Has anyone been able to modify the front side reflectors to be clear? (Page 1/1)
snake88 FEB 12, 01:35 AM
Just curious whether this would be possible or not. I am aware that it is a one piece trim, so I'm just wondering if anyone has attempted or successfully done this? Thanks
IMSA GT FEB 12, 01:58 AM
Not that I'm aware of. They made clear front turn signals but no side marker lights. The only way you would be able to do this is take a stock marker, remove the backing, make a silicone mold, and pour clear lenses with Alumilite so you retain the diffusing ribs on the rear of the lens. Similar to the lens below.



In the end you would have an entire side marker with molding that was clear. You would then glue the backing plate to the new piece, mask the lens portion, and spray the rest of the piece black.

To give you an idea what I'm saying, here is a picture of new markers I bought from the Fiero Store. I had to grind an edge to fit a fiberglass body panel. You can see the amber color where I ground the plastic so that means the entire piece is actually amber with black paint covering most of the piece.

[This message has been edited by IMSA GT (edited 02-12-2023).]

Spoon FEB 12, 09:48 AM
Has anyone been able to modify the front side reflectors to be clear?

Not that I know of but I have seen nearly clear ones at the bone-yards that were bleached white by the sun after sitting for xx years in the same spot. Also by changing the color of the reflectors you may be violating federal lighting codes. Case in point, A company I worked for had a box truck body modified and put onto a new truck. The shop modified the body with additional doors, etc. To make a long story short the red clearance lights ended up where the amber ones should of been, front versus rear. Flashing red lights and sirens later, along with a fine sort of changed their view, no pun intended.

Spoon
ps: I'll leave the stage now but expect the tag-team gang, Orge & others to get in a few kicks while you're down. lol

Spoon

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"Kilgore Trout once wrote a short story which was a dialogue between two pieces of yeast. They were discussing the possible purposes of life as they ate sugar and suffocated in their own excrement. Because of their limited intelligence, they never came close to guessing that they were making champagne." - Kurt Vonnegut

theogre FEB 12, 12:22 PM
No-one I know of has never done this in the US.
Even is the UK and EU, they don't do that but can require to mod the wiring and Add a Light between Front Wheel and door that is a Blinker per MOT and other Rules/Laws.

Mainly because Front Side Marker and/or Reflectors are required to be Amber by FMVSS 571.108 and many State Laws/Rules, even in other countries. Red for Rear Side Markers and Reflectors.

If you see "Clear" ones on Fiero and many other old cars, is cause by UV and road crap Fading the Amber and making the plastic brittle too.

If you have this problem... Can Fail Inspections in some states, More so when have OE Clear 194 bulbs in them.
I have to use 194A or 194NA Bulb in them to pass inspection. xxxA xxxNA is Amber or "Natural Amber" depending on bulb brand you find at whatever store.

Related: Front park/turn Lenses can be Amber or Clear but Clear Lens require Amber Bulbs or Filters.
Example: Many "Aero" HL setups on newer models have clear body covering everything have Amber plastic layer/filter for park/turn. Others just use Amber Bulbs or LEDs now. (OEM can Build in LED to any light assembly and be 100% legal. Not like others replacing Standard Bulbs w/ LEDs.)
If these "Wrap around" the front to side, often required to have Ambler Reflectors and often Markers too. Like Gen2 Kia Soul ...

Don't know if wired same as Fiero in my Cave, LED Marker Light at the top of page.
Only some vehicles have front park/turn act as a side marker too. W/ or w/o side reflector in same area. Some taillights are similar.

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Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should.
(Jurassic Park)


The Ogre's Fiero Cave

[This message has been edited by theogre (edited 02-13-2023).]

Australian FEB 13, 04:02 AM
I had to modify mine back to orange but it can be done with bulbs.
snake88 FEB 21, 01:44 AM
Ok thank you for the input everyone. Seems like a bigger deal than it is worth to me. Don't want any more trouble with police either as the car already brings enough just for what it is lol.