I’m thinking’s about removing the factory box tail lights to some inset ones, I’m sure someone here has changed their tail lights to be inset in the body, how about some pictures, suggestions, or pointers.
Inset taillights
- Thread starter TimC
- Start date
I put ones like this in my prior '97 TJ (sorry, no pictures). It's a commitment, because I had to trim away some of the Jeep body so they fit. The ones I used (I believe they were Grote brand) had powder coated metal housings and a raw steel retaining ring. The retainer ring started rusting quickly.
https://www.vehiclesafetysupply.com/peterson-galvanized-retainer-ring-410-21-p-5502.html?gclid=CjwKCAjwo4rCBhAbEiwAxhJlCQggcKHbUgf6qRU13-O-2fphpwJ3lFFNSH51puZrTIfZT3Cprp5AvBoCUnQQAvD_BwE&gbraid=0AAAAAD3EJu66wXd8eC-vwaO2k20zREdXZ&gad_campaignid=21801759817&gad_source=1
Make sure to seal between the housing and Jeep body as water will get between and start rusting. I just gooped the backside of the housing with silicon glass sealer (because that's what I had on hand) and allowed it to squish out as I tightened the fasteners. After letting it dry somewhat, I peeled away the excess.
I plan on doing something similar on my current '97 TJ, but will endeavor to use lights with plastic housings. Humvee H1 tail lights are cool looking.
https://www.vehiclesafetysupply.com/peterson-galvanized-retainer-ring-410-21-p-5502.html?gclid=CjwKCAjwo4rCBhAbEiwAxhJlCQggcKHbUgf6qRU13-O-2fphpwJ3lFFNSH51puZrTIfZT3Cprp5AvBoCUnQQAvD_BwE&gbraid=0AAAAAD3EJu66wXd8eC-vwaO2k20zREdXZ&gad_campaignid=21801759817&gad_source=1
Make sure to seal between the housing and Jeep body as water will get between and start rusting. I just gooped the backside of the housing with silicon glass sealer (because that's what I had on hand) and allowed it to squish out as I tightened the fasteners. After letting it dry somewhat, I peeled away the excess.
I plan on doing something similar on my current '97 TJ, but will endeavor to use lights with plastic housings. Humvee H1 tail lights are cool looking.
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Black Magic Brakes has a low-profile set of LEDs that have side-marker light incorporated into his design.
https://blackmagicbrakes.com/ols/categories/led-lights
https://blackmagicbrakes.com/ols/categories/led-lights
Agreed, those are by far the sexiest stock tail lights I’ve seen! The Jeep is pretty sweet too!
Cut a 4" hole in your armor & tub
Wire in the plugs for your taillights
Install your taillights
Make sure they work
I went a bit different because I didn't want to do something quite so permanent.
Maxxima Tail Lights
Bought 10 years ago and no issues. Can't remember for sure, but may have only had to make one mounting hole. Used 2 existing from factory lights. Very bright. Added some fisheye white led for the reverse lights (that was a drill for a small hole). Have state inspections here and has always passed. Except for my backups I could swap out for OEM and no visible damage.
Later they released these with reverse lights around the edge so it is all one unit.
Lights with reverse built in
Maxxima Tail Lights
Bought 10 years ago and no issues. Can't remember for sure, but may have only had to make one mounting hole. Used 2 existing from factory lights. Very bright. Added some fisheye white led for the reverse lights (that was a drill for a small hole). Have state inspections here and has always passed. Except for my backups I could swap out for OEM and no visible damage.
Later they released these with reverse lights around the edge so it is all one unit.
Lights with reverse built in
I have seen this photo several times and really prefer this to the high priced led low profile. Maybe this summer after the suspension work.
I did the same inset factory lights on a couple of my previous TJ’s. If you decide to do them make sure to cut the passenger side first.
High priced is relative. You currently own 14 jam nuts with an average cost of 5 bucks each.
14 Johnny Joints that are 920 bucks. Add the jam nuts to that and you're over a grand in joints and nuts. You have more in joints than a lot of these jokers spend on an entire lift kit.
My next purchase!!!!
Presuming some interest in symmetry, the tailgate hinges on the right side dictate were the left tail light goes.
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Lots of folks miss that the flange on the OEM tail light housing hangs over places that wouldn't let it clear the hinges and be centered vertically if it moved straight forward. It can look better if you center the light housing between the hinges and then use that to lay out the left side. I personally like them slightly higher than centered but not touching the top hinge.
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