This mod was performed by Cheston Chiu. He deserves all credit for these instructions. However, he and Southeast Maxima Group are not liable for your actions. These instructions are more for a guide, not "true" instructions.

Note: This modification WILL NOT WORK for 1995/96 Maximas. This is because the tail lights are a single unit. The Amber in the 95/96 model years is physically attached to the red portion. It's one piece that can not be separated. The only other way to make the red/clear look is to buy clear tail lights and paint them red. David L in New York does this conversion for the 95/96 maximas for a cost ($190). Please email him directly if you're interested. Just tell him that Cheston sent you.

Tools needed:

1. 8mm deep socket
2. Screw driver
3. Gloves
4. Several layers of foil or some sort of metal for protecting the lense from heat
5. A 2'x 2' piece of flouresent light covers (that you get at any hardware store)
6. Sharp knife
7. Flashlights

   Install:

8. Start by removing the carpeted panels in the trunk, that are around the rear lights. Pop off those annoying clips and keep them in a safe place.

9. Remove and unplug all the wires and light bulb connections that are attached to the rear lights.

10. Pry off the two plastic wire holders that are on the back of two 8 mm bolts. These clips hold the wires in place, just pop them OFF.

11. Using the 8mm deep socket, remove the 4 nuts that secure the housing.. two up top, two on the bottom, keep the nuts in a safe place.

12. Now, this is a bit hard now. Push the taillights like you've never pushed before.. from the INSIDE of the trunk OUTWARD.. the lens housing will slowly, but surely come off of the car. Don't worry about the back goo that's attached to it. It's there for sealing purposes and will RESEAL itself once you put the housing back in when you're done.. Cut the goo with a knife so you can free the housing from the car. The goo will stain your clothes, so WATCH OUT!

13. Next, look behind the housing there will be 5 small screws holding the lense down to the housing as well as some glue. Remove the screws..

14. Using the heat gun now, heat around the edge of the housing taking a piece of thin metal and cover up whatever you don't want to heat up like the edge of the lense and the rubber seal. Heat in sweeping motions, don't concentrate on one part for too long.

15. Continue heating evenly. If you get any king of warping, STOP. Go around the whole lense housing until everything is evenly warm.

16. The housing should be hot enough for the glue to release the lens.. Slowly, start to pull the lense away from the housing. Use caution. DON'T use extreme force, if the lense won't move, apply more heat.

17. Once the two pieces are seperated, remove the amber lense piece

18. Using the amber lense piece as a template, cut out your clear pieces from the flourescent lighting cover. Make sure the edges are cut even and straight. If you'd like, you can cut another lense piece for the other side, but besure to flip the amber piece over to make LEFT and RIGHT side pieces. After you have cut out the clear pieces, slide it back into the lense housing.

19. Heat the housing black piece again and place the lense back into the housing.. you're almost done!!!

20. Once the lense is flush with the housing, replace the 5 mini screws into the housing. Don't over tighten.

21. Push the lense housing back into the car. By retightening the 8mm bolts, the lense housing will reseal with the black goo. No need to over tighten the 8mm bolts.

22. Re-connect the light bulbs and the wiring. Please, don't forget to get 1156 ORANGE blubs so that the clear part will flash orange. Put back the two plastic wire holders that are on the back of two 8 mm bolts.

23. Repeat steps 1-15 for the other lense

24. TADA. You're done. Sit back and drink some beer. Rejoice.

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