Matte Black Tail Lights
Race Director
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 11,122
Likes: 672
From: SE Pennsylvania
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
Oldtimer
Oh Boy !
I knew we were getting close to this, but . . . If it came to a court hearing and your asked or the other parties lawyer says his client couldn't see your stop lights and the judge asks you "Were your tail lightworkingig and visible , What are you going to say? "Oh yeah they were working, but I had sprayed them with a darker red paint than they were stock." . . I think the conclusion will be your insurance company will not honor or pay the loss because you changed the tail light from stock configuration or in some way rendered them novisiblele. Thus you are at fault ! With all the distractions we have today driving, and you or anyone changes or damages their lighting system on their car, then the outcome is obvious. It's just common sense.
Last edited by killain; Jan 22, 2013 at 07:24 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 17,767
Likes: 3,695
From: The Sunshine State
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,094
Likes: 3,468
From: Oswego IL
That is the same question I ask when I see Corvettes wearing...
...reverse lamp louvers.
...chrome rear bumper letters.
...Plasti-Dipped "racing" stripes.
...Plasti-Dipped wheels.
...Plasti-Dipped roof.
...Plasti-Dipped rear lower bumper.
...front fender "hash" stripes.
...airbrushed flames/skulls/dragons/flags/anything.
...replica C6 wheels.
...fixed headlamp kits.
...replica C6 bumpers.
...bright-colored two-tone interiors.
...caliper covers.
...fake Z06 rear brake ducts.
...chrome fender cove "spears".
...etc.
...etc.
The answer I get is "Because it is my car and I like it." You should probably go with that answer as well.
...reverse lamp louvers.
...chrome rear bumper letters.
...Plasti-Dipped "racing" stripes.
...Plasti-Dipped wheels.
...Plasti-Dipped roof.
...Plasti-Dipped rear lower bumper.
...front fender "hash" stripes.
...airbrushed flames/skulls/dragons/flags/anything.
...replica C6 wheels.
...fixed headlamp kits.
...replica C6 bumpers.
...bright-colored two-tone interiors.
...caliper covers.
...fake Z06 rear brake ducts.
...chrome fender cove "spears".
...etc.
...etc.
The answer I get is "Because it is my car and I like it." You should probably go with that answer as well.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 24,129
Likes: 1,038
From: The Beautiful Pacific Northwest
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09, '14-'15-'16-'17-'18
Don't you know that's why they made the rear bumpers with those hollowed out letters! For us to fill them with chrome! To go with our chrome wheels! And chrome exhaust tips!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,094
Likes: 3,468
From: Oswego IL
I am adding a Specterwerkes rear bumper next spring, and the first thing we are doing is filling in those stupid letters before painting it.
CF "Young" Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 4,034
Likes: 26
From: Cupertino CA
St. Jude Donor '12
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 17,767
Likes: 3,695
From: The Sunshine State
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
Finalist 2020 C7 of the Year -- Modified
2020 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
C5 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
2018 C5 of Year Finalist
That is the same question I ask when I see Corvettes wearing...
...reverse lamp louvers.
...chrome rear bumper letters.
...Plasti-Dipped "racing" stripes.
...Plasti-Dipped wheels.
...Plasti-Dipped roof.
...Plasti-Dipped rear lower bumper.
...front fender "hash" stripes.
...airbrushed flames/skulls/dragons/flags/anything.
...replica C6 wheels.
...fixed headlamp kits.
...replica C6 bumpers.
...bright-colored two-tone interiors.
...caliper covers.
...fake Z06 rear brake ducts.
...chrome fender cove "spears".
...etc.
...etc.
The answer I get is "Because it is my car and I like it." You should probably go with that answer as well.
...reverse lamp louvers.
...chrome rear bumper letters.
...Plasti-Dipped "racing" stripes.
...Plasti-Dipped wheels.
...Plasti-Dipped roof.
...Plasti-Dipped rear lower bumper.
...front fender "hash" stripes.
...airbrushed flames/skulls/dragons/flags/anything.
...replica C6 wheels.
...fixed headlamp kits.
...replica C6 bumpers.
...bright-colored two-tone interiors.
...caliper covers.
...fake Z06 rear brake ducts.
...chrome fender cove "spears".
...etc.
...etc.
The answer I get is "Because it is my car and I like it." You should probably go with that answer as well.
Exactly! That's why GM took the lead of the C5 modders and added chrome letters to the back of the C7.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 2,507
Likes: 9
That is the same question I ask when I see Corvettes wearing...
...reverse lamp louvers.
...chrome rear bumper letters.
...Plasti-Dipped "racing" stripes.
...Plasti-Dipped wheels.
...Plasti-Dipped roof.
...Plasti-Dipped rear lower bumper.
...front fender "hash" stripes.
...airbrushed flames/skulls/dragons/flags/anything.
...replica C6 wheels.
...fixed headlamp kits.
...replica C6 bumpers.
...bright-colored two-tone interiors.
...caliper covers.
...fake Z06 rear brake ducts.
...chrome fender cove "spears".
...etc.
...etc.
The answer I get is "Because it is my car and I like it." You should probably go with that answer as well.
...reverse lamp louvers.
...chrome rear bumper letters.
...Plasti-Dipped "racing" stripes.
...Plasti-Dipped wheels.
...Plasti-Dipped roof.
...Plasti-Dipped rear lower bumper.
...front fender "hash" stripes.
...airbrushed flames/skulls/dragons/flags/anything.
...replica C6 wheels.
...fixed headlamp kits.
...replica C6 bumpers.
...bright-colored two-tone interiors.
...caliper covers.
...fake Z06 rear brake ducts.
...chrome fender cove "spears".
...etc.
...etc.
The answer I get is "Because it is my car and I like it." You should probably go with that answer as well.
All this other JUNK isn't safety related.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,094
Likes: 3,468
From: Oswego IL
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,094
Likes: 3,468
From: Oswego IL
Exactly. The LED replacement bulbs offer brighter output. The only issue is that there is not as large of an output difference when the brakes are applied. It is slight, but not as noticeable. The third brake light answers any question, though...
CF "Young" Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 4,034
Likes: 26
From: Cupertino CA
St. Jude Donor '12
I'll say this much, I had a cop right on my bumper on the drive home last night, had to do an 'oh cr@p' stop because the idiot in front of me decided to come to a complete stop to change lanes. Cop didn't pull me over (or hit me) from 'not seeing my brakes', actually went after the other guy (most likely cause he was cheating the commute lane).
I'm not sure how much of a difference that tint I showed would make on stock lighting, but I know with my LED setup on the halos, you can see them better than the stock bulbs.
I'm not sure how much of a difference that tint I showed would make on stock lighting, but I know with my LED setup on the halos, you can see them better than the stock bulbs.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 2,507
Likes: 9
Those who have not tinted their taillights (such as yourselves) are just assuming there will be some type of horrific accident because nobody can see the taillights of those of us who have tinted them. I can't speak for anyone other than myself, but I can tell you (again) that I have never had a problem with being seen, and have never been warned by law enforcement. When parked next to other cars, my taillight output is brighter than some cars and dimmer than others. Light output is definitely bright enough to be seen easily at night, and bright enough to see the brake lights light up in daylight. Assume all you like, but that is just the way it is. It is fine.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,094
Likes: 3,468
From: Oswego IL
Again, if you can't see the lights, then there is a problem. The idea is to TINT them, not HIDE them. I have never been hassled by cops. I also have no front plate, my car sits too low, I have loud exhaust, and too-dark windows. Maybe police in IL just love Corvettes. Most just compliment my car and say they like my "FYRARMS" license plate. Your results may vary regarding your own "lame" mods...
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 17,767
Likes: 3,695
From: The Sunshine State
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
Finalist 2020 C7 of the Year -- Modified
2020 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
C5 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
2018 C5 of Year Finalist
Those who have not tinted their taillights (such as yourselves) are just assuming there will be some type of horrific accident because nobody can see the taillights of those of us who have tinted them. I can't speak for anyone other than myself, but I can tell you (again) that I have never had a problem with being seen, and have never been warned by law enforcement. When parked next to other cars, my taillight output is brighter than some cars and dimmer than others. Light output is definitely bright enough to be seen easily at night, and bright enough to see the brake lights light up in daylight. Assume all you like, but that is just the way it is. It is fine.
Many C5 specific aftermarket lighting mods, like the Halo LEDs, actually improve on the original halogen design and I'm sure even with blackout covers produce better light. I think the mod looks good, however I know my local municipalities are hurting for money, so I don't want to give them any ticky-tack reason to pull my butt over. Apparently, they're not interested in beat up Cavaliers (see post #18).
Last edited by MSG C5; Jan 27, 2013 at 11:47 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 2,507
Likes: 9
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 2,507
Likes: 9
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 910
Likes: 39
There is a huge difference between blacking out your taillights and lightly tinting them. ESPECIALLY if you have L.E.D taillights. A tinted l.e.d taillight shines much brighter than a stock factory tail light. I drove around a mustang with blacked out taillights for 2 years without having a single issue. I've been stopped for my tint, front license plate and they didnt even mention the taillights and I'm in California, One of the most broke states in the country.
CF "Young" Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 4,034
Likes: 26
From: Cupertino CA
St. Jude Donor '12
Might like COPS talking about tinted lights:
http://forums.officer.com/t166019/
http://forums.officer.com/t166019/
Also:
(d) A taillamp shall emit a red light plainly visible at a distance of 1,000 feet from the rear of the vehicle.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 17,767
Likes: 3,695
From: The Sunshine State
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
Finalist 2020 C7 of the Year -- Modified
2020 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
C5 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
2018 C5 of Year Finalist
Might like COPS talking about tinted lights:
http://forums.officer.com/t166019/
http://forums.officer.com/t166019/
Some interesting (and disturbing) comments. I guess cops are like all of us and entitled to bad days. Apparently automotive mods and crabby cops don't mix!
