512TR to 512M tail light conversion

I promised last month to try and supply a step-by-step conversion from a 512TR to a 512M rear tail light set-up. Here goes. First I have to thank my good friend Wolfie who was able to obtain all the parts for me from his Ferrari Factory connection in Germany (don't ask) at a substantial discount. All US dealers told me the parts were "unobtainable". The good news: they were available. The bad news: they are not available anymore (allegedly the parts bins at the factory warehouse have been depleted).
The end result is very sweet, as you shall see.

For the faint of heart or those on medication I have to warn you that later on in this thread you will see graphic photos of cutting (with a Sawzall) and welding on an actual Ferrari. If you find such acts offensive on moral or religious grounds may I remind you that this is the Technical forum and suggest you seek refuge in Collectables or Showroom.

Those attempting this conversion need be familiar with basic shop tools and have access to or be able to perform painting, welding and wiring harness fabrication.

Step 1: Obtain all parts. As noted above, this may no longer be possible from the factory. There are 14 separate parts needed, and all must be obtained or it won't look "factory" when done. Here are the part numbers:

157513
157514
157515
157516
64678000
64677900
64472000
64618700
64441800
64678200
64472000
64686200 (2)
64739800

This is what they look like:
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Can someone tell me how to get the photos in the middle of the text instead of at the end?

 

What was the total cost of the parts ? It looks like the tail lights will run $740

 

Total out of pocket was $2900 including shipping and customs from Germany, plus another $100 for terminals and pieces to fabricate the wiring harnesses from the vehicle to the 4 lights and $250 for prep and paint of the large panel.
$3250 all together.

Brian at T. Rutlands/Maranello Auto Parts was extremely helpful in locating the original Ferrari terminals and connectors at non-Ferrari prices.
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Looks fantastic! Only thing I'd do different (Assuming I had a 512TR!) is NOT use the M badge. But even with it, it looks fantastic. Job well done....

 

Well, the "M" stands for modified and it IS modified...

 

Can't argue with that!

 

Step 2 - Disassembly

Begin by removing the 512TR rear grill. There are two phillips head bolts on either side and two 10mm nuts in the middle (the hood latch cover will have to be removed for access). Remove and set grill aside.
[NOTE: all modifications will allow return to original condition with no problems]

Remove 4 10mm nuts and washers from wire mesh. .

Remove 6 8mm nuts and washers from each lamp housing (12 total). Disconnect wiring harnesses, remove housings and set aside.

Remove wire mesh and set aside.

Begin taping of all nearby painted surfaces for protection.
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Oops:

I forgot to mention removing the 4 phillips head screws per side holding on the lamp lenses. My bad.

 

Oh man,you're just in the beginning of this thread,and I already learned a lot...
Thanks,
Speedman

 

Great post so far---really awesome you took the time to take pics of the process for the guys here

 

hi I have a 512 tr and a mate recommended that I have a look at this sit, but I cant seem to see any pictures although I did sign up?

can anyone help pls..sorry I'm a bit of a dinosoar (not quite extinct!) when it comes to these things!..

regards steve

 

I can’t help but feel some posts disappeared over the years.

What welding or cutting was needed? I thought it was reversible between the two designs

 

Personally.. I don't like the back end of the 512m..or the front for that matter.

But to each thier own as always. Um not so sure it is a straight parts swap. Although I could be very wrong.

I would suggest to look at the parts diagrams for a 512m vs a 512. Closely look at not only the obvious components, but look very hard at the surrounding parts, fenders, boot lid, bumpers etc. Compair part numbers etc. Good luck.

 

Wow, it's been a while. I did have to cut out one support brace on each side (1x1" square steel bar) and re-weld it slightly angled so the 512M lights would fit. No one can tell now without measuring against a stock 512TR. As I recall, there were 17 or 18 separate parts that had to be obtained for the conversion to work, and I was lucky to get all parts through a supplier in Germany who had a "cousin" at the Ferrari parts department. I suspect many of the parts are unavailable today.
I love the 512TR front and the 512M rear, so the swap made sense.
Since the car IS modified, I have the swapped out the 512M ashtray, glovebox and decklid nameplate.
It's fun to see people at car shows go from front to rear to front with a puzzled look on their face. I tell them it is a 1 of 1 prototype made to test the rear design on the American market. Half of them believe me.

 

Thanks! I was able to track down about 1/3 the parts… but unfortunately still over 2/3 long NLA

 

We are looking to make a run of the bulb holders. We purchased some from another vender and they literally broke while installing them so we made our own and Image Unavailable, Please Login are ready to make a run using reinforced task 8 Urethane. We can also repair the tabs on originals but it is nearly the same cost as new. If you are interested PM me cost will be determined by number I can justify making. they will also come with new electrical sockets.