How to remove 3rd brake light lens from Sport wing?

[NEURO]

Hi all,
I have a '97 Sport with the factory wing.
I'm trying to figure out how to remove the 3rd brake light red lens embedded into & under the wing, so that I can replace the bulb.
How do I remove that lens without damaging it? I can't see any screws holding the lens to the wing, so figure it's being held in by tabs and snaps out (like the vanity mirror lenses). If so, where & how exactly do I pry it free without breaking the lens or tabs?

I have the Ford Service Manual for this car...but nowhere in the manual does it even mention the wing for anything. It's like it doesn't exist and assumes that Birds only came with the 3rd brake light on the parcel shelf behind the rear window glass. Oh well.

Next, I'm considering replacing the bulb with an LED...any suggestions on what LED would be good for this?

Thank you

 

[XR7-4.6]

Hi all,
I have a '97 Sport with the factory wing.
I'm trying to figure out how to remove the 3rd brake light red lens embedded into & under the wing, so that I can replace the bulb.
How do I remove that lens without damaging it? I can't see any screws holding the lens to the wing, so figure it's being held in by tabs and snaps out (like the vanity mirror lenses). If so, where & how exactly do I pry it free without breaking the lens or tabs?

I have the Ford Service Manual for this car...but nowhere in the manual does it even mention the wing for anything. It's like it doesn't exist and assumes that Birds only came with the 3rd brake light on the parcel shelf behind the rear window glass. Oh well.

Next, I'm considering replacing the bulb with an LED...any suggestions on what LED would be good for this?

Thank you

View attachment 15665

The factory bulb IS an LED. As for removal you really need to take the spoiler off first, then there are two round clear red caps you need to pry off and then underneath them there will be Phillips screws. Once those are removed the light comes out as an assembly along with its pigtail/connector.


Now for the pitfalls, the trunklid studs and nuts that the Phillips screws screw into are molded into the fiberglass and if there’s a hint of rust they’ll probably spin. Soak them good in penetrating oil for every step. Also once you get the light loose I recommend tying a wire tie to the electrical pigtail before you pull it all the way out and leave it in the spoiler when you remove it completely. Later when you reinstall it you can then tie it back up and pull it back through without hassle

 

[NEURO]

The factory bulb IS an LED. As for removal you really need to take the spoiler off first, then there are two round clear red caps you need to pry off and then underneath them there will be Phillips screws. Once those are removed the light comes out as an assembly along with its pigtail/connector.


Now for the pitfalls, the trunklid studs and nuts that the Phillips screws screw into are molded into the fiberglass and if there’s a hint of rust they’ll probably spin. Soak them good in penetrating oil for every step. Also once you get the light loose I recommend tying a wire tie to the electrical pigtail before you pull it all the way out and leave it in the spoiler when you remove it completely. Later when you reinstall it you can then tie it back up and pull it back through without hassle

Ok...I did note the caps when examining the lens, but didn't know they're removable to expose the screws.
But if it's an LED already, then there doesn't seem to be a point to replacing it.

According to the owner's manual, Ford service manual, and various forum threads, the bulb is a standard 921 incandescent bulb. I was just going to replace it, since the original is still in there. But if it's an LED, then there's no need, unless a better or brighter LED is available or recommended due to the original's age.

Is it a standard LED bulb orderable from Amazon...or is it some proprietary Ford design that's now Unobtanium, like the LED rear lights?

Thank you for the info.

 

[XR7-4.6]

Ok...I did note the caps when examining the lens, but didn't know they're removable to expose the screws.
But if it's an LED already, then there doesn't seem to be a point to replacing it.

According to the owner's manual, Ford service manual, and various forum threads, the bulb is a standard 921 incandescent bulb. I was just going to replace it, since the original is still in there. But if it's an LED, then there's no need, unless a better or brighter LED is available or recommended due to the original's age.

Is it a standard LED bulb orderable from Amazon...or is it some proprietary Ford design that's now Unobtanium, like the LED rear lights?

Thank you for the info.

921s are for the standard third brake light in the package tray on cars without the spoiler, so the service manual is technically correct for most Tbirds but not applicable for the sport spoiler ones.

If the LED is working definitely leave it alone as yes it’s a proprietary design. If it failed you could probably make a universal LED strip work but wouldn’t be worth the hassle if not IMO

 

[NEURO]

921s are for the standard third brake light in the package tray on cars without the spoiler, so the service manual is technically correct for most Tbirds but not applicable for the sport spoiler ones.

If the LED is working definitely leave it alone as yes it’s a proprietary design. If it failed you could probably make a universal LED strip work but wouldn’t be worth the hassle if not IMO

Sounds good...and you saved me the trouble of dealing with the brake light in the wing, then being disappointed after opening it up.

I bought a brand new black wing for her many years ago from Ford that's still in the box, in case mine was ever damaged. If the wing brake light ever fails, I can always replace the wing or transplant the LED from the new one.

Thank you again for the info, XR7

 

[Green T]

Does this count as a mod? If so it is one of the few I have done beside the "24 windshield wiper. Back in 2020 I bought a 10 pack of the 921 LEDs and replaced all the interior lights (not in gauges) and have been very happy with them. I have only had to replace just one. I still have the leftover bulbs it the package in the glovebox. I think they were Phillips. Much less heat on those old light fixtures with the new led bulbs and less power consumption, not that I think the last one matters that much but it is less wattage draw. I actually like the light output and think it is brighter.

Edit.
I was not sure where this reply was most relevant so I posted it in both threads.