'96 to '98 or newer hatch conversion

[FHBasketball]

My third brake light went out. Luckily, I know a guy that works for ford, and can get one relatively cheap. But I might be moving, and if it goes out again, it can cost about $350 to replace. No ford guy to go to then.

Does anyone know if it would be a problem to switch to a newer rear hatch, say a '98 - '00????? I am talking about wiring, taillights, trim, etc.

The ford guy actually just switched to Lexus, so he doesn't have access to the how to books anymore. He doesn't know off of the top of his head b/c he is an engine guy. Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[FHBasketball]

Another question.....

.....I live in Missouri. Are blackouts legal here, or in any state???

I think if I get the smoke colored blackouts I might be ok, but I'm not sure.

 

[96limitedX]

..its a direct bolt on..you will need hatch,rear bumper,tailligts,rear glass,interior panal,3rd brake light..and you will have to do alittle wiring..but oterhwise it will bolt right up. without any other moding

 

[FHBasketball]

Will I absolutely need taillights?

I was looking at a '99 hatch, and it looked like the hatch might fit.
I can get a hatch with all of the trim and stuff at a junk yard, but if I am going to have to put new taillights on, which would require quite a bit of mods, then I don't think I will bother.

Does anyone know about the blackout thing?????????

 

[DirtyDog]

If you put a '98 hatch on your '96, you won't need the '98 tail lights but it would look better with them. They are a direct bolt on but will only fit with the '98 hatch. The only thing you might need to change with the '98 tail lights is the light sockets themselves.

You will have to add 1 wire to the bunch that go to the lift gate and it is for the license plate lights. your '96 has the plate on the bumper and if you wanna upgrade your bumper too, you'll have to move your plate to the hatch.

 

[Bill Kemp]

As said, changing the hatch is the biggest part of the job. Tail lights are easy and the bumper is totally optional.

 

[CDW6212R]

Two excellent answers, good luck,