95-97 Tail Lights on a 91-94 Explorer?

CDW6212R · February 18, 2005

Hello, I have a 93 Limited body, which is about to be set down onto a 99 Limited chassis.

Has anyone ever fitted the later 95+ tail lights onto the 1st generation Explorers? I have already discovered that there are three bulbs in the later lights, and the 1st gen body lights have straight side and rear edges.

From what searching I have done, the rear of the 95-97 tail lights look like they will fit against my 93 tailgate. Will the lights actually bolt down using the same bolt pattern? They look the same.

I am assuming that my task will be to trim the side front edges of the 95-97 lights until they are straight. Then I'll have to fill the holes made, and paint a small black strip along that edge.

Ideas, thoughts about this, anyone.
Don W

Ak LTD Xplorer · February 18, 2005

a 91-94 hatch will bolt onto a 95-97 without a prob. they are basicly the saem hatch.

i have a 92' hatch on my 96 not a prob.....

mounty71 · December 24, 2007

So, uh, how did this end up working out for you, after almost 3 years? I've been wondering about.

TeckNine4 · December 24, 2007

Yea I was wondering about that also (Not because of being since 2years ago tho):exp:

CDW6212R · December 24, 2007

Well you have a long memory. I did get them almost done last year, and began driving the truck in January. They worked great, I have just not yet painted the front 1/4" edge black yet. The front edge there still shows the epoxy work done to it. I like the amber turn signals better for safety, that was my whole reason to do it. Regards,

TeckNine4 · December 24, 2007

How did you do that?? Its better. Im bout 2 convert mine...I can get a rear pair for 40 bucks off a '96

CDW6212R · December 25, 2007

Well that picture showing the piece which is cut off tells most of the story. Cutting it carefully without cracking the lens is important, go very slow with a rotary tool. A lot of filing is needed to sneak up on the correct sizing, go very slow and gently.

Then it's a matter of a few tubes of epoxy(Walmart $3.80 per). Use clear tape to create a backing for the epoxy, mix only about 1/4 or 1/5 of the tubes at a time. Only do say an inch or two at a time. I ended up with about a 1/8 to 1/4 thick layer along the front edge. You fill the gap and then layer it just above the needed outer surface. Then it comes down to more filing to shape it well, then tape it off to paint. I plan on using black model aircraft spray paint. If something is better and will last longer, let me know. Regards,

cybergasm · December 25, 2007

How did you handle the wiring considering the seperate turn signal and bake lights?

CDW6212R · December 25, 2007

I rebuilt a 99 Limited using my 93 rear clip, the entire wiring harness is the 99 wiring.

The same wires exist in 91-94 Explorers, it would be easy to simply take those wires and connect them to the 95-01 light bulb sockets.

cybergasm · December 25, 2007

ah ok gotcha :thumbsup:

Turdle · December 25, 2007

Don is one guy who has done more to an explorer than most would ever want to.
Merry Christmas Don--and thanks for pioneerin'

CDW6212R · December 25, 2007

I'm glad to, I do many things which I keep saying that I won't do again. I started an air system on this truck which I haven't finished since January. I need it done, before Spring. Merry Christmas Jon and everyone.

Donner · December 25, 2007

Sir, any thoughts on this project?

CDW6212R said:
I'm glad to, I do many things which I keep saying that I won't do again. I started an air system on this truck which I haven't finished since January. I need it done, before Spring. Merry Christmas Jon and everyone.

I'm hoping you can help out with this... tomrw is the big day, and I'm not fond of the idea of drilling holes. Can you peek at this idea? Thanks!

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=202692

cybergasm · November 20, 2009

almost 2 year bump

how are these doing ? epoxy holding up ? not filling full of water or anything like that ?

CDW6212R · November 20, 2009

They work great. I do have white strobe lights in the reverse lens portions, and those melted a hole through the back. I've had one fill with water from it getting to that backside hole. I plan to find some kind of metal material to cover that hole up.

My route has a USPS vehicle on it now, so my truck isn't for work any more.

The epoxy I used does work great, but I think there may be better choices. I say that because I also used it for building my electric fan shroud. That let go along the lowest edge not long after I got it running. I added more to it when I found it, and I think it's been good since then.

If I was doing this again and not in a hurry, I'd call and see if another epoxy might be had in larger quantities. The tubes I used are convenient for small jobs and it took at least four I think, at say $5 each at Walmart. There just may be a better product, marine products are often better for example.

Right now I need to hunt a marine body filler/sealant for affixing fiberglass to my steel hood. I was given a product name by the hood company I bought the pieces from. Marine products are a lot more moisture and outdoor designed than average stuff. Regards,

cybergasm · November 20, 2009

Cool

thank you sir

spl_explorer21 · March 9, 2010

wow great work looks real clean i deff like it

slaughterrt · October 10, 2014

Randomly stumbled onto this post. Very nice work.

95-97 Tail Lights on a 91-94 Explorer?

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