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Thread: Swapping lights/trunk lid from 87 to 88 3g?

  1. #1
    LXi User Ayeobe's Avatar
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    Swapping lights/trunk lid from 87 to 88 3g?

    So, I have my 87 EX-i, that has seen far better days..
    And the 88-89 EX-i (they havnt told me the year yet ..)

    Im wondering if, after some TLC (aka rust removal) i can put my trunk lid on the 88/89, seeing as i like the 86/87 better. Are the hinges the same? Is the lid the same size? I also wanted to replace the lights, and bumpers. Y'know.. make the car look like an 87, cause i like the 87 better, a little. I'd be painting the bumpers and side trim, too..

    I know the rear break lights are configured diffrently; Two break lights on the body, a "parking light" lights up on the trunk only but dosnt go bright with the breaks, so i'd have to do a bit of wireing, but as for the size and shape of the lights, and the trunk lid, do they change?

    Damn i cant wait to get a perfect 3g. Its damn exciting lol.



  2. #2
    LX User SOHC's Avatar
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    Re: Swapping lights/trunk lid from 87 to 88 3g?

    I can get you a Pic of the Hinges on the 87 if you like ayeobe?

    I run an 87 EX-i so if you need pics, just ask.

  3. #3
    LXi User Ayeobe's Avatar
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    Re: Swapping lights/trunk lid from 87 to 88 3g?

    Cool, thanks. I have an 87 EX-i too, lol. I was wondering about the lights mostly, I seem to recall them being diffrent on the 89 then mine, but i was just wondering if it was my eyes deceiving me.

    Do you guys know what can easily be swapped out, or have you never tried?

  4. #4
    3Geez Veteran 88LXi68's Avatar
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    Re: Swapping lights/trunk lid from 87 to 88 3g?

    86-87 are the same and 88-89 are the same. As far as I know everything would swap over as long as they are the same body i.e. sedan and sedan.

    edit...checked majestic honda and they have different part#s for the trunk, but they look to mount the same. I think they must be different where the taillights/license plate garnish are mounted
    Last edited by 88LXi68; 07-10-2009 at 12:11 PM.
    '88 LX-i Coupe --- LS/Vtec
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    2drSE-i's Avatar
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    Re: Swapping lights/trunk lid from 87 to 88 3g?

    this is from an 86-87

    and this is from an 88-89


    The main difference is how the inner taillights mount to the trunk. 86-87 they mount direcly to the trunklid.

    Whereas the 88-89 trunklid the taillights bolt to the center garnish.



    They use the same picture for both years, but I'm almost positive the trunklid is different.
    '89 SE-i Coupe
    Awaiting Garage
    Quote Originally Posted by AccordEpicenter View Post
    its better to be retarded than advanced

  6. #6
    LXi User Ayeobe's Avatar
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    Re: Swapping lights/trunk lid from 87 to 88 3g?

    So going by that, it shouldnt be a problem to just put one trunk lid on the other.. Though the trunk lids themselves are diffrent, but only where the lights are mounted. And, the lights are the same shape on the outside. Good..

  7. #7


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    Re: Swapping lights/trunk lid from 87 to 88 3g?

    This goes back several years, so I'm not extremely sure, but I believe that the 86-87 corner lights (on the sedan at least) had a border on the bottom? Mine (89) the plastic lens goes all the way down. I got a replacement from a JY and had to bring it back because although it fit, the line of the lens was off because of the black border.

  8. #8
    3Geez Veteran 88LXi68's Avatar
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    Re: Swapping lights/trunk lid from 87 to 88 3g?

    Quote Originally Posted by w261w261 View Post
    This goes back several years, so I'm not extremely sure, but I believe that the 86-87 corner lights (on the sedan at least) had a border on the bottom? Mine (89) the plastic lens goes all the way down. I got a replacement from a JY and had to bring it back because although it fit, the line of the lens was off because of the black border.
    he is correct...you will have to change the outer lights too.
    '88 LX-i Coupe --- LS/Vtec
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  9. #9
    LXi User Ayeobe's Avatar
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    Re: Swapping lights/trunk lid from 87 to 88 3g?

    The rear corners have the red going all the way around, though, on the 88/89. The 86/87 the amber goes to the body, so i was intending on replacing the lights, too.

    I will eventually need a new Left rear light, because i cracked mine in the winter.. sadly.

    Ill take a look at that boarder, though. I can compare the two easily, and hopefully ill have 'em side by side soon. B)

  10. #10
    LXi User Ayeobe's Avatar
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    Re: Swapping lights/trunk lid from 87 to 88 3g?

    So heres another question..
    Do the 88/89's still have the brake light sensor to say wether or not the brake lights are workin? I dont see the sensors in them diagrams...

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