Sidemarkers installed! D.I.Y. and TONS of pics inside...
09-12-2002
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Sidemarkers installed! D.I.Y. and TONS of pics inside...
the whole project took me about 6 hours.. details below.
first, the supplies. I used a sheet metal nibbler tool, 4 line tap connectors, 4 pieces of extra wire, honda touch-up paint, dremel tool (or any drill), guts, electrical tape, masking tape, sharpie pen, and a standard tool kit (screwdrivers, sockets, pliers, etc).
I bought the EDM sidemarkers for the Civics. they came with all the wiring needed:
I cut a piece of cardboard to fit inside the sidemarker, so I know how big of a hole to cut in the car:
now, it's time to start working on the car. first, disconnect the negative terminal on the battery (you should always do this when working with wires):
jack up the car and remove the wheel. this gives you more space and light to work:
take out the screws and pull back the black inner fenderwell. you should have 3 phillips screws and 7 self-tapping screws (use a flathead screwdriver to pry them out):
(the black cable goes to a neon tube, just ignore it)
put masking tape over the area you want to cut. the more, the better; it protects the paint. then line up the cardboard and use a marker to fill in the area you need to cut:
once you've measured to make sure the mark is straight and in the place you want it (measure 10 times, cut once), take a drill or other tool to cut a beginning hole. this is where you need your guts.
after you have a hole big enough to insert the nibbler tool, begin nibbling away at the sheet metal. do this VERY carefully. you don't want to cut too much:
CAUTION
CAUTION
CAUTION
after cutting some metal away, i noticed the tip of that tool is made of METAL. it will scratch your paint if you don't have tons of masking tape over the area around the sidemarker. what I did was put lots of masking tape over the tip like so:
and, the hole is cut. you want to occasionally stop cutting and see how your progress is coming along. I probably inserted the sidemarker like 5 times before I was satisfied. I used a grinding tool that came with my dremel to smooth out the edges just a bit, and do some fine grinding to make the sidemarker fit perfectly. careful not you make it angle at a slant!
at this point I waxed the area around the hole I cut, then used touch-up paint around the edges so the metal wouldn't rust. eventually I may buy a very thin piece of black or clear rubber to mold around the sidemarker:
insert the sidemarker, feeding the wires through first. press it firmly against the body-- you want a perfect fit:
here's what it looks like inside the fenderwell:
now you need to do the wiring. this varies depending on which model sidemarker you purchase. all I had to do is connect the black wire to the ground wire for the parking lights, and the green wire to the turnsignal wire for the parking lights (green in color). I could also take the green wire and snap it to the red wire that leads to the parking lights, which makes the sidemarker light up with the lights AND the turnsignal. I want mine to only come on with the turnsignal though. as you see in the picture, the wires do not reach:
so I went out and bought some wire that looked to be the same size and also picked up the line tap connectors:
here I twisted the wires together and used electrical tape to seal it. did this to both the green and black wire since they were both too short:
now I'm ready to use the tap connectors. first I connect the green wire to either the red or the green wire for the parking light (I want mine to flash with the turn signal only, so I chose green).
then I spliced the black wire (ground) to the black wire (ground) for the parking lights. typically the black wire is ground, but you should always check first. if you want, you can wrap electrical tape around the splice to help protect it:
now that I'm done with the left side of the car, I move everything over to the right side and follow the same steps. after pulling away the inner fenderwell, I discovered a new place to put the wireless transmitter that goes to my neons:
here's the right side after it's finished:
reconnect the negative terminal on the battery and test em out:
TADA!
comments welcome
first, the supplies. I used a sheet metal nibbler tool, 4 line tap connectors, 4 pieces of extra wire, honda touch-up paint, dremel tool (or any drill), guts, electrical tape, masking tape, sharpie pen, and a standard tool kit (screwdrivers, sockets, pliers, etc).
I bought the EDM sidemarkers for the Civics. they came with all the wiring needed:
I cut a piece of cardboard to fit inside the sidemarker, so I know how big of a hole to cut in the car:
now, it's time to start working on the car. first, disconnect the negative terminal on the battery (you should always do this when working with wires):
jack up the car and remove the wheel. this gives you more space and light to work:
take out the screws and pull back the black inner fenderwell. you should have 3 phillips screws and 7 self-tapping screws (use a flathead screwdriver to pry them out):
(the black cable goes to a neon tube, just ignore it)
put masking tape over the area you want to cut. the more, the better; it protects the paint. then line up the cardboard and use a marker to fill in the area you need to cut:
once you've measured to make sure the mark is straight and in the place you want it (measure 10 times, cut once), take a drill or other tool to cut a beginning hole. this is where you need your guts.
after you have a hole big enough to insert the nibbler tool, begin nibbling away at the sheet metal. do this VERY carefully. you don't want to cut too much:
CAUTION
CAUTION
CAUTION
after cutting some metal away, i noticed the tip of that tool is made of METAL. it will scratch your paint if you don't have tons of masking tape over the area around the sidemarker. what I did was put lots of masking tape over the tip like so:
and, the hole is cut. you want to occasionally stop cutting and see how your progress is coming along. I probably inserted the sidemarker like 5 times before I was satisfied. I used a grinding tool that came with my dremel to smooth out the edges just a bit, and do some fine grinding to make the sidemarker fit perfectly. careful not you make it angle at a slant!
at this point I waxed the area around the hole I cut, then used touch-up paint around the edges so the metal wouldn't rust. eventually I may buy a very thin piece of black or clear rubber to mold around the sidemarker:
insert the sidemarker, feeding the wires through first. press it firmly against the body-- you want a perfect fit:
here's what it looks like inside the fenderwell:
now you need to do the wiring. this varies depending on which model sidemarker you purchase. all I had to do is connect the black wire to the ground wire for the parking lights, and the green wire to the turnsignal wire for the parking lights (green in color). I could also take the green wire and snap it to the red wire that leads to the parking lights, which makes the sidemarker light up with the lights AND the turnsignal. I want mine to only come on with the turnsignal though. as you see in the picture, the wires do not reach:
so I went out and bought some wire that looked to be the same size and also picked up the line tap connectors:
here I twisted the wires together and used electrical tape to seal it. did this to both the green and black wire since they were both too short:
now I'm ready to use the tap connectors. first I connect the green wire to either the red or the green wire for the parking light (I want mine to flash with the turn signal only, so I chose green).
then I spliced the black wire (ground) to the black wire (ground) for the parking lights. typically the black wire is ground, but you should always check first. if you want, you can wrap electrical tape around the splice to help protect it:
now that I'm done with the left side of the car, I move everything over to the right side and follow the same steps. after pulling away the inner fenderwell, I discovered a new place to put the wireless transmitter that goes to my neons:
here's the right side after it's finished:
reconnect the negative terminal on the battery and test em out:
TADA!
comments welcome
09-12-2002
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Rep Power: 0 nice man i looks really good congrats.
[IMG]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/IMG] i also like ur euro tails. they look good too.[IMG]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/IMG]
[IMG]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/IMG] i also like ur euro tails. they look good too.[IMG]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/IMG] 
09-12-2002
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Rep Power: 0 how are the B&Gs?(that is if they are the B&Gs coilovers). I just wanted to know b/c I am getting the Tein Flex coilovers. Over the JIC FLTA2, B&Gs, and NEX. How do they ride, does the dampers adjust well to the road conditions, is the ride really stiff, and stuff like that. I do not feel like searching and I do not expect anyone to answer this. Just asking for willing opinions. I read someones review on it already. do not remember who. oh well.
09-12-2002
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[hr]Originally posted by: ASWZero
how are the B&Gs?(that is if they are the B&Gs coilovers). I just wanted to know b/c I am getting the Tein Flex coilovers. Over the JIC FLTA2, B&Gs, and NEX. How do they ride, does the dampers adjust well to the road conditions, is the ride really stiff, and stuff like that. I do not feel like searching and I do not expect anyone to answer this. Just asking for willing opinions. I read someones review on it already. do not remember who. oh well.[hr]
[hr]Originally posted by: ASWZero
how are the B&Gs?(that is if they are the B&Gs coilovers). I just wanted to know b/c I am getting the Tein Flex coilovers. Over the JIC FLTA2, B&Gs, and NEX. How do they ride, does the dampers adjust well to the road conditions, is the ride really stiff, and stuff like that. I do not feel like searching and I do not expect anyone to answer this. Just asking for willing opinions. I read someones review on it already. do not remember who. oh well.[hr]
09-12-2002
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Rep Power: 0 Very thorough... thanks Mex!
Now, the questions [IMG]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/IMG]
- How is the sidemarker held in place, onto your fender? Clip? Did you put anything between the sidemarker and the actual fender? (i.e. rubber grommet, glue, etc.?)
- I don't have a dremel or a nibbler [IMG]i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif[/IMG] Any suggestions? I've got a drill tho... I figure i might be able to just drill it until it looks like swiss cheeze, then use sandpaper and sand down the edges by hand???
- The parking light ground and the turn signal wires... Are they all hidden in a wire loom? Are they easy to find? (I have no clue when it comes to wires...)
- I'd prefer to have my signals on when my parking lights are on, and then the sidemarkerts to signal alternately with my signals... What would I need?
--> Based on your suggestions here, if I were to hook up to the parking light ground, and then the sidemarker to the turn signals, I would have "double positives" going to the sidemarkers when my parking lights are on, and I'm signalling... Is that ok? I'm thinking the wiring would be messed up, and the sidemarker will just receive a constant "positive" signal feed, and never blink?!?
Now, the questions [IMG]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/IMG]
- How is the sidemarker held in place, onto your fender? Clip? Did you put anything between the sidemarker and the actual fender? (i.e. rubber grommet, glue, etc.?)
- I don't have a dremel or a nibbler [IMG]i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif[/IMG] Any suggestions? I've got a drill tho... I figure i might be able to just drill it until it looks like swiss cheeze, then use sandpaper and sand down the edges by hand???
- The parking light ground and the turn signal wires... Are they all hidden in a wire loom? Are they easy to find? (I have no clue when it comes to wires...)
- I'd prefer to have my signals on when my parking lights are on, and then the sidemarkerts to signal alternately with my signals... What would I need?
--> Based on your suggestions here, if I were to hook up to the parking light ground, and then the sidemarker to the turn signals, I would have "double positives" going to the sidemarkers when my parking lights are on, and I'm signalling... Is that ok? I'm thinking the wiring would be messed up, and the sidemarker will just receive a constant "positive" signal feed, and never blink?!?
09-12-2002
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Rep Power: 291 Mex!!! Great DIY!!!!!
I think I'll need to get the metal nibbler tool, and a LOT MORE guts before I can attempt such an awesome feat.
Kudos!
One question though...how easy was it to get both sides evenly spaced, so that they both matched up?
I think I'll need to get the metal nibbler tool, and a LOT MORE guts before I can attempt such an awesome feat.
Kudos!
One question though...how easy was it to get both sides evenly spaced, so that they both matched up?
09-12-2002
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Rep Power: 0 Go MEX!!! I don't know if I know enough about wiring to attempt this DIY on my own, but I may just bring everything to the next meet and ask you to help me out. I'm sure that between you and Maverick, we'll be able to get it off without a hitch. Besides, I should have Z3 fenders by then, and I'd rather install sidemarkers in those.
09-12-2002
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[hr]Originally posted by: FurBall
Very thorough... thanks Mex!
Now, the questions [IMG]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/IMG]
- How is the sidemarker held in place, onto your fender? Clip? Did you put anything between the sidemarker and the actual fender? (i.e. rubber grommet, glue, etc.?)
- I don't have a dremel or a nibbler [IMG]i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif[/IMG] Any suggestions? I've got a drill tho... I figure i might be able to just drill it until it looks like swiss cheeze, then use sandpaper and sand down the edges by hand???
- The parking light ground and the turn signal wires... Are they all hidden in a wire loom? Are they easy to find? (I have no clue when it comes to wires...)
- I'd prefer to have my signals on when my parking lights are on, and then the sidemarkerts to signal alternately with my signals... What would I need?
--> Based on your suggestions here, if I were to hook up to the parking light ground, and then the sidemarker to the turn signals, I would have "double positives" going to the sidemarkers when my parking lights are on, and I'm signalling... Is that ok? I'm thinking the wiring would be messed up, and the sidemarker will just receive a constant "positive" signal feed, and never blink?!?[hr]
[hr]Originally posted by: FurBall
Very thorough... thanks Mex!
Now, the questions [IMG]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/IMG]
- How is the sidemarker held in place, onto your fender? Clip? Did you put anything between the sidemarker and the actual fender? (i.e. rubber grommet, glue, etc.?)
- I don't have a dremel or a nibbler [IMG]i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif[/IMG] Any suggestions? I've got a drill tho... I figure i might be able to just drill it until it looks like swiss cheeze, then use sandpaper and sand down the edges by hand???
- The parking light ground and the turn signal wires... Are they all hidden in a wire loom? Are they easy to find? (I have no clue when it comes to wires...)
- I'd prefer to have my signals on when my parking lights are on, and then the sidemarkerts to signal alternately with my signals... What would I need?
--> Based on your suggestions here, if I were to hook up to the parking light ground, and then the sidemarker to the turn signals, I would have "double positives" going to the sidemarkers when my parking lights are on, and I'm signalling... Is that ok? I'm thinking the wiring would be messed up, and the sidemarker will just receive a constant "positive" signal feed, and never blink?!?[hr]
-sanding it down would take forever! you can buy a nibbler at radioshack for like $10
-the wires you need to connect the sidemarker to are hidden in a loom-- you just gotta pry it apart. just look for the wiring that leads to the turn signal bulb. you can see how I did it in some of the pics.
-I'm not sure what you need to do to have the sidemarkers signal alternating the blinkers.. any technical experts out there?
-as for your last question.. I'm a newbie with wires [IMG]i/expressions/face-icon-small-confused.gif[/IMG] so I have no clue.
09-12-2002
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Rep Power: 293 you can find the same ones here:
http://www.optauto.com/webstore/prod...k=yes&dept=901
I know a lot of people want clear, but I like the amber.. it adds color to the side of the car. brings it to life [IMG]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/IMG]
http://www.optauto.com/webstore/prod...k=yes&dept=901
I know a lot of people want clear, but I like the amber.. it adds color to the side of the car. brings it to life [IMG]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/IMG]
09-12-2002
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Rep Power: 0 A question for the electrical guys....
What would it take to have the following setup? (i.e. hook up to what, what other stuff would i need ? ex. relays, diodes, whatever (I don't know electronics))
-> sidemarker ON (not blinking) when parking lights are ON
-> sidemarker BLINKING when turn signal is blinking (not alternating with the signal)
OR
-> sidemarker ON (not blinking) when parking lights are ON
-> sidemarker ALTERNATE BLINKING when turn signal is blinking (alternating with the signal)
(Though here's another weirdo question... How would/should the sidemarker blink when your parking lights are NOT on??? blink in sync with the signals?)
What would it take to have the following setup? (i.e. hook up to what, what other stuff would i need ? ex. relays, diodes, whatever (I don't know electronics))
-> sidemarker ON (not blinking) when parking lights are ON
-> sidemarker BLINKING when turn signal is blinking (not alternating with the signal)
OR
-> sidemarker ON (not blinking) when parking lights are ON
-> sidemarker ALTERNATE BLINKING when turn signal is blinking (alternating with the signal)
(Though here's another weirdo question... How would/should the sidemarker blink when your parking lights are NOT on??? blink in sync with the signals?)
09-12-2002
#20
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Rep Power: 394 Damn, those cost a lot. I'm thinking of getting some again now that you made this DIY. Although I'll probably go with sidemarkers from an Accord. The flat clear ones. They sell for much less on Autodynamic.com (unless the price they have listed is for one sidemarker).
09-12-2002
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Props on that job, mex. I'm definetly going to do it on mine when I get home but I'm using clear markers.
As far as having it on with parking lights and blinking with your signal just use the red wire instead of the green one.
As for it on and alternate blinking you would need some sort of relay. I don't know exactly which or where to get it (try radio shack or fry's) but I know enough to know you will need a relay with a timer, say, .5 seconds, delay.
Quote
[hr]Originally posted by: FurBall
A question for the electrical guys....
What would it take to have the following setup? (i.e. hook up to what, what other stuff would i need ? ex. relays, diodes, whatever (I don't know electronics))
-> sidemarker ON (not blinking) when parking lights are ON
-> sidemarker BLINKING when turn signal is blinking (not alternating with the signal)
OR
-> sidemarker ON (not blinking) when parking lights are ON
-> sidemarker ALTERNATE BLINKING when turn signal is blinking (alternating with the signal)
(Though here's another weirdo question... How would/should the sidemarker blink when your parking lights are NOT on??? blink in sync with the signals?)[hr]
[hr]Originally posted by: FurBall
A question for the electrical guys....
What would it take to have the following setup? (i.e. hook up to what, what other stuff would i need ? ex. relays, diodes, whatever (I don't know electronics))
-> sidemarker ON (not blinking) when parking lights are ON
-> sidemarker BLINKING when turn signal is blinking (not alternating with the signal)
OR
-> sidemarker ON (not blinking) when parking lights are ON
-> sidemarker ALTERNATE BLINKING when turn signal is blinking (alternating with the signal)
(Though here's another weirdo question... How would/should the sidemarker blink when your parking lights are NOT on??? blink in sync with the signals?)[hr]
As for it on and alternate blinking you would need some sort of relay. I don't know exactly which or where to get it (try radio shack or fry's) but I know enough to know you will need a relay with a timer, say, .5 seconds, delay.
09-12-2002
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[hr]Originally posted by: blackavian
Are those stock tail lights you modified. If so how did you do it?
[IMG]i/expressions/beer_yum.gif[/IMG][hr]
[hr]Originally posted by: blackavian
Are those stock tail lights you modified. If so how did you do it?
[IMG]i/expressions/beer_yum.gif[/IMG][hr]
http://www.7thgencivic.com/forum/mes...threadid=44397
09-14-2002
#30
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Rep Power: 314 Thats some tizzle shizzle bizzle. us rizzle is shizzle nizzle [IMG]i/expressions/demon.gif[/IMG]
I like it, looks cold as hell. could never do it to mine though. [IMG]i/expressions/face-icon-small-frown.gif[/IMG]
I like it, looks cold as hell. could never do it to mine though. [IMG]i/expressions/face-icon-small-frown.gif[/IMG]
