A few months ago, having just moved here to So. Indiana, I was a bit bored and looking for a small project to tide me over until the garage makeover project kicked in. Richard Todd of Corvette Enhancements (supporting cf vendor and member C5VetteLS1) provided me with the perfect distraction - blackouts! Not just any blackouts but, the most beautifully crafted black-cherry blackouts I've ever seen. Exactly what I've been searching for for quite some time.

I had bought a nice set of good-quality add-on blackouts when I first got the C5 to add some contrast to the TR paint/red light look but sold them immediately as they just didn't have the seamless, integrated appearance I was looking for. Enter Richard with his gel-coated stock lights. These beauties have been painstakingly, lovingly sanded and polished to perfection by someone at least as picky as the pickiest amongst the membership here (or anywhere else, for that matter). I spoke with Richard several times over the course of a few weeks and he is truly a pleasure to do business and just shoot the breeze with. It's obvious he takes pride in his creations and is a no-compromise sort of fellow - "No wine before it's time and no blackout before it shines!" could be his motto.

Anyway, Richard was offering a couple of sets of black cherry lights he was working on a few months ago for sale here so I jumped on it, adding the rest of the lights to the set to do a complete makeover to the C5. I had Richard smoke the remainder of the non-red lights, some of which I ordered from Ken Fichtner and had drop-shipped to Richard.

A few weeks later, I received the entire set via UPS from Richard. The quality of the lights surely took my breath away when I unpacked the box. They easily exceeded my expectations, despite previous assurances from Richard on the phone with offers of a full refund if I was, in any way, dissatisfied. Nope, Richard - you ain't gettin' these back.

I know blackouts aren't everyone's cup-of-tea - heck, even I tend to get hot and cold on them myself periodically but it's an easy (and reversible!) way to change the personality of the car. But, if you're going to do it, these are the only way to go (well, not the only way, but the best way, IMO ). They look really good in the following photos but you really have to see this installation in person to get the real "3D" quality look to them.

Installation was easy - just as if changing out to any other light kit and one can easily revert to the stock setup just as easily if desired.

Here are a couple of before shots.






The RK Sport rears I had on for a day.


The fronts - never installed.

 

Black cherry blackouts from Corvette Enhancements
(Pay no attention to the sleeping Chihuahua in the background please.)


And on the C5.

 

These actually appear to allow significantly more light through than the stick-ons I had previously. I know that's an issue for anyone considering blackouts and it certainly was for me.

Parking lights on








Brake lights


Brake lights and back-ups


Thanks to Richard for all the work and a great product.

 

Cool look!

 

Hmmm....I don't see any backups...

I do however think they look miles better than the cheap and cheezy blackout kits I've seen. Nicely done!

 

Loooks great!


Chris

 

Looks way Ed.

Mine will be here soon from a slightly different source

 

Looking good! Great job!

 

Ed, long time no see. Those look amazing. I too had purchased Richard's side and rear blackouts and I will echo your thoughts on the quality of his work. If you truly want blackouts and want the best, these are the ones. I haven't put them on my C6 yet as I'm still trying to decide what direction to take with modifications as well as how much show, go I want and can afford. When it comes time they will be his as well. Anyway, your car looks fantastic as always and great photo detail. Thanks for sharing.

Paul

 

patches.............you should consider waxing your c5 sometime (jk!) lookin' good! bub

 

Looks fantastic!

 

I can't really tell you why, but I normally don't care for the blackouts. However, they look really, really sharp on your car....great lookin' paint too!

 

They look good from here!

 

Look's very nice !

 

i'm a big fan of blackouts,and am currently looking to replace my older set.what does a complete set sell for,and how do they attach to the stock units? also,patches,thank you for the enlightening(no pun intended) pix on your sweet ride!!

 

Those really look nice and I like the amount of light they let through! Nice house, by the way!! I miss the (lawn) grass from up there!

 

I've got the same ones for my front lenses.... after a few years of the acrylic kit pulling away a little, this solution is by far the best. They look amazing.

 

Your car is awesome.

 

Very very ! Those are the cleanest looking lights I have seen. I thought about doing it, but after being busted for just tail light blackouts, I have decided to just leave the tail lights red and keep everything else blacked out.

 

Looks great...what was the price for the whole set? Can you just buy the brake lights?

Nice job.