 socket.
Why do we connect it this way? This way, the Radioshack adapter won't wiggle around. If you plug the adapter straight above the metal pins (so easy), the connector can move around and the bulb won't light up. Instead of doing that, we plug the adapter below the metal pins, so that the adapter won't wiggle anymore.
*Tailight DIY: Step3 (Image)*
Then, you should know the rest of the DIY....It's a simple connection to our wiring harness into the hardened wire of the Radioshack adapter.
Voila! We're finished! Just like that!
*Taillight DIY: Step 4 (Image)*
From the picture below, you should realize how easy it is to do this DIY.
SO.....
here's how to swap your 01-03 "sad" looking tallight into the "happy" looking 04 taillight...
first, take out the fabric cover by unscrewing that plastic tab (use nail or supermarket bonus card)...
this is how my old 01-03 tailllight looks like from behind...
then...we've to unplug all the sockets from the housing....simply by turning the socket anti-clockwise...
the second socket from the left is the old turning light socket that we got a trouble with....how to change it? you can read the DIY above....
simply unscrew the 5mm lug nut by using socket wrench number 8......metric size...
there are total 4 of em on each side....
this is how my car looks like without the taillight....neat, eh? hahaha..
after this step, you just have simply do the DIY above....or another DIY to prepare the T20 socket that fits the 04 taillight...
after everything's ready....just put back the 04 taillight into your civic...and everything should be allright.....make sure to look after the plastic tab on the side of the taillight...don't break em..
on the picture below, this is how my wiring looks like right now...by using the Radioshack Adaptaplug...
i used the green wire clipper to hold the old side market that we won't use no more...
and this is the final picture..
you should see the happines of my car.....and the "sad" look of the old taillight!
notice the happy look of my wal-mart muffler tip?
more pics and more pics for your information...........
This is the one that won't fit:
Enjoy!
<Updated: 10/11/05>
Does this DIY still works for the conversion or is there a new and easier one? and sorry for bringing this thread back from the dead lol
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From: JER-Z
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Originally Posted by kingofheartz
looking forward to seeing em
Shinier than yours, meatbag
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From: Downtown Vancouver, Canada
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Originally Posted by realitycheck
I have a question what if you took the new socket and cut this part 
off could you not just take two wires and solder them to the two little pins that are sticking out??
off could you not just take two wires and solder them to the two little pins that are sticking out??
Last edited by Hurts2bStock; May 26, 2006 at 03:22 PM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost
Well this is my thought process the original diy I dont like cause it just doesnt seem as secure too me. The second one where cutting the plugs is involved it doesnt seem reversible. No offense against zen master these are just my thoughts.
The way im talking about I can solder it on which is not going to come off unless you brake one of the pins off. I can heatshrink everything together, and its reversible if I get rid of those taillights one day, back to the old sockets. All I have to do is use my wire stripper peel back the wires a little bit and then solder some extensions on the wires, then solder to the pins. Voila, done and reversible.
The way im talking about I can solder it on which is not going to come off unless you brake one of the pins off. I can heatshrink everything together, and its reversible if I get rid of those taillights one day, back to the old sockets. All I have to do is use my wire stripper peel back the wires a little bit and then solder some extensions on the wires, then solder to the pins. Voila, done and reversible.
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