side markers yes or no?

[homes1030]

i got a 1973 240z was thinking of removing all 4 side markers and welding a plate and making the body flush. just wondering what everyone thinks about the look.

[WingZr0]

I like it also but is it legal here in Cali?

I'd like to remove the Bumbers to.

[d240zx2]

The look is cool.

But I chose to retain mine strictly because of safety...the visibility thing at night. As I age, my eyes just ain't what they used to be, and if there are other old farts out there, I need to be as visible as possible to keep them from hitting me.

FWIW

Regards,

[Bonzi Lon]

I'm keeping mine on to keep the stock appearance, like the original wheel covers and tall tires. However, if I had another to play with it would be lean, mean, low, and fully shaved. Emblems, drip rails, door handles, marker lights, antenna, bumpers, hatch lock, etc....dream on.

Have to get this one finished first.

Bonzi Lon

[zanthus]

I've always liked the side marker lights. I vote to keep them.

[BRE-240Z]

I recently had to make the same decision. I'm removing them.

[justin260z]

I like what I did. I made my front marker lights into turn signals.... and im going to shave the rear marker lights. I think that will be cool looking.

[Arne]

As mentioned in Bonzi's reply, since my goal is to maintain period correct appearance, no way I'll get rid of mine. It is, of course, a very personal decision, depending on your vision for your own car.

I did convert my front markers into dual-function lights though. I commissioned a small batch of plug-n-play wiring adapters that allow my front markers to still be marker lights, but also flash as turn signals and hazards. Adds a bit of visibility to the car (which I like), without any permanent changes to the car or its wiring. You can see the results in this movie:

http://video.classiczcars.com/user_video_detail.php?mId=2315

[ezzzzzzz]

I installed 2000 Suzuki Aerio sidemarkers in place of the buldging stock ones. These are lightly curved with no chrome trim and fit tight to the body. It gives the overall look a more modern appeal. The big plus is you don't have to drill holes or cut sheetmetal.

[Zs-ondabrain]

I too turned my side markers into alternating blinkers when the parking lights are on. I have LED side markers, which do not allow mine to operate like Arne's but the do the "Alternating Flash" when the parking lights are on and do nothing when the parking lights are off.

It's because the LED's are one way diodes. Regular incondescent bulbs work both ways (positive on the base or on the tip) So I have to use a relay to make mine work like they do. The Great thing about Arne's Upgrade plug is that it plugs right in without damge to wiring or anything else, and if you don't want it that way anymore, just remove the upgrade plug and you're back to stock.

Great Idea Arne!! Wish I had thought of it. How much for a set of those (Left and right)?

Dave.

[justin260z]

I remember seeing a s30 with flush mounted side markers somewhere. I dont remember where, but it looked really cool. Maybe you can do that? Just an idea

[DeesZ]

I like both looks, with and without side markers. Right now I own two Z's, one configured each way. I prefer the stock look somewhat better. Bottom line is that it is your car and it's your pleasure to have it the way you wish it to be. You would be wise to check the DMV regulations where you live... it would be a big pain in the rear to have to convert back to keep it on the road after all of that work.

Dave and Arne... I really like the multi-function that you are doing on the side markers. The older I get, the more I feel that I need to be 'seen' as well as to 'see'.... not for vanity, but for safety. You guys going to be marketing those or publishing a "how-to"?