I have received a lot of questions pertaining to 99 lights. This guide is going to fully explain the difference between all possible tail light conversions,
this way, you can make an informed decision if you choose to upgrade.

A. Seven Lust/US Conversion
My first set of tail lights were convereted by Seven Lust, about two years ago. I was extremely impressed with the transaction. I had a one day turn around for him to do the conversion, I believe after I shipped them, I had the lights back in less then 7 business days. He did an excellent job sealing the lights, I never had any problems with water leaking in or fogging the lights do to an improper seal. He also went the extra mile and polished both tail lights, taking out minor scratches to look new again. All of this was done, in my opinion at a very reasonable cost ($85, not sure if his price has changed). The circles he uses are bigger then authentic lights, and IMO I like the smaller circles, but the circle size is subjective. The blinker is also the same size as the main brake circles, compared to the authentic lights where the blinker circle is smaller and better centered to the brake circles. I never really noticed the difference before getting an authentic set. Now this was two years ago, I am currently unaware if these problems have been addressed or not. If your on a budget, or looking for a cheap alternative, this is the way to go. The stock lights are dull and boring compared to the 99 spec circles, one would be quite surprised how much it livens up the rear of the car. IMO, a worth-while investment.
Stock Tail Lights (outdated IMO)

Seven Lust converted lights



B. JDM Converted Lights
An alternative, slightly more expensive option is the JDM converted lights. These lights are converted in Japan, and you get both tail lights, it is NOT just a conversion. The circles are more accurate then Seven Lust's circles, although they still are slightly off. The circles are the same size as the authentic lights but their position is a bit off. On authentic lights, the space in-between each circle is the same distance, this is not the same for converted lights. The space between each circle is different, and where they rest in the tail light is also slightly different then authentic lights. The paint used is also slightly different then authentic, and compared to authentic lights, the JDM converted lights are usually a gloss black. I sell these for $275 + US shipping,but you are getting both tail lights, so you are then able to make up a little bit of the price by selling your old tail lights.




C. Authentic 99 Lights
This is the real deal, might be tough to justify $400 for a set of tail lights when the replicas look so similar. When the brake lights are off, it is impossible to really tell the difference unless you are directly on top of the light. This is how you can tell if yours are real or not. The lens is raised 1mm over the paint/background, compared to the replicas which are painted, the lens is flat since the paint is overlayed on top. Some posts indicated that the raised lens gives it more depth, IMO, that really is not true. Looking at the depth and fullness of the brake lights, I cant tell the difference between authentic and replica when the lights are on. The biggest difference is the spacing between each circle and the position of the blinker circle relative to the brake circles. The authentic lights position everything just so perfect, it looks incredible. Compared to the replica lights where the spacing between each light is not equal and the blinker circle is not positioned correct either. In the end,it is nit picky things that really justify the authentic set and the extra money. For the record, I own authentic lights and do not regret the purchase.
Authentic vs JDM Replica

Picture of raised lens

Set of Authentic lights, both left and right are authentic

Not sure why the image is blurred by the right tail light.


Bryan @ Rx7 Boutique

PS - In case you are not following my build thread, my car is currently getting painted.

 

Honestly, I think its downright stupid to pay money for OEM 99spec lights. the conversion is simple enough for a person to do on their own within a few hours. Plus OEM 99spec lenses wouldn't be DOT approved. I'm not saying modifying stock lenses is, but the US spec modified ones at least have a DOT symbol on them.

 

Good stuff, I love posts that clear up confusion about things so succinctly.

One nit pick - they are NOT '99 spec taillights. Mazda changed to the round taillights in '96. I think people just get used to saying "99 spec" for later JDM parts, but this isn't the case.

For the record, '96 added the revised turbo Y-pipe as well. Still had the same front bumper, added the whale tail spoiler as an option on some models, and tons of other revised parts.

Dale

 

Thank you for this. I bought 99 spec tail lights and center light and wanted to verify the authenticity of them. Now I'll be able to.

static, you can get 99 spec lights for cheap used. I managed to pick up my set, center and tail for really really cheap, close to the cost of doing a conversion. Thanks for the DOT info to. I had no idea. Where do you find the symbol? This is another good way to check for authenticity.

Dale...
Good point!!!

Having said that, I also have the conversion tail lights as well. They still do look nice!!

 

You know converting your tail lights costs less than $60 bucks right.

Only people who want that real JDM feel will buy it. My buddy has the real 99 spec lights and I dont even notice with mine.

I can safely say 98% of people will not notice or care they are the real deal.

 

Thats true but I'm in the 2% with my lights! My faux lights looked just fine though.

I thought buying converted new lights were like $120 or $130 used. When I mentioned the price of the 96 spec lights being the similar I meant to the JDM converted lights.

 

I Think stupid people like me just want Authentic sht for a unique car.........

 

Yep, Dale is correct.. and back in the days, i used to do this conversion for people and I got to see some weird tail lights.. I actually have a set thats in between pre 96 and post 96.. It has the raised circles but no paint on them.. I still have this set

 

I would rather buy the authentic JDM ones then convert mine. Because mine have faded to purple!

 

i went with the authentic because the raised circle just catches my attention when you see it during the day. Eventhough only i would care, but knowing the fact its the real deal just feels better.

 

honestly, i cant see any difference.

i did my lights myself, and i think they came out pretty nice.

cost: $5 for a can of spray paint & some contact paper...











i dont see the point in paying $$$ for "authentic '99" lights, when the rest of the car isnt "authentic '99" style anyway.

i've done a few sets for people now and everyone i've done them for has been satisfied. also, none of the lights i've converted have ever had a problem with leaking/condensation.

cheers.

 

wow, best mod ever, round light patterns...

Sorry, always wanted to say that in one of these threads.

 

I got a great deal on Perfect JDM lights way back when, guess I was lucky....

 

It just doesn't make sense to me, at most i would just buy the lens inserts, I know you can buy the US spec ones form Mazdatrix, I'm sure you can do the same for the J-spec models elsewhere. I'm just not OK with them not being DOT approved, and $5 for supplies vs. $250-$450 for OEM, not a tough decision for me.

 

i have a question about the tail light conversion.....so if you do the conversion with the jdm back light does it need any modification or does it replace the US OEM tail light?

 

it is a bolt in affair

 

I happen to fall into these categories as well. I've had replicas for a long time and noticed issues. Got the authentics and have been pretty happy since

 

Wait, these JDM tail lights were available back in 96?

 

Yes, I just chose to say 99 spec as that is how they are quoted on the forum, since 99 was the year of the major revision.

 

Dang! Learn something new everyday! I agree, they are definitely one of the most talked about mods. I know they were high on my list. I think the 99 spec bumper lights are a fan favorite too. I think anytime there is an "updated" OEM look that has wide appeal, it is usually ends up being a popular mod. Its hard to beat OEM quality and there is a certain gratification with getting a real, JDM OEM part.

 

Awesome job. Kudos
is it hard to separate the light assembly?

 

No, use a heat gun (like pictured) or stick them in your oven at 200degrees for a few minutes (WATCH THEM). The oven trick works better for me, more even heat. Used the method to help remove "soft touch" coating from interior plastics.

 

not really. after removing the screws, a minute or two of evenly-applied heat from the gun gets the nice and gooey, then they easily pull apart easily.

start to finish, the whole job takes less than an hour to do both lights.

 

ok so who actually still does the conversion and how much do they charge?

i want to get mine done asap

 

while i was reading your thread i thought you were a bit obessive but when i saw the comparison side by side i def thought the authentic ones looked alot better. having said that there is no way i would buy the authentic version over the lust brand.