Pic needed - wraparound tail light body opening

[Maryland Rick]

I am converting my 87 GW to old school wrap-around tail lights. I have the tail lights, but need some photos of the body opening where the wrap arounds go in to.

I need the photos before I do the surgery on the sheet metal.

Thanks...Rick

[Badawg]

I will be pulling my left side apart tomorrow to replace a lens tomorrow. I will see what I can do.

[Tatsadasayago]

You are probably better off replacing the quarter end cap.
The wrap-a-rounds use a small opening and mounting holes that are unlike any other FSJ.

Slicing out the caps and adding replacements will undoubtedly take less time, materials and effort.

[Maryland Rick]

Yeah, I still would like to see photos of what you are talking about since I have never seen the wrap-around quarters. Like I said, I have the lights, but need to see what the openings look like.

Thanks...Rick

[Badawg]

My parts didn't arrive, so I did not take it apart today.

[Tom_Tipton]

I still haven't put mine back in since I painted it so i ran out to the shop and took a couple pictures for you, hope it helps.

[REDONE]

Can I help? Nevermind you got it!

[Maryland Rick]

Tom:
Thanks a jillion! That's what I needed. I assume that the reverse lights are also cut out?

Thanks...Rick

[Maryland Rick]

Man....after looking at the openings, I think that Tatsadasayago may be correct in my needing new end caps and quarter section. The sheet metal curves would be next to impossible to get right, unless you are a sheet metal bodyshop wizard.

I'm up for doing the cosmetic surgery if the parts can be located. She's getting the new roof welded in place monday night and then off to the paint shop.

Any idea as to where I could get those parts? End cap and rear quarter section.....................I may need to tap into a FSJ salvage yard.

Thanks..Rick

[Tom_Tipton]

Originally Posted by Maryland Rick

Tom:
Thanks a jillion! That's what I needed. I assume that the reverse lights are also cut out?

Thanks...Rick

Yeah they are, IIRC its just a round hole with two smaller holes for the mounting studs and it may be set in just a tad.

[Maryland Rick]

Well.....after gazing at the wrap-around tail lights, and the intricate curves of the openings, I have decided to stick with the original tail lights. The juice was not worth the squeeze for this project. The required surgery was just too much.

I am still going with the old school stainless side molding and will have the bottom piece on the quarters fabbed to extent it several inches.

We just welded the roof on last night. Still needs welding in several spots. Will post pics soon.

Rick

[iroc86]

Originally Posted by Maryland Rick

Well.....after gazing at the wrap-around tail lights, and the intricate curves of the openings, I have decided to stick with the original tail lights. The juice was not worth the squeeze for this project. The required surgery was just too much.

I reached the same conclusion as you when I thought about swapping to the old-style lights. I'll admit that I was watching this thread with interest, as it would be really cool to have the wraparound lights on a late-model FSJ.

If you want a light change, look into the mid-'70s Cherokee tail lights. The housings appear to fit your '87. Check this thread for more info.

[fulsizjeep]

The Cherokee fixture will fit on the GW but they have a single bulb for run, turn/hazard and stop. The wrap around lamp also uses a single bulb. The GW uses 2 bulbs. There is a separate bulb for the turn/hazard lights. In my opinion, the newer fixture is a better, safer lamp assembly.

[iroc86]

Originally Posted by fulsizjeep

The Cherokee fixture will fit on the GW but they have a single bulb for run, turn/hazard and stop. The wrap around lamp also uses a single bulb. The GW uses 2 bulbs. There is a separate bulb for the turn/hazard lights. In my opinion, the newer fixture is a better, safer lamp assembly.

That's a good point, I forgot about that. But what about using the Cherokee lens on the GW housing? The thread I referenced appeared to indicate that it would fit with just a little trimming. Wiring and bulb count shouldn't be an issue in that case. Might be another option.

[fulsizjeep]

It won't fit directly but imagine it could be modified to fit. I personally like the lens that flows with the contour of the body better. I ran blue dots on mine until a kindly policeman pointed me to the error of my ways.

[shiner2001]

Originally Posted by fulsizjeep

It won't fit directly but imagine it could be modified to fit. I personally like the lens that flows with the contour of the body better. I ran blue dots on mine until a kindly policeman pointed me to the error of my ways.

You make is sound so peaceful! As if you were "politely rapped upon the head and shoulders until you acquiesced."

[fulsizjeep]

Originally Posted by shiner2001

You make is sound so peaceful! As if you were "politely rapped upon the head and shoulders until you acquiesced."

ahhh, yes but not quite as abrupt as the rollover

[Maryland Rick]

Got any pics of the Cherokee lights you're talking about??

[iroc86]

Originally Posted by Maryland Rick

Got any pics of the Cherokee lights you're talking about??

Something like this... ripped the picture from eBay. I wish I could have found a better shot for you. The lights are a bit more three-dimensional looking than the late-model version.