How-To: AP2 Tail Light Conversion

[ncmx5]

AP2 Tail light Conversion

I finally found time to install my AP2 tail lights I bought from the States.

The whole install took me around 2 hours each side, including setting up and cleaning up.

Tools used:

AP2 lights and gaskets
Permanent marker
100mm Angle grinder & Safety goggles
Dremel
Drill
8mm Socket wrench
Sandpaper
Spray paint
Gasket Silicone
Newspaper
Vacuum cleaner


BODYWORK
Here’s my lights before the install:
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_J2cP5UE8sL0/SpulA6XXgZI/AAAAAAAAADY/0tVZ9QpOusM/s400/031.JPG

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_J2cP5UE8sL0/SpulBB1oxrI/AAAAAAAAADc/kOHE8P4AJzk/s400/034.JPG

Here’s the exposed light wiring after removing the boot panels:
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_J2cP5UE8sL0/SpuzzgXr8VI/AAAAAAAAAEU/Eb-KlrCYN7c/s800/3.JPG

Unplug the wires and using an 8mm socket, remove the four (4) nuts holding the light to the car. He’s a view after from the outside:
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_J2cP5UE8sL0/Spuz0_bo_HI/AAAAAAAAAEc/xFbgI5DBr40/s800/6.JPG

As you can see, the AP2 light houses three individual lights compared to AP1 which has only two. So cutting of the car is a must.
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_J2cP5UE8sL0/Spuz0cb7GZI/AAAAAAAAAEY/b8dgCUFQzkc/s800/7.JPG

Carefully remove the foam gasket seal from the AP2 light and use this as a template to cut your holes. I lined up the most outer 45 degree line of the foam and car together:
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_J2cP5UE8sL0/Spuz4n6RnhI/AAAAAAAAAFA/y_5MCs75d7E/s800/9.JPG
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_J2cP5UE8sL0/Spuz5f6wyoI/AAAAAAAAAFE/QOWM89ahNEc/s800/10.JPG
Paper up or cloth up the surrounding areas to protect the car before cutting.

I used a 100mm angle grinder to hack away at the car. (Make sure you protect your eyes. I had shrapnel flying at me once.)

Here are some pictures after cutting:
Outside view:
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_J2cP5UE8sL0/Spuz58yXVFI/AAAAAAAAAFI/FF4eQ7YNvss/s800/12.JPG
Inside view:
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_J2cP5UE8sL0/Spuz6L0igPI/AAAAAAAAAFM/zNwzdFnYZQU/s800/13.JPG

The four (4) bolts that fix the AP2 lights are different from the AP1. You need to drill two (2) new holes into the body panel. Mark these holes using the light itself. Press the light into the body work and the tips of the bolt will scratch and mark the paint. Then drill two (2) holes. Test fit the light to make sure everything fits well.
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_J2cP5UE8sL0/Spuz9PvkbUI/AAAAAAAAAFc/DC8P-Sqh400/s800/11.JPG

Now use a Dremel die to clean up the rough edges and sand it back before giving it a quick spray of paint to prevent rust. I just did a quick coat using Silver Australian Export paint from Supercheap Auto for $2.
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_J2cP5UE8sL0/Spu0ABtKs3I/AAAAAAAAAF8/6QbZg0i6ovo/s800/14a.JPG

LIGHT WORK
There have been some reports of water leaking into the light because of how the AP2 lights and gasket sits against the modified AP1 body. Some other forum members have suggested silicone sealing the gasket to the lights. I thought it wouldn’t hurt doing so, and invested $7 into a tube of gasket silicone.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_J2cP5UE8sL0/Spuz9u7B1XI/AAAAAAAAAFg/d6ZvWwzYciA/s800/16.JPG

I also took the time to use black electrical tape to seal up any openings in the back of the light just in case water leaks in – there’s one or two openings.
**Note – I’ve gone through 3 high pressure washes now, and it hasn’t shown any signs or leakage or condensation build up.**

WIRING
Whilst the paint and silicone is drying, it’s a perfect time to get the plugs on the light to fit.

Now, you can either get wiring kit which is plug and play from Hardtopguy.com in the States for $50 USD OR elect to cut apart your factory wires. I ended up doing the latter.

Brake Light
Brake light plug for AP1 and AP2 are similar, 3 pin connector. It’s just a matter of trimming the male plug to make it fit for the slightly different AP2 female plug. I chopped the top clip off, and trimmed two (2) grooves on the top side.
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_J2cP5UE8sL0/Spuz1ujwzVI/AAAAAAAAAEk/JZKqOJItZQ8/s800/20.JPG
**Note – I’ve seen some people trim two (2) grooves on the bottom as well, but this isn’t necessary if you simply cut the top off and pry the connector pins up slightly. It’s easier this way.**

Indicator Light
My AP2 lights came with the light globes and sockets, so plugging in the connector simply required trimming the male plug as well.
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_J2cP5UE8sL0/Spuz1LU7nkI/AAAAAAAAAEg/KubzzUee30Y/s800/21.JPG

Reverse Light
Simple plug and play. No modification required.
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_J2cP5UE8sL0/Spuz16_ivnI/AAAAAAAAAEo/rBrHSBbQ3hU/s800/22.JPG

Picture of all three plugs after trimming:
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_J2cP5UE8sL0/Spuz-PDxBRI/AAAAAAAAAFo/liy5P3lXAyk/s800/23.JPG

Test fit your plugs and turn on your lights to see everything is working!

FITTING
Simply bolt your lights in with the two (2) holes against the body.

Use a metal bracket to affix the other two (2) holes to the car. I bought the brackets from Bunnings around $1.50 ea, and folded them fit the predrilled holes.
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_J2cP5UE8sL0/Spuz94t1K_I/AAAAAAAAAFk/W7LtxG6NpFo/s800/14.JPG

Hand tighten then tighten with an 8mm socket.

Plug in your connectors, and reattach your boot lining clips.

Some more pictures
AP2 vs AP1
http://lh3.ggpht.com/_J2cP5UE8sL0/Spuz2tkFWxI/AAAAAAAAAEw/kdVAq1Vgf2I/s800/31.JPG
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_J2cP5UE8sL0/Spuz6mfomzI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/awi435H4sgc/s800/35.JPG
Result:
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_J2cP5UE8sL0/Spuz_AxxDyI/AAAAAAAAAFw/c_K7Fw6PTqQ/s800/36.JPG

[drsilliez]

good stuff. love the step by step with pictures..

btw already had some info here http://www.ozhonda.com/forum/showpost.php?p=1651607&postcount=11 :)

[Dy_]

nice work!
lol at doing it in the carpark though!

[alvin_R]

bump.....bump....by the way, how long does took u to complete it??

[vyets]

I did mine in about 4 hours :D but I used a fkn dremel. Best thing to use is a air saw or a drill with that circle piece.

You should also cover the backing, moisture gets in from the back as well I just used duct tape. :)

[ncmx5]

yeah, that link didn't really give me much help actually installing it...

so that's why i thought i'd do a proper one.

it took me about 4-5 hours all up including a beer break... it's a bitch to do, but well worth it.

use an airsaw like what vyets said. either that or jigsaw. i think it would be easier than angle grinder, and you don't get bits flying at you. haha

[9large]

Nice write up ncmx5. I was about to say, an angle grinder would have been hard work. I used an air saw. Here's a guide that I found useful from s2ki:

http://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=183447&st=0

[F20C]

Nice tut! And did you do that in a parking lot :| lol

[mikoZ]

awesome post~and great job
thx for sharing

[ncmx5]

haha, yeah did it all in the parking lot. moved interstate, so had like bare essential tools with me, hence no aircompressor for airsaw.. LOL everyone was staring at me cut apart my car like im a freak. LOL

[F20C]

LOL are you in melbourne now or the gold coast?

[pilotb777_300]

Sorry to bring this up again guys, but has anyone done a conversion from the old AP1 tail lights to the newer AP1 tail lights... as in the 2002 year ones ? I think the newer ones look heaps better. Is it an easier install than trying to install the AP2 tail lights ? and any ideas on pricing ?

[vyets]

It should be a straight swap, the 2003 lights just have the chrome ring on the inside, should still be using the same plugs and everything.

[JamieP]

how much did the lights cost you? they look so much better

[gamgam]

reviving this thread...

the ap2 tail lights that I got unfortunately did not come with bulbs or gaskets, from what I've read it seems like you can stick the ap1 bulbs into the ap2 tail lamp... but in terms of gaskets do I need to get them from honda or should I just get the installation kit from hardtop guy... i.e. is it worth the money?

[ncmx5]

get a price from honda... otherwise just get the kit for htguy... gives you all the looms and wiring as well... although shipping might take a while...

ap1 bulbs fit ap2.

[gamgam]

yeah apparently the gaskets are $25 from honda so I think that's the go considering all up the kit from htguy is $200

[s2krazie]

wow awesome write up!!! gonna look for a set of ap2 lights and will do the same!

[banflu]

A BIG THANK YOU to the original poster for a very helpful and detailed how-to! I just made the conversion today, looks great and found very little problems, thanks to this thread.

The only thing I would add: When you align the gasket to the body and draw the parts you have to cut, make sure that you cut all the marks (and maybe just a little more) .. otherwise you will have to keep trimming and re-fitting ..

[euromandeluxe]

A bit of a bump, but...

This thread was awesome :thumbsup: thanks paul!

Took a while but eventually got it done.

And I finally understand why all of you say you'll never, ever do this install again.

And it was hard work with an angle grinder! :D

[MrJohn]

hahaha YEA 100% not doing this ever again. does everyone rear light line up nice and flush? i cut the holes abit bigger but seem they dont line up still =s

[JamieP]

Id love it if somebody would be willing to help me install mine :) Ive had them sitting in my bedroom for at least 6 months now

[euromandeluxe]

hahaha YEA 100% not doing this ever again. does everyone rear light line up nice and flush? i cut the holes abit bigger but seem they dont line up still =s

Mine are flush, had a bit of trouble with the passenger's side. Problem ended up being the 2 new holes I drilled for the studs being a little misplaced - I widened them with the drill and managed to make the light line up properly.

Jamie I'd love to help but it's such a b*tch of an install that I really don't want to lol! If you have the right tools (airsaw and compressor) it'd be almost too easy.

[ncmx5]

no worries guys. everyone's gone ap2 crazy.

[greek_rambos2k]

random question: is it legal to cut the body work to fit the light? isnt that a modification of chassis and if found would be not road worthy. (obviously its not something you see as its under the boot interior but just wondering)

[booki]

sorry for the thread bump, but also wondering the same thing.

Also is it possible to go back to stock tails after this has been done?

Is it also possible to replace the panel you have cut into to revert it completely back to stock?

[AusS2000]

Possible: yes
Easy: NOOOOOOOOO

[dlai5552]

sorry for the thread bump, but also wondering the same thing.

Also is it possible to go back to stock tails after this has been done?

Is it also possible to replace the panel you have cut into to revert it completely back to stock?

Who cares if it's illegal lol. No one's going to know anyways. And yes it is possible, you just need a homemade brackets to hold them in. You probably can replace the panel, but it'd cost you a hell lot of money.

[sho]

easiest way to revert ap2 lights to ap1 lights is to make another line bracket so you can mount all bolts from the lights if you must.
depending on which template they use, if its from hardtop guy then his template makes it possible to revert with no fuss. Question is why would you want to revert back to ap1 tail lights?

the dearer option is to goto a panel shop and they will weld a piece on and you will have to cut all over again otherwise finding a wrecker who will chop out that segment for you and then weld that piece on.



btw.. the rear panel is a complete unit that is welded onto the body of the car.

part number 66100-S2A-A03ZZ PANEL, RR.

http://www.hondapartsnow.com/diagrams/large/outer-panel-462572.png

[vyets]

yea as above replacing the beaver panel is your best bet if you want to go back to stock but not the cheapest. Also it will insure there are no leaks during the ap2 install and back to ap1.