How to Cut Outside Markers for a DC5
Outside markers, commonly known as side markers, are the lights located on the side of automobiles that blink to signal turns, much like the front and back lights do. Many newer-model automobiles come with these already installed on them, but some don’t. If you want to install side markers on your Honda Intrepid DC5, you can do so with the appropriate tools and avoid having to spend loads of money on having it done at an automobile shop.
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Things You'll Need
- DC5 side marker template
- Scissors
- Masking tape
- Measuring tape
- Pen/pencil
- Dremel tool with circular cutting heads
- Side markers
- Automotive primer
- Touch-up paint
- Car jack
- Automotive bulb No. 194
- Side-marker wires
- Wire strippers
- Pliers
- Electrical tape
Instructions
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1
Cut out the center of both the driver and passenger DC5 side-marker templates. Mask off the area of the fender you are going to cut.
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2
Tape the side-marker templates to the fender. Check them several times to ensure that they are level and where you want them. Measure them to ensure that they are the same distance from each side of the fender. Use a pen or pencil to shade inside the cutout area of the template. Then remove the template.
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3
Use the Dremel tool with circular cutting heads to cut out the shaded area of the template. Move in a clockwise direction. Cut a square first, and then cut the small details to round out the side markers.
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4
Place the side markers within the cutout holes. If they don’t fit properly, examine where the template needs to be cut more to make them fit and do so.
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5
Prime the exposed areas of metal on the cut area. Wait at least 10 minutes to allow the primer to dry. Then add the touch-up paint. Apply two layers of each for best coverage.
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6
Jack up the car. Remove the wheel. Pop all the plugs from the fender lining so that you can get inside it.
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7
Move the rubber plug located on the automotive bulb approximately an inch from the bulb to create more slack. Cut off the wiring harness plug-in located at the tip of the side-marker wires.
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8
Use a wire splice to connect one side-marker wire to one end of the wire you are going to run to the front headlights. Use the pliers to apply pressure to the splice to make sure the connection is secure.
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9
Find the hole in the fender frame, which can be located by looking up inside the wheel area. Make an approximate measure from the hole to the front-turn signal, and then cut your wire accordingly.
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10
Plug the automotive bulbs into the side markers and wire them through the holes. Remove the turn signal from its socket. Wire the power wire of the side markers to the blue wire for the driver’s side and the brown wire for the passenger side. Then wire the ground of the side markers to the ground of the turn signals. Wrap electrical tape around the wires for better security.
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11
Put the fender back together by plugging the plugs back into place. Replace the wheel. Place the side markers over the bulbs you just wired.
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Tips & Warnings
Use a silicone sealant after touching up your automobile to seal the paint.
Always wear protective goggles when cutting metal to prevent injury to your eyes.
