How difficult is it... really?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Tucson AZ
How difficult is it... really?
I am interested in getting clear corners for my Magnetic Red. I am worried about how difficult it will be to install them without breaking something. Never done anything like that before. I have seen write ups on how to do it, but it just makes me nervous to think of doing surgery on my baby. Is this as easy as the write ups make it out to be?
Also, I have seen the clears from many different sites and am having a difficult time deciding which ones to buy. If you have suggestions, please include a link to where to buy them and your experience with installing them.
Thanks!
Also, I have seen the clears from many different sites and am having a difficult time deciding which ones to buy. If you have suggestions, please include a link to where to buy them and your experience with installing them.
Thanks!
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,412
Likes: 15
From: Richardson TX
I bought cheapo clears off fleabay and bought tinted light covers at the same time. I think it looks great, and lights up great also.
It isn't that difficult, its just time consuming and kind of a pain in the butt.
Probably took me about 2 or 2 1/2 hours to replace both corners, replace the bulbs, and put the tinted covers on. (you have to take the corners out to put on tinted covers anyway).
I would definitely put the front wheels on ramps.
It isn't that difficult, its just time consuming and kind of a pain in the butt.
Probably took me about 2 or 2 1/2 hours to replace both corners, replace the bulbs, and put the tinted covers on. (you have to take the corners out to put on tinted covers anyway).
I would definitely put the front wheels on ramps.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,498
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From: The beautiful Alabama Gulf Coast!!
I felt the same way; I wasn't very confident I could do the job properly but it wasn't very difficult. Definitely use ramps and follow the instructions posted in the DIY thread. My only issue was a screw on the driver side wouldn't budge using my short Phillip's screw driver. Ended up using a ratchett through the brake duct. I also installed LEDS at the same time. The combo really looks good. I bought the clear corners, LEDs, and hyperflash harness from JWMotoring.com.
Last edited by Mickeyrx70; Dec 4, 2012 at 06:40 AM. Reason: Add comment
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 6,119
Likes: 156
From: Huntington tx
I bought the clear ones, ordered the LED bulbs. Unfortunately within a couple of days one of the LED bulbs didn't work. Since you simply cannot run down to the local parts store and get a replacement, I advise that you order 2 sets of bulbs to keep on the shelf.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,270
Likes: 29
From: Chilliwack B.C.
I bought cheapo clears off fleabay and bought tinted light covers at the same time. I think it looks great, and lights up great also.
It isn't that difficult, its just time consuming and kind of a pain in the butt.
Probably took me about 2 or 2 1/2 hours to replace both corners, replace the bulbs, and put the tinted covers on. (you have to take the corners out to put on tinted covers anyway).
I would definitely put the front wheels on ramps.
It isn't that difficult, its just time consuming and kind of a pain in the butt.
Probably took me about 2 or 2 1/2 hours to replace both corners, replace the bulbs, and put the tinted covers on. (you have to take the corners out to put on tinted covers anyway).
I would definitely put the front wheels on ramps.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 5,197
Likes: 190
From: ALL governments are legalized mobsters, so doesn't matter where I live :(
To the OP:
Really easy to replace. There is a cover that is held by 4 or 5 screws, once that is removed you have access to the light. There are 3 screws (or 4, can't remember exactly) holding the light housing in place. If I'm not mistaken you may have to slightly move the air intakes below the lights slightly to fit your hand in there. I recommend swapping to LED bulbs as well. They are brighter and do not burn the housing...you will notice the burn on your stock housing once it is removed.
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Swapping out my corners was one of the first mods I performed by myself and I was also apprehensive. In hindsight, it was very easy and I also suggest swapping to LED or LED Switchbacks for a cleaner look.
I performed the work from underneath the car after rolling it up on ramps. Two weeks later, I swapped out my headlights for ACA HIDs. In hindsight, I should have waited to swap out the corners because after I removed my headlights, I could have easily reached down and swapped out the corners without pulling the car up on ramps and lying on my back to perform the mod.
I performed the work from underneath the car after rolling it up on ramps. Two weeks later, I swapped out my headlights for ACA HIDs. In hindsight, I should have waited to swap out the corners because after I removed my headlights, I could have easily reached down and swapped out the corners without pulling the car up on ramps and lying on my back to perform the mod.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,382
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From: Everett WA
St. Jude Donor '14
Ramps needed..
I bought mind from a Forum member along with switch back LED's and a hyperflash harness. Took about an hour to change them out. Not too bad and it would be hard to "mess it up".
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2009
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From: SW Nuh Hampsha
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I've had mine out 4 or 5 times. I pull out the headlights in order to gain access from the top. I can replace both turn signals in less than an hour going this route. The first time around it may take twice as long, but once you know the procedure, it goes pretty quickly. 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 959
Likes: 50
From: Peters Colony Republic of Texas
Haven't yet installed the new corners. I am waiting on my bride to give me some RaceRamps for Xmas (Mr. Klaus already put them in the attic, but my bride doesn't know it
) so I can do it less painfully than the first time.The Lizzard
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,254
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From: Columbus Oh
I've had mine out 4 or 5 times. I pull out the headlights in order to gain access from the top. I can replace both turn signals in less than an hour going this route. The first time around it may take twice as long, but once you know the procedure, it goes pretty quickly.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,382
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From: Everett WA
St. Jude Donor '14
Other post for corner replacement...
Go here to post # 3 and #82
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...l-in-here.html
or here to post #4
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...er-lights.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...l-in-here.html
or here to post #4
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...er-lights.html
Last edited by Johnz02Z06; Dec 4, 2012 at 12:09 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 3,371
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From: Mission Viejo, CA
St. Jude Donor '10, '15-'16
I've had them out a few times. It's one of those jobs that takes an hour for one light the first time you do it and 15 minutes per side once you figure out the optimum method. Hope you're good at working with fasteners you can't see!!
I also go from the top, I take the painted headlight cover and shroud off and can then snake my arm in. I also push the brake duct down to get limited access from underneath. This way I can change them out without putting the car in the air or going from all the way underneath. My method is a little unorthodox; you have to take the light off the bracket while it's still in the bumper because the assembly won't fit past the headlight bucket, but whatever, I can get the job done only taking a minimal amount of items apart.
I think it will be difficult to break anything, you'd have to be pretty "talented" to do that.
I also go from the top, I take the painted headlight cover and shroud off and can then snake my arm in. I also push the brake duct down to get limited access from underneath. This way I can change them out without putting the car in the air or going from all the way underneath. My method is a little unorthodox; you have to take the light off the bracket while it's still in the bumper because the assembly won't fit past the headlight bucket, but whatever, I can get the job done only taking a minimal amount of items apart.
I think it will be difficult to break anything, you'd have to be pretty "talented" to do that.
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I felt the same way; I wasn't very confident I could do the job properly but it wasn't very difficult. Definitely use ramps and follow the instructions posted in the DIY thread. My only issue was a screw on the driver side wouldn't budge using my short Phillip's screw driver. Ended up using a ratchett through the brake duct. I also installed LEDS at the same time. The combo really looks good. I bought the clear corners, LEDs, and hyperflash harness from JWMotoring.com.
Corners are easy. We have instructions on our site that can be downloaded. Check the lighting section and find the corner lamps.
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Going to have to check out your instructions JW. This is a mod I would like to do soon - maybe a winter mod this year.