MTAS

Cover removed - requires a torx bit and a flat blade screwdriver to pop the 4 plastic rivets out - be careful with the plastic rivets - you'll need to reinsert them when you're done!

MTAS

Light removed - requires a (I think ) 7/16" deep socket. They're not tight, and once you get them loose you can use your fingers to remove all three of them

MTAS

The new socket in place - and BTW, I couldn't find these things anywhere locally, so I got them from pepboys online for $11 and free shipping

MTAS

Connections soldered

MTAS

Liquid tape to seal everything up (you can get this stuff at Wal-Mart or Home Depot)

MTAS

Put everything back in place carefully (make sure you snug the 3 nuts down that hold the lights in place and do not over tighten them or you could crack the housing of the light, and you'll have this when you're done:

05GT-O.C.D.

MTAS... YOU ARE THE MAN!!! THANKS.

This thread is added to my 'favorites' list. I'm saving it just in case my Mustang ever arrives. Thanks for the detailed instructions/pics.

davids2toys

Exactly...."just in case my car arrives".....lol, same here

MTAS

No problem mates - I'm not a noob to modding, but I certainly remember how helpful detailed pics were when I began modding my previous Stang in Feb/2000

NMRAcer

Thats what I'm getting. They look so kewl.

07MustangSB

wow- that is sooooo much better,,,, if only i HAD a mustang to do it to..... does anyone mind if i share this with other mustang sites??? if not- i wont-

05GT-O.C.D.

Maybe I'm wrong, but I don't think anyone would mind just as long as you provided the link to this site.

MTAS

Hey gang, something else I wanted to throw in here - the replacement socket is dark grey/black where the bulb inserts into it. The OEM was shiny silver and I really didn't notice the differences until I was looking at the tail lights the other day. So, I bought some chrome spray paint at Wal-Mart, took everything apart again, snipped the wires, masked off the bulb with electrical tape and painted the sockets (made sure not to paint the wires ) Once it was dry, I reconnected everything and here's the before and after:

Before:

MTAS

And here's the after - notice there's no more black around/behind the bulb where the new socket is:

DozerzPony

Thanks buddy. I checked out your website and thought the orange Saleen was very cool!!! You do good work.

Take care

05GT-O.C.D.

OK guys, need some help, I'm ready order the parts. HOTLAP says part #85885, someone else said it's #88585. HOTLAP's mod was on a 2000 Vert, I assume that part #85885 is correct (since I can't find the other), but I want to make sure that the '05 uses the same socket as a 2000. Thanks in advance.

HOTLAP

John - just be sure that the new socket is a "Low profile" and it has 3 wires "Major", "Minor", and "Ground" Major is the turn sig/brake light, Minor is the tail light and ground is.....well ground. I have found that Chrysler sockets are the low profile and that is the part number reflected above - good luck B)

Another point is be sure to peel and save the "tarlike" stuff that is around the taillight housing bolts as this keeps H2O from entering the trunk. Just peel it off the existing studs and save - then when reinstalling the tail light housings (after the studs are inserted) reapply around the base of the studs and then install the nuts and you are good to go!!

Easy mod with nice results B)

MTAS

85885 is the correct part

S197 GT

Looks great, anyone can afford this. Thanks for the info.

05GT-O.C.D.

Just got the parts, to avoid me having to run to the auto store w/ my taillamps in the trunk... do I need different bulbs or will the regular ones in the taillamps work? I'm guessing I need to get new bulbs? I'm confused because I thought I read that this plug was for single filament bulbs, while 2 are required - 1 for taillamps, 1 for brakes? TIA