Hi all,

I ve got a '04 XL and would like to "bob" my rear fender.

I am planning to cut my fender myself, thanks to the excellent write-outs by Randumm77 ( how to cut) and Gary (basic electrics) and of course many others who posted pics of there well done job. To all a big thanks.

I ve relocated already my licence plate with a (self made, pics to follow) side mount plate and bought an aftermarket break light which I am gonna install on the side mount.
I have done my homework and searched the forum, I read several posts but fear they are not clear to me due to my lack of skills.
So, does someone has got a detailed write-out for dummies (yep thats me) of how I should rewire the whole setup ? I ve read that the taillight has got a circuitboard and thats where I and beginning to sweat !
I really mean for dummies, with a explanation with which wires (colours) to cut, which ones to splice and which ones to reconnect, etc
I found a 2003 wiring diagram but it still looks like it will be above my skills.

I apologise for my maybe stupid question but I fear that otherwise I will be obliged to take it to the dealer and ask him to do the job for me.
I am really hoping to be able to do it myself and it would save me some money to buy other goodies.

Thank you for your time, help, etc..

Again sorry for my lack of technical skills,

Love this board,

WSPSPORT :clap

Hi all,

I ve got a '04 XL and would like to "bob" my rear fender.

I am planning to cut my fender myself, thanks to the excellent write-outs by Randumm77 ( how to cut) and Gary (basic electrics) and of course many others who posted pics of there well done job. To all a big thanks.

I ve relocated already my licence plate with a (self made, pics to follow) side mount plate and bought an aftermarket break light which I am gonna install on the side mount.
I have done my homework and searched the forum, I read several posts but fear they are not clear to me due to my lack of skills.
So, does someone has got a detailed write-out for dummies (yep thats me) of how I should rewire the whole setup ? I ve read that the taillight has got a circuitboard and thats where I and beginning to sweat !
I really mean for dummies, with a explanation with which wires (colours) to cut, which ones to splice and which ones to reconnect, etc
I found a 2003 wiring diagram but it still looks like it will be above my skills.

I apologise for my maybe stupid question but I fear that otherwise I will be obliged to take it to the dealer and ask him to do the job for me.
I am really hoping to be able to do it myself and it would save me some money to buy other goodies.

Thank you for your time, help, etc..

Again sorry for my lack of technical skills,

Love this board,

WSPSPORT :clap

The "circuit board" is actually just a distribution board...there is no electronics on it (that I am aware of....up to 03, anyway)

The only wires you need to worry about are:

Brake Hot
Tail Hot (also License Plate light hot)
Ground

....and the turn signals (2 hots 1 left, 1 right, and again, a ground...you'll need to make sure they stay wired to where they have to go)

Follow the color codes on your wiring diagram....you ONLY need to concern yourself with those 3 wires coming INTO the brake light assembly...and make sure you maintain the integrity of the turn signal circuits)

Any light will need only a ground and a hot...that's really it...

There's plenty of info on here about soldering or splicing....do a search...

The rest is a LOT easier than you are thinking it is right now.. :)

check out THIS (http://www.moker.us/xlforum/light%20wiring.gif)

and


THIS (http://www.moker.us/xlforum/lights2.jpg)

light wire diag for 04/05

I am doing the same thing with my 04' xl except I got rid of the turn signals, and for some reason now, the tail light wont work???? I am wondering if I need to keep the turn signals, for the tail light to still work. This doesnt make much sense but, before I start wire chasing or just running a switch for the light directly to the battery I figured I would ask. thanks

Removing the tail light is really not that difficult. If you can splice wires reliably, you can do this. As Cantolina pointed out the "circuit board" is really just a distribution point within the tail light. From this post (http://www.xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/showthread.php?p=1406957#post1406957):

For those that want to chop the fender and get rid of the tail light, here's the wiring I used; Get one of the Harley Turn Signal/Running/Brake light converters. Then it's Purple wire to the Left light and the Brown to the Right and Black is ground for both sides. If you want a brake light it will get wired to the Red/Yellow. I kept my license plate on the fender so to illuminate the plate (or other running lights) that is the Blue wire.

As fas as the actual chopping, I used a jig saw and a hacksaw. Honestly, the hacksaw was probably the right tool for the job. Taped the fender off and cut. Just touched up the edges when done.

And, this post would be worthless without pics! ;)

http://img2.putfile.com/thumb/4/11019130241.jpgCicky (http://www.putfile.com/pic/8018902)

http://www.dancunningham.net/coppermine/albums/20080608/normal_IMG_4147.jpg

I did it with no problems. I have custom wiring diagrams in pdf format if you want it. It is for 04-06. PM me with your email and I'll send everything I put together in my planning.