99 Spec OEM Side Markers
 

Just to left everyone know this modification is so easy, despite what others have posted. The only items I needed where a Rotary Tool with a Tungsten High Speed cutter, which I purchased at Checker Auto Parts for $9. The cutter was $8 at Home Depot. The following picture show the passengers side completed but I'll be posting the drivers side with a step by step detail of what's involved, that is if enough people actually what to see it. Also before anyone says it, I know the car is dirty.

No thanks...I would not want to ruin my nice smooth lines.

post away my friend

Making the template is pretty straight-forward except, instead of following the gasket material completely I shortened it on both ends. The edited picture shows what the template would have looked like had I cut it exactly as the gasket. So, instead of snapping into place the fit is now tighter. One of the benefits of doing this is that there is a greater margin of error when cutting. The downside is that you have to attach the metal clip and plastic clip with a screw from behind the fender, which is still accessible even if you have big hands. What I first did before I attempted to cut my fender was to make a template out of cardboard. Once you feel comfortable all you do is drill a hole inside the gasket outline. Then, use your rotary with a high-speed cutter to cut just shy of your outline. Then, follow that with a sanding. The passenger's side took my about an three hours just becuase I wanted to be careful. After I knew what was involved the driver's side was finished in less than an hour fully installed. The hardest part of this project (which is not the hard at all) is cutting the fender. As far as taping into the turn signals, which is as easy as it gets all you do is route your wires into the engine bay using the existing hole in the engine bay. Then, just tap into your turn signals. From a difficulty of 1-10 this project is a 2. It really doesnt require any skill except for following your outline. Just remember you can always remove material you cant put it back. Oh, and dont forget to paint your exposed metal and add some silicone for extra insurance.

Forgot to mention, to make the template design on your car just place the gasket on the fender. Then use a Black Sharpie and follow the design just short of the ends. Also, put plenty of masking tape around the design just in case your cutter kicks back at you. You dont want to ruin your paint.

Where did you purchase the markers and are the OEM?
apneablue, when you get a 99 Spec bumper or similar it would probably be wise or may be required by law to have some kind of turn markers that are visible from the side of the vehicle since the 99 spec bumper removes the standard side markers.

The side markers are OEM. Bought them on ebay for $25 from a guy in Japan. Luckily he wasn't charging outrageous shipping charges, it was only $6. But, I've seen them sell for about $40. New they're about $70. Just make sure you also get the electrical plug connector. The Glass Man, I'll be adding the 99 Spec front bumper and Texas law requires the sidemarker.

I dont care about the law when it comes to things like that. I'm not a big fan of the sidemarkers but they are OK. The Spirit R badges are cool looking, but it reminds me of all the acura integras that I see with the Type-R badges on.

I totally agree, but other than that and the spirit R badge the car looks great.

Well it is a law for good reason. If someone couldn't tell you were turning because you don't have markers and they T-boned you, have a good time explaining to the cop, insurance company and judge why you removed the required side markers and didn't replace them because you like the lines the way they are.

True I wouldn't want getting t-boned in my baby that I just dropped 12,000 dollars in.

T-boned? I can't think of one situation where you would get T-boned as a result of not having side markers. The only application where I can see them helping is on the highway.

hey there oem do it.....or you could get T-BAGGED after geting arrested for the t-bone :D

I'm sticking with the 94 front...I like it. Especually since i got the BananaRE turn lights. :)

http://rx7.apneablue.com/photos/exterior/rightside.jpg

Looks great man, nice work.

What i don't understand (sorry newbie at this) is that i don't see the mazda logo in front. What logo is that?

That is the old Mazda emblem... Before Flying M after oldschool MAZDA

--Fritz

I'm just skipping the side markers on my car.

update! how's your sidemarkers holding up (rain ect.)

Holding up? If you do it right, you shouldn't have any problems at all. I've had mine for a year now, and haven't had a single problem, even in the worst rainstorms.

i might be needing a set soon... lol

How come? Did something happen?