Install custom side markers!

[Cameron]

Okay, this weekend, like every weekend, I was working on my truck. This time I added American Racing lights to replace the ugly yellow stock headlights. I added a K&N air filter (finally) and I installed custom side markers/indicators. These are not the side markers you may be thinking of, these are the kind that mount to your quarter panel.

Please visit my web page for some pictures of the procedure. There are two pictures of my truck on page two. Let me know what you guys think.

You can click on the “house” icon above or, click on www.ericcameron.com . If you are a Netscape Navigator user, click on www.firststepsite.com/ericcameron.com . The site is nothing fancy. It is provided free when you register a domain name with register.com. so what the heck, I posted some pics.

Thanks


Rock'n 97 Sport 4X4


[This message has been edited by Cameron (edited 03-21-2000).]

 

[Jornum1]

Very cool Cameron, I like them alot. I had wanted to do the same, with my '99 sport, but like you mentioned was afraid of drilling the fender of my truck Are those the ones from APC? I saw them on carparts.com, for 20 bucks. I Think I would want the ones like my dads ML which are the clear lense with a yellow bulb. I dont know. But it looks really cool. What method did you use to align them on both sides? Was it necessary to cut that big squar hole? If so obviously you ddint use a drill for that, its sqare What did you use? Thanks alot
Jason
And once again, the markers look great

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'99 Sport SOHC Auto
K&N FIPK, Borla Exhaust
Bosch 4+'s, Lowered 2 inches,
Eldebrock shocks,
Sony Mobile Es head unit,
Sony 1/2 din Equalizer,
10 disc ES cd changer,
6 disc MD changer,

 

[Cameron]

Hey Jason,

Thanks for the reply. I bought them at a local sports car shop. I paid $35.00 for the pair. I like the way clear ones look too but not on a white truck. I went with amber because they look stock. As far as how I aligned the lights, simple. Measure. Measure again and when your very sure you have it perfect, measure again. I “drew” a line from the center of the headlight group towards the back of the truck. I wanted the side marker to be in line with the front and back lights. Then I just picked a spot about 6 inches forward of the door and marked my spot. The side marker comes with a rubber gasket that mounts between the body and light. I used that gasket to mark where I need to make my cuts. It is very important that you use a small level to make sure your side markers are parallel to the ground. Of course this assumes your truck is parallel to the ground. Check by setting the level on your doorjamb with the door open.

It was necessary for me to cut the size hole I did because that’s what was required by the particular side marker I had. Of course, you may not need to cut a hole as big or, you may need to cut one bigger. It depends on how far out the light protrudes from the quarter panel.

Your right, I didn’t use a drill. I used an air tool. I must confess, I went to my brother in laws auto shop and used his. He has a tool that is designed specifically for cutting sheet metal. I don’t really know what else you could use. But I’ll tell you this much, I did make me nervous to cut into my truck like that. Just take your time. Move slowly and it is actually very easy.


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Rock'n 97 Sport 4X4

 

[KSolo]

Hey Cameron,

Those side markers are really cool. That's one of the slickest mods I've seen yet...very original, I like that. I hope you don't mind me copying Dead Link Removed I've got to have those side markers. Okay, I have a few questions: I always 'assumed' that lights had to be grounded...but you hooked yours up to both power wires. Do your markers blink or do they stay on with your lights? Did you get you side markers online? And lastly...(whew) you mentioned American Racing lights...are you refering to clear corners or bulb upgrades?

Thanks
Keith


[This message has been edited by KSolo (edited 03-21-2000).]

 

[Cameron]

Keith,

Thanks, I appreciate it. The reason I did this mod was because I have never seen an explorer with them so I thought I would be the first kid on my block. Hey, if I had a problem with you or anyone else copping me, I would not have posted it. So go for it. I think it adds a nice touch to an otherwise plain profile. The reason I connected the wires to the two power wires is so that when I turn on the parking lights, the markers come on and, when I turn on the hazards or turn signal, the side marker flashes as well.

No, I didn’t buy them online, I got them at a local sports car shop. But I know you can order them online. Also, if you see a car with side markers you like, just go to the dealer for that car and order a pair.

And finally, I was referring to the light bulbs. I love them. They are no brighter then stock, just clearer.

I hope this answers your questions. Let me know what you decide to do.


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Rock'n 97 Sport 4X4

 

[Rob O]

Cameron,

You may be one of the first in the US with side markers, but they are OE on Explorers sold in Europe.

Dead Link Removed

It's hard to see in the above pic (from Ford UK's website), but every Explorer is equipped w/amber side markers since all vehicles sold in Europe have to have them.

Your's looks stock ... good job. Dead Link Removed

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Rob O

'98 EB 4.0 SOHC 4x4
Twisted w/leafs
Edelbrock IAS
WAAG Brush Guard w/FET Landmaster 190 Hi\Lo's
Thule rack & bike trays / Yakima RocketBox
265/75/16 BFG A/T KOs coming soon

'94 XLT 4x4
WAAG * FET * 30x9.5 BFG * Doetsch Tech * Thule * Hella * Kenwood

 

[Cameron]

Rob O,

Wow, I didn’t know that. How cool. It’s important for me, as I modify my Explorer, to keep a “meant to be there” look. I don’t like it when you see after market add-ons on some vehicles that look like an after thought. You know what I’m talking about. That’s why it took me 6 months to pick out a grill guard. I’ve been looking for new wheels for about a year. Can’t seam to make up my mind. I have seen some very nice ones on some of the trucks on this web site though. Anyway, thanks for the picture.


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Rock'n 97 Sport 4X4

 

[Spas]

Digging this one out of storage......

You may be one of the first in the US with side markers, but they are OE on Explorers sold in Europe.

For some strange reason I'm not seeing this pic-all I get is a little box with an 'X' in it. Could somebody repost the photo as an attachment or something? And Cameron, your site won't let me view the installation for the markers....Help? Thanks!

 

[Cameron]

Sorry about that. I'm in the process of reorganizing my web server.

Side markers are mandatory on all cars in Europe.

http://www.ericcameron.com/projects/sidemarker/sidemarker.htm

 

[Spas]

Thanks much, Cameron!

I'm REALLY glad you have a cheat sheet for me to copy off of, lol. I think I'm going to do what you did and take my X to a body shop to have the holes cut-I don't trust myself with a metal drill! I'd probably end up warping the metal, which is one thing I definitely do NOT want to do! When I'm finished, would you like to see pics?

 

[sideswipe]

I'd like to seepics. I installed side markers on mine and they look great. They help a lot safety-wise too.

 

[Mp3SUV]

is it possible to install side markers on a 91-94 explorer?? Im guessing that you can since you just splice into the turn signal wires. Also, would it be easier or harder to install on a 91-94?? I like the look of it on Eric's X. Very nice man!!!

 

[RFR2212]

Just thought I'd say... Yes, it is possible. They were done on my 94 Limited. I can't tell ya if it's any different than Cameron's setup, but if you PM "Dre" he can help ya, as I bought my 94 limited from him
Pete

 

[Dre]

now how did I find this thread? It's so old..... but at the same time it's so ...... on time!

Cameron, guys.... I'm installing these sidemarkers on my 98 Sport probably this weekend or as soon as I get the lights. I bought OE lights off the Audi A4.... kind of similar to the ones that new Cougar has. Whichever lights you buy either Mercedes, Mercury, Audi, Saab, VW or whatever (even Ford Explorer now has them - 2002) you need to know that this specific light requires specific hole. You have to look at your light and measure how big of a hole you need. You need to figure first how this light is attached to the fender. Some stores I just noticed sell generic white - clear side markers...... I don't know the price but these might even come with instructions.
Lights can be installed on any yes ANY car or truck. All you have to do make sure that when you drill you are far enough from the door and that there is nothing on the other side of the fender that you are about to drill. As far as hook-up? connect them to your stock front turn signal wires..... splice the wires - both - ground and + .... the easiest way not to screw up your electrics. I might even take some pix while performing this operation..... Cameron do you still have your pictures saved?

did you guys get your answers?

and yes, I did it on the 1994 Limited and now I'm about to do it onmy 98 Sport

 

[Spas]

Hey, Cameron...

Do you know what's behind the section of fender that your markers are mounted on? I measured a line from the center of the headlight back to the end of the fender flare (I have the factory premium ones), and looked behind the fender to see what I'd be cutting into, but it's blocked off by the firewall (I think).

Anything back there that's in danger of being cut? I'd rather not take the fenders off to cut the holes, but if I have to I will...Thanks!

 

[Cameron]

Spas,

There are actually two layers to your fender. The outside layer (the one you're cutting) and the inside layer (the one you see when you're looking under the hood. There is a gape between these two layers. If you look in the area of where the hood hinge is mounted you will see a gap between these two layers. After you cut into your fender, you'll fish the wires down this gap to the hole and connect them to your side marker. Then run the wires forward to your headlights. If the pictures in my step by step are not enough, I'll take a few more for you to show you what I'm talking about but I'm sure once you look under your hood you'll see what I'm talking about.

 

[Dre]

IMHO you should remove inner fender well cover for easy access to area where you'll be working. I just got my lights yesterday so I shall be installing these this weekend. I don't anticipate any problems but we'll see.

 

[mgv366]

I'VE YET TO SEE A PIC OF THESE SIDE MARKER LIGHTS?!?!? ALL THE LINKS ARE OUTDATED..

 

[Cameron]

Originally posted by mgv366
I'VE YET TO SEE A PIC OF THESE SIDE MARKER LIGHTS?!?!? ALL THE LINKS ARE OUTDATED..

10 replies up I posted a link!

 

[Spas]

Thanks, Cameron, Dre-

I'm off to have the holes cut as soon as I finish posting this, mine should be in by tonight