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Hi guys,

The rear number plate panel on my '91 is in multiple pieces, some of which are missing, so I'm planning to replace it at some point. I prefer the look of the later "Euro" NA panels though, so I'm wondering what would be involved in converting.

To clarify, I'm talking about changing this:


To this:


It's my understanding that the later model panels light the number plate from above, as opposed to mine which lights from the side. I'm not sure whether that means I would need to buy new lights or whether I just need to mount mine differently. Has anyone got any information which might help me? I have tried teh Googles with little success.

Subbed, because I want to do exactly the same thing

You will need new number plate lights as the original ones light from each side and the newer ones light from above.

myredmx5 wrote:You will need new number plate lights as the original ones light from each side and the newer ones light from above.

PaulF wrote:It's my understanding that the later model panels light the number plate from above, as opposed to mine which lights from the side. I'm not sure whether that means I would need to buy new lights or whether I just need to mount mine differently.

Can you confirm that it definitely uses a different light, and not just the same light mounted differently?

Just had a look at the rear number plate lights on the NA8, which of course also has the later model NA6-like panel. The light lens appear different, i.e. appear smaller, not completely rectangular, & not completely flat, which is my memory 8 years ago of the early NA6 number plate light lens. Should be able to post a pic of the NA8 ones shortly.

Pics are crap, but it gives you an idea:

NA8 lights look like this.

Simply put, the original rear garnish and later rear garnish require different panel specific number plate lights that mount in different locations and on a different bracket.

You'll find that the part you're looking to replace is called a beaver panel.

I too had never heard of the expression beaver panel. I can imagine beaver is a US expression. In the lighting industry the subject lights are known as licence plate lamps.

Different lights, I did the swap on my car thought you knew, you need the beaver panel cover and the lights.

Dann

Guran wrote:You'll find that the part you're looking to replace is called a beaver panel.

I'm not convinced that reading that thread was a good idea.

Okay, who can give me a part number for the lights? Gogogo! I'm pretty sure mine actually have the part number stamped on the lens.

I'd forgotten you did yours Dann. Didn't you have issues with attachment points or something?

the beaver panel is the metal structure that this plastic cover covers. my beaver panel is damaged. so is my beaver panel cover. hence the mounting pins are both snapped off and don't line up by a millimeter here and there. so mine is glued on.

Dann

http://www.mx5mania.com.au/product1449.htm

This might help you.

It might help me, but I think this would help me more... Or to be more accurate, help me the same amount for half the price.