DriftZ Posted December 29, 2008 Share Posted December 29, 2008 Hey guys, searched for tail light swaps, there is a ton of info but nothing that pertains to this simple question. Can you swap the 83 taillights for the 80 taillights? Will the older tail lights bolt in or are modifications required? Want to swap these in.... Instead of these... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
280zx 2by2 Posted December 29, 2008 Share Posted December 29, 2008 im pretty sure they will have you ever took out the tail lights, there are fairly basic... and btw, i want 82-83 tails and you want 79-81 tails... i have 79-81 tails and you (i assume) have 82-83 tails... i hate the world.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nismopick Posted December 29, 2008 Share Posted December 29, 2008 Yes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PurePontiacKid Posted December 30, 2008 Share Posted December 30, 2008 I've done it on my car, but from the old tails to the new ones, they were a DIRECT bolt in, even the connectors were alright! the only thing you have to make sure of, though, is that you get the matching backing plate (the thing that holds them to the car) as they are different, but other than that, they are in fact a direct bolt in I've even got my old set still, if you're interested Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blake culp Posted January 1, 2009 Share Posted January 1, 2009 When I bought my zx the driver side was the older style tail light and the passenger side tail light was the newer style, LOL. But yes the are a direct swap. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zx beast Posted January 8, 2009 Share Posted January 8, 2009 It is way easy. I did it because I couldn't find any tail lights for my 81 for under like 300, so I got some from an 82. Bolt right up, but I want some old 81 ones back, I like the look better... But it is easy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PhilbertZ Posted January 8, 2009 Share Posted January 8, 2009 I'm going to have to swap out my drivers side one of these days (electrical tape covering the hole won't last forever)...I looked back there, and after taking off all the screws and gently pushing/prodding, I couldn't get my tail light to budge. I have a feeling the rubber gasket may by fused to the body perhaps? Have you guys had any issues getting them off and dealing with a "sticky" tail light? And do the gaskets hold up well? I don't think places like Black dragon sell the ZX tails gaskets.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nismopick Posted January 8, 2009 Share Posted January 8, 2009 -Remove rear interior panel -Remove 8mm nuts -Remove interior tail light mounting plate -Disconnect wiring -Push tail light out Tail light seal / gasket: http://www.thezstore.com/page/TZS/PROD/SWR02H/34-2205 http://www.thezstore.com/page/TZS/PROD/SWR02H/34-2206 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PhilbertZ Posted January 8, 2009 Share Posted January 8, 2009 Thanks Sir!! You know, I tried that exact method before - I guess I didn't push hard enough (and was worried about ruining the gasket since I don't yet have a replacement tail in hand). Cheers - see you 'round (this board and others ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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