How-To: Replace Front Side Markers

iThane · Post by **iThane** » Mon Oct 25, 2010 5:39 pm

Hey everyone, figured i'd make a how-to on replacing your front
bumper's side markers. it took me quite some time to figure it
out how, but this how-to should help shorten installation time.

This took me roughly 5 Minutes.

I purchased my set on ebay. had a few issues with the seller, he really
managed to piss me off, but then again it was just bad luck i guess.

_______________________________________________________________

Replacing your side marker lenses.

step 2 is not required, but if you have big hands you might consider it

Prep:
Alan Wrench (size unknown

)
A Torx Screwdriver (star shaped tip)
Paper Towel or Latex Gloves
5 minutes of your time

Instructions:
1. Start by removing the 2 screws on the front end edge of your fender
well. (turning your wheels makes more room) For the bottom screw
i used an alan wrench because the Torx screwdriver wouldn't fit with
my tire in the way.

2. Again, this part can be avoided, personally i don't like pulling off
these tree caps, but it makes getting to the side marker lense easier.

Step one and two remove your splash guard which gives you access
to the back side of the front bumper, which is where you need to be to
replace or remove your markers

3. Now remove the clip that holds the marker in place. To do this,
feel around the back side of the marker. The tab closest to the
wheel is what you need to pull off.

Note: I removed the bulb before popping off the marker. It doesn't
really matter whether or not you remove the bulb before or after,
but either way, use your latex gloves or paper towel to handle the
bulb. The oils in your fingers reduce the life of bulbs (im not saying
your dirty and grimy, all humans produce oils)

Remove this tab by pulling it back towards the rear of your car.
it takes a little bit of muscle to get it off, but its easy to pop back on.

Save this pin because you need it to reinstall your markers

4. Now that you have this pin removed, the marker should come right
off. There is a hook towards the front, so lift up from the back first.

5. Now that you have your marker removed, put your new one in!
My marker has a little play, which is a little unusual, but nearly
almost every aftermarket part you order won't be a perfect fit
for your car.

Screwing the bulb back into your new marker before reinstalling it
may help. (remember to use your gloves/ paper towel to handle the bulb)

6. To reinstall your marker, slip it back into place, and reattach the pin
you removed earlier. If you worry that the pin doesn't hold the marker
into place, use some thin double sided tape or something similar behind
the marker for extra support

7. Reattach your wheel well's splash guard and step back to take a look
at your new side markers! Fancy, eh?

EDIT: pictures fixed

Side Note: had my markers on for over 3 weeks and the pins still
hold it into place, even though it is a little loose.

phazeneon · Post by **phazeneon** » Tue Oct 26, 2010 5:49 pm

much props for the how to, but wouldnt pulling out the headlights be the easier method?

sidepipe87 · Post by **sidepipe87** » Tue Oct 26, 2010 6:15 pm

^no... this takes like 2 minutes.

iThane · Post by **iThane** » Tue Oct 26, 2010 6:54 pm

thanks!!

but sidepipe is right, getting the headlights out of the front facia is a PITA.
its a lot easier if you take out the tree push pins, but i almost destroyed
the ones in my trunk liner so i favor avoiding them.

sidepipe87 · Post by **sidepipe87** » Tue Oct 26, 2010 8:10 pm

It's a lot easier when you have the trim tool to do it

Post by **occasional demons** » Wed Oct 27, 2010 7:19 am

I have the trim tool, but depending on the condition of the retainers, they do tend to snap the head off occasionally. But they are relatively cheap to replace.

It is also easier if the tires are turned in at the front.

iThane · Post by **iThane** » Wed Oct 27, 2010 5:02 pm

i didnt think about turning the tires until after i submitted the How-to lol.
but i get

'ed at for leaving tire marks on the driveway..

darthroush · Post by **darthroush** » Wed Oct 27, 2010 6:16 pm

Been a bit since I've gotten under the car and payed attention to the lip of the bumper...couldn't you drive the car up on ramps and then just reach up from underneath?

Post by **occasional demons** » Wed Oct 27, 2010 9:02 pm

Yes, if you have ramps, and your car isn't lowered. Most ramps are too much of an angle for lowered cars. Unless you want to use 6 foot long 2 x 6's bolted together. I considered that, but storage and weight quickly pushed the idea from my mind.

iThane · Post by **iThane** » Thu Oct 28, 2010 9:47 am

if you turn your wheels and remove the splash guard i do believe
its a bigger opening. the marker is also closer to the wheel well then the
lip so the reaching distance is less.

and who needs heavy duty bolted ramps?
just wing it like the trailer trash people out here do. find a good enough
sized rock in your front yard and line up several 2x4's!

SC62391 · Post by **SC62391** » Tue Dec 14, 2010 7:24 pm

Thank you for the post, guided me through it without any problems.
Great job!

iThane · Post by **iThane** » Tue Dec 14, 2010 8:51 pm

no problem! i couldn't find anything online and it took me a while to
figure it out so i figured i would make something for the next person to
come along! glad i could help.

SC62391 · Post by **SC62391** » Tue Dec 14, 2010 9:17 pm

At first i tried to get the plastic push pins off with a screw driver because i thought i had too and kind off snapped some of the head off lol. Then i looked at your picture and saw i could skip step 2 like you said

But i got the smoked ones off ebay and they look great and fit perfect, i highly recommend them!

iThane · Post by **iThane** » Tue Dec 14, 2010 10:45 pm

i should have gotten smoked, but im going to nightshade my clear ones
i guess. i always end up screwing up those push pins too, thats why i like
the idea that with this mod, you don't have to mess with them!

SC62391 · Post by **SC62391** » Tue Dec 14, 2010 10:53 pm

Yeah, i'm sure that will look good. Exactly! And the fact that it is so easy.
I was at the doctors today and saw the latex gloves just sitting there so i asked the doctor if i could have 2 haha

k-b-s-neon02 · Post by **k-b-s-neon02** » Wed Dec 15, 2010 11:31 am

Nice write up bro... But my car is lowered with the lip and I just stuck my hand underneath the bumper and was done in seconds..

iThane · Post by **iThane** » Wed Dec 15, 2010 1:32 pm

you can actually reach it from under the car, but its a longer reach, and
like discussed before with the ramps and everything its easier to just pull
out a few screw drivers as opposed to heavy metal ramps. and even
without ramps you're still crawling around on your back trying to get
under the car. which ever way you prefer if up to you though.

RawkBunny · Post by **RawkBunny** » Thu Jun 02, 2011 4:23 pm

Sweet, appreciate the write up. Will be doing mine this afternoon