Painted tail lights question
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 4,996
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From: Hilton NY
The sanding and polishing BHRZ06 described isn't that difficult and will produce a better surface finish because slight molding imperfections are removed as well as the SAE raised letters that collect dirt.
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Joined: Mar 2001
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From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
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Seems like there is a post put up often selling stock tail lights so chances are you'll find a set.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,169
Likes: 1
From: Buford Georgia
i went through the same thing you did.. the only thing i could find to remove the spray (i used VHT night shades) was from a friend who worked at a printing facility, he broght me some roller ink remover.. come off with one swipe.. but u cant buy it anywhere and i havent found anything else.
i tried some thinner but after 1 hour and getting almost nowhere i gave up..
so i went here..
http://www.corvetterecycling.com/category_s/142.htm
40$ each, 160 for a whole set.. they look perfect and brand new when i got mine and no problems.
good luck
i tried some thinner but after 1 hour and getting almost nowhere i gave up..
so i went here..
http://www.corvetterecycling.com/category_s/142.htm
40$ each, 160 for a whole set.. they look perfect and brand new when i got mine and no problems.
good luck
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,932
Likes: 4
From: Warrenville Il
Before you buy used stock ones think about upgrading. there are a lot of nice taillights in the aftermarket that look much nicer. Some of the LED and Halo types are pretty nice and are much brighter.
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Pro
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 734
Likes: 2
From: Mt. Airy MD
Here's a stock set you could look at. In the f/s section.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-p...ket-bezel.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-p...ket-bezel.html
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 787
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From: Brooklyn New York
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 167
Likes: 0
From: La
I would rather give Adham my lights and use his to sand and repolish than do mine and end up getting LEDS anyway in the near future. That way my lights wont goto waste. Knowing me I would throw them away
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Joined: Jul 2008
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From: The Sunshine State
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Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 6,366
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From: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Here's another idea you might want to try to remove the paint. When I used to build a lot of model cars there was a trick to remove a bad paint job. If you took the body and soaked it in brake fluid for awhile the paint would just float right off the plastic leaving the part looking like new. All you had to do afterward was to wash the plastic in soap and water to remove any residue. If you do try this I would suggest just experimenting on the back part of the light before trying it on the lens, in case the plastic is too different to be compatible. I've done it on plastic and it works better than you would think. Remember, brake fluid is good for removing paint from your car.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 227
Likes: 2
From: Arkansas
Scenario: You get rear ended and crippled for life. You sue the guy that does it. What are you gonna say when his attorney asks you why you WILLFULLY darkened your tail lights making them darker than DOT requirements so his client didn't see them. Any lawyers out there??
They give you a big ol' ticket around here for doing that! (Ask me how I know.)
They give you a big ol' ticket around here for doing that! (Ask me how I know.)
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 167
Likes: 0
From: La
Well for one thing is the vette sits low. My bumper on my tundra sits level with the rear lights. So if I got rearended the lights would probably break. Secondly with LEDS installed the black isnt so dark at all. Thirdly a ford taurus sits higher than the vette so they can see whats going on in front of them. If you rearend someone your following to close or probably txting on your phone.
I have seen more 80's-90's model vehicles with foggy taillight than people with blackouts. I can see the blackouts but I cant see the foggy ones in the sunlight.
Maybe there should be a mandate to replace your taillights every 10 years?
I have seen more 80's-90's model vehicles with foggy taillight than people with blackouts. I can see the blackouts but I cant see the foggy ones in the sunlight.
Maybe there should be a mandate to replace your taillights every 10 years?
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 227
Likes: 2
From: Arkansas
Well for one thing is the vette sits low. My bumper on my tundra sits level with the rear lights. So if I got rearended the lights would probably break. Secondly with LEDS installed the black isnt so dark at all. Thirdly a ford taurus sits higher than the vette so they can see whats going on in front of them. If you rearend someone your following to close or probably txting on your phone.
I have seen more 80's-90's model vehicles with foggy taillight than people with blackouts. I can see the blackouts but I cant see the foggy ones in the sunlight.
Maybe there should be a mandate to replace your taillights every 10 years?
I have seen more 80's-90's model vehicles with foggy taillight than people with blackouts. I can see the blackouts but I cant see the foggy ones in the sunlight.
Maybe there should be a mandate to replace your taillights every 10 years?
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 167
Likes: 0
From: La
I never said I didnt doubt that. I had a girl rearend me before and said my tail lights didnt work. But my flashers were on when the cops arrived and he looked over and said no maam they are working fine. People who rearend others always say that. LoL
There are many laws that they Dont strictly enforce. Like driving with flip flops
There are many laws that they Dont strictly enforce. Like driving with flip flops