Tail light question

[shane96ranger]

I've been looking to change my tail lights to something different than the OG's that Ford put on my 96. I originally posted I like the Mazda tails, but I just was looking and they are in fact different (I really like the looks of the Mazda tails a lot). What years will fit my 96? And what is needed to swap them over (besides the lights).

Thanks so much!

 

[daniel3507]

You could switch them over to the newer two bulb tails.
http://www.therangerstation.com/Magazine/spring2008/93-97_taillight_upgrade.htm

 

[shane96ranger]

I like the orange turn signals. I want to be sure before I buy them....the 98 and 99 are physically the same as my 96 correct? I just need to orient the bulbs differently it looks like to me.

 

[That Baker Guy]

whoa, hold on a sec, im 98% sure the mazda tails are shaped diffrent and wont work unless you switch to a mazda bed.

 

[Ranger Sport Honduras]

mazda tails are different no matter what year
if u like big amber turn signals u can go with 98-99 ranger tails
they have the same shape as all 93+ rangers
if u like the mazda ones cuz the have the blacked housing type(black surroundings) u can paint the 98-99 ones to look like that

i did that to mine with vinyl(sticker), i can post a pic if u want.
then i went for 01-05 tails, but the sticker is scratchless on my oem ones.

 

[shane96ranger]

Yeah, I figured out the beds are different; which sucks. No way am I changing to a Mazda bed, those things are hideous. I do apologize, my 98 and 99 question should have mentioned I was talking about Ranger tails. I would love to see the vinyl you put on your tails honduras. Did you make them?

Thanks!

 

[Ranger Sport Honduras]

here are some pics

and yeah the mazda bed wont look good on your truck, the front fender lines wont match with the bed ones, looks lame imo.
i grabbed some vinyl stripes and a sharp blade
u could try first with electric tape lol

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

here are some pics
and yeah the mazda bed wont look good on your truck, the front fender lines wont match with the bed ones, looks lame imo.
i grabbed some vinyl stripes and a sharp blade
u could try first with electric tape lol

There for awhile the Mazda bed was an option on the Ranger, even the Mazda rims are popping up on new Rangers.

The first generation Explorer had headlights with black trim like that too. I painted the molded in framelike thing on my '85 the same color as the rest of the truck, I kind of like it over black.

 

[Ranger Sport Honduras]

yeah the mazda bed was optional, looks fugly imo
the wheel well lines wont match
dunno why they would sell something like that

 

[shane96ranger]

Holy cow, those look sharp Honduras. That's exactly what I'm looking for! You mentioned the vinyl is scratchless? Where did you find that? What I really like is the look of my tails on my old 98 Mountaineer (Mercury version of the Explorer). I REALLY liked those, and this looks very close.

85Ranger, I really like the job you did too. I almost bought a 90 before I found my 96 at the last second. When I look at those 83 to 92's I almost wish I would have got one of those instead.

 

[Ranger Sport Honduras]

Holy cow, those look sharp Honduras. That's exactly what I'm looking for! You mentioned the vinyl is scratchless? Where did you find that? What I really like is the look of my tails on my old 98 Mountaineer (Mercury version of the Explorer). I REALLY liked those, and this looks very close.

85Ranger, I really like the job you did too. I almost bought a 90 before I found my 96 at the last second. When I look at those 83 to 92's I almost wish I would have got one of those instead.

thanks man.

i meant the vinyl is scratchless considering i did it and had them like that a long time, i use my truck for work and they never scratched or peeled.
a cardomain member did it with white spray paint,dunno if u wanna try paint.

i think vinyl is a good option, and its very durable.
i did it because i wanted some tail covers, but since i couldnt find em, i tried vinyl.
then i realized i liked all red tails more lol