Pre-'02 NSX with Post-'02 Tail-lights

Lazarus · 9 March 2004

Would that look weird?

Some of you may know that I have this minor problem with condensation in my tail-lights, and while I've looked into drilling those tiny little holes in the bottom bevelled-edge of the lenses to alleviate the problem, upon closer inspection, it turns out that the black rubber molding that's fitted on the upper edge of the back of the light assembly is slightly warped (possibly due to old age), allowing a small amount of water to leak into the lens.

Anyway, I've inquired with the Acura/Honda dealer here as to ordering a new tail-light assembly, but now I'm wondering if I should order the newer version of the tail-lights. Has anybody with a pre-'02 car got the post-'02 lights?

Would it seem odd if you saw a car like that?

FuryNSX · 9 March 2004

Lazarus said:
Would it seem odd if you saw a car like that?

No way. I think it would look fine, especially when it's blacked out like in this car:

nsxtasy · 9 March 2004

Beware - depending on how you do it, blacking out taillights can make it much harder for other drivers to see your car, at night as well as when you're stopping. Something to consider...

Lazarus · 9 March 2004

Re: Re: Pre-'02 NSX with Post-'02 Tail-lights

FuryNSX said:
No way. I think it would look fine, especially when it's blacked out like in this car.

Hmmm....that DOES look pretty good. But that car's also got the new rear valance. Maybe it's a 2002+ model. In any case, the newer lights do look pretty good. Thanks, Randy.

Lazarus · 9 March 2004

nsxtasy said:
Beware - depending on how you do it, blacking out taillights can make it much harder for other drivers to see your car, at night as well as when you're stopping. Something to consider...

Good point. But I doubt I'd go for blacking out the tail-lights. I'm just debating over whether to get the new style lights or the older ones.

FuryNSX · 9 March 2004

Re: Re: Re: Pre-'02 NSX with Post-'02 Tail-lights

Lazarus said:
Hmmm....that DOES look pretty good. But that car's also got the new rear valance. Maybe it's a 2002+ model. In any case, the newer lights do look pretty good. Thanks, Randy.

Yeah, I noticed that too. The car was a pre-2002 car though. I was trying to find another pic of one without the newer valance. I'm still trying.

FuryNSX · 9 March 2004

Lazarus said:
Good point. But I doubt I'd go for blacking out the tail-lights. I'm just debating over whether to get the new style lights or the older ones.

nsxtasy did bring up a valid point that I had at the back of my mind when I posted. Aesthetically, it looks very pleasing. Just not practical however.

Lazarus · 9 March 2004

It looks like this white car in the foreground is a pre-'02 with the new lights. Looks quite nice.

Spinner · 9 March 2004

Lazarus, have you checked how much those rubber moldings/gaskets are? I think I have the same problem as you. Is your split at the top? Top black section seperating from the outside lens?

Lazarus · 9 March 2004

Spinner said:
Lazarus, have you checked how much those rubber moldings/gaskets are? I think I have the same problem as you. Is your split at the top? Top black section seperating from the outside lens?

Spinner> No, I haven't checked the price on that item, but I do have an extra set of tail-lights here where there's a small crack in one of the lenses. I guess I could remove the black rubber molding from there and use it on the ones that are on my car now. It's just that I've noticed a lot of scratches on both sets of tail-lights, and I'm also contemplating a new paint-job for the entire car, so I thought I might as well get new lights while I'm at it.

Yes, I think your problem and mine are one and the same.

Zuerst · 9 March 2004

Re: Re: Re: Pre-'02 NSX with Post-'02 Tail-lights

Lazarus said:
Hmmm....that DOES look pretty good. But that car's also got the new rear valance. Maybe it's a 2002+ model. In any case, the newer lights do look pretty good. Thanks, Randy.

That is a pre-2002 model... Just look at the side skirts.

DDozier · 9 March 2004

Your old lenes can be buffed out to remove minor scratches in the plastics, I think Eastwood sells a kit to take care of that problem.

Dave

Lazarus · 9 March 2004

DDozier said:
Your old lenes can be buffed out to remove minor scratches in the plastics, I think Eastwood sells a kit to take care of that problem.

Dave

Good idea. Will look into it. Thanks!

Hrant · 9 March 2004

Re: Re: Re: Pre-'02 NSX with Post-'02 Tail-lights

Lazarus said:
Hmmm....that DOES look pretty good. But that car's also got the new rear valance. Maybe it's a 2002+ model. In any case, the newer lights do look pretty good. Thanks, Randy.

That is Brian Butts' car (NSXPrime 1UFO2C handle), and its an early model with many newer goodies and a Comptech SC.

Lazarus · 9 March 2004

So maybe it wouldn't look too awkward if you guys saw a pre-'02 car with the new tail-lights, but none of the other post-'02 external mods?

timothyaw · 9 March 2004

Lazarus said:
So maybe it wouldn't look too awkward if you guys saw a pre-'02 car with the new tail-lights, but none of the other post-'02 external mods?

No not at all, thats exactly what I'm looking to do with my car. Another member told me about the SOS has the OEM part here

http://www.scienceofspeed.com/produ...roducts/NSX/Honda/2002/tail_lamps/default.asp

1UFO 2C · 9 March 2004

Lazarus:

This post was forwarded to me, so I felt inclined to lend a comment or two since my car is the initial picture on this thread.

My car is a 1993 with the newer tail lights and rear valance. The rear lights are smoked (tinted) along with the turn signal lights up front. I have yet to receive complaints from others stating the rear lights are too dark to notice; or stopped by the police for tinted lights. The tint is a fine haze of sorts to simply tone down the brightness a tad. Nothing radical though.

I saw the picture of the white car which doesn't look too bad. However, picture those untinted lights on a darker car - like black. To me, it stood out too much for my taste.

If you wish to chat further, private me on the prime or email.

Brian
1UFO 2C

EssTooKayTD · 9 March 2004

i believe stormrider here in Houston has his '97 with post-'02 tail-lights on it. Doesn't look awkward at all. I say do it.

ChopsJazz · 9 March 2004

I like the looks of the newer tail lights. I have the new valance, think I'll get the lights too.

Lazarus · 9 March 2004

1UFO 2C said:
Lazarus:

This post was forwarded to me, so I felt inclined to lend a comment or two since my car is the initial picture on this thread.

My car is a 1993 with the newer tail lights and rear valance. The rear lights are smoked (tinted) along with the turn signal lights up front. I have yet to receive complaints from others stating the rear lights are too dark to notice; or stopped by the police for tinted lights. The tint is a fine haze of sorts to simply tone down the brightness a tad. Nothing radical though.

I saw the picture of the white car which doesn't look too bad. However, picture those untinted lights on a darker car - like black. To me, it stood out too much for my taste.

If you wish to chat further, private me on the prime or email.

Brian
1UFO 2C

Brian> Thanks for taking the time out to reply. I think you're right....on a black car, having the lenses tinted does look very striking. I've seen a number of black Bimmers here with that done and it looks aggressive without being too tacky. My car is silver and so I'm a little uncertain as to whether the tinted effect would be suitable for my car. You wouldn't happen to have any more photos of your car that you can post here, would you?

Thanks.

David

Lazarus · 9 March 2004

ChopsJazz said:
I like the looks of the newer tail lights. I have the new valance, think I'll get the lights too.

I love the look of the new valance too, but I'd have to get a new exhaust too if I wanted to install it.

Lazarus · 9 March 2004

EssTooKayTD said:
i believe stormrider here in Houston has his '97 with post-'02 tail-lights on it. Doesn't look awkward at all. I say do it.

I guess the general consensus is to proceed, and I'm also leaning in that direction now, thanks to everyone's comments and encouragement.

Much obliged, folks.

Lazarus · 14 March 2004

Oh, an interesting revelation:

Went to the Honda/Acura importer yesterday to confirm my parts order and they showed me the respective parts diagrams for both the '91 - '01 tail-lights and the '02+ tail-lights, and it looks like it may be possible to simply order the '02+ lenses without ordering the entire tail-light assembly (they'll double check on that for me). The cost of the entire tail-light assembly (regardless of which version I choose) is HK$9,580 (US$1,230) without the center garnish (of which I have the choice of "Acura", the Honda "H" logo, or the Acura "A" logo).

Just wondering...has anyone who converted to the '02+ tail-lights done so by only replacing the lens and not the entire assembly?

4AU4LIFE · 14 March 2004

I prefer the look of all red taillights on a red car.

Lazarus · 14 March 2004

92NSX said:
I prefer the look of all red taillights on a red car.

I had a feeling you were going to say that.

Pre-'02 NSX with Post-'02 Tail-lights

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