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Side markers/reflector question.

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Old Oct 19, 2023 | 06:14 AM
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Default Side markers/reflector question.

Got to get my 09 through state inspection, but have the smoked side marker led lenses that wont pass, all 4. I am picking up oem red/amber side marker lenses....but they do not seem to come with the electrical socket piece....what part number is that and where to find them? Also curious about what bulb size all 4 of them use, cause I have to get bulbs that fit the factory slot also?
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Old Oct 19, 2023 | 06:21 AM
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The bulb should be a 194, any advance auto or autozone should carry the bulb sockets too, its a pretty common one.
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Old Oct 19, 2023 | 08:39 AM
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Recently, I had my tinter install tint film over the side markers so it could be removed if necessary, and I had the same thing done to my 2008 Z06 many years ago. Not sure if my ZR1 was tint film or not because I bought it with the side markers already tinted. My inspector said that as long as he could see the lights during the day when illuminated, he wouldn't fail it. Fingers crossed that the laws haven't changed in the last couple of years.
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Old Oct 19, 2023 | 09:59 AM
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The sockets should still be with the car. My smoked LED side markers simply plug into the OEM sockets where the bulbs were.
T
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Old Oct 19, 2023 | 10:38 AM
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Originally Posted by thoffman2000
The sockets should still be with the car. My smoked LED side markers simply plug into the OEM sockets where the bulbs were.
T
They are not, as the dealer doesn't have the factory side markers, none of them. Plus most of these kits from what I can see come with a different plug.
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Old Oct 19, 2023 | 12:07 PM
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Originally Posted by VetteVinnie
Recently, I had my tinter install tint film over the side markers so it could be removed if necessary, and I had the same thing done to my 2008 Z06 many years ago. Not sure if my ZR1 was tint film or not because I bought it with the side markers already tinted. My inspector said that as long as he could see the lights during the day when illuminated, he wouldn't fail it. Fingers crossed that the laws haven't changed in the last couple of years.
In Texas we're supposed to have reflectors in taillights and side markers, no tint on lights or more than 25% on side windows, catalytic converters, no "emission related" mods, etc., but it absolutely depends on the individual inspector. Some guys will check everything, some guys honk the horn, turn on the headlights, and pass the car. YMMV.

Last edited by wjnjr; Oct 20, 2023 at 12:26 AM. Reason: Corrected an error
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Old Oct 19, 2023 | 06:08 PM
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Originally Posted by wjnjr
In Texas we're supposed to have reflectors in taillights and side markers, no tint on lights or more than 35% on side windows, catalytic converters, no "emission related" mods, etc., but it absolutely depends on the individual inspector. Some guys will check everything, some guys honk the horn, turn on the headlights, and pass the car. YMMV.
Well, actually, it's 25%. https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/ve...ting-standards

I just picked up the car, and fortunately he was aware of the "reflector" status, so they are only lightly smoked and still have visible amber and red showing through in the daylight. Of course, my iPhone didn't pick that up, but you can see it with the naked eye.



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Old Oct 19, 2023 | 07:59 PM
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The 3 different LED side marker lights I have used in the past ALL used the OEM plugs. I am now using Morimotos. Check a junk yard or EBay for OEM lenses. I still have mine.
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Old Oct 19, 2023 | 08:08 PM
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Originally Posted by thoffman2000
The sockets should still be with the car. My smoked LED side markers simply plug into the OEM sockets where the bulbs were.
T
Originally Posted by MKenM
The 3 different LED side marker lights I have used in the past ALL used the OEM plugs. I am now using Morimotos. Check a junk yard or EBay for OEM lenses. I still have mine.
Exactly, they have to plug into the OEM plugs to get power to them.
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Old Oct 19, 2023 | 09:17 PM
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I’m glad I live in a state that doesn’t do vehicle inspections.
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Old Oct 19, 2023 | 09:23 PM
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In NJ all they do is plug into the ODB II port looking for codes and they also check the exhaust. It used to be EVERYTHING including alignment.
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Old Oct 19, 2023 | 09:30 PM
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The Oracle side markers my car came with with did not have the oem sockets. I bought Vette Lights sidemarkers and had to buy the sockets. Ordered from RockAuto:

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Old Oct 19, 2023 | 09:58 PM
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?????????????


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Old Oct 19, 2023 | 10:42 PM
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Originally Posted by MKenM
?????????????

I'll assume you're generally curious. I just watched a video on Youtube to make sure what I said was accurate. The OEM light is removed complete with socket and bulb. The Oracle light has a socket built in that connects directly to the OEM pigtail. Still plug and play but without that socket. Maybe there is a newer version. My Oracles were old enough to be coming apart, which is why I replaced them. And the video is from 2018. But the Oracles on my car definitely didn't have the sockets, which the VetteLights needed. Regardless, the question was where to buy the sockets. I assume he would know if he needed them.

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Old Oct 20, 2023 | 12:23 AM
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Originally Posted by VetteVinnie
25%, gotcha, thanks for the correct number. BTW, I go to Mingo for tint too. Great guy.
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Old Oct 20, 2023 | 07:48 AM
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Originally Posted by wjnjr
25%, gotcha, thanks for the correct number. BTW, I go to Mingo for tint too. Great guy.
I went with 25% on my bmw & one inspection shop said it read 24% and failed me. I had to find another inspection shop who never looked at the windows.

I've never had an issue with my blacked out side markers, or smoked Morimoto taillights on the Z06.
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Old Oct 21, 2023 | 10:44 AM
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Totally off topic inspection story:
Back when SC still had $3 vehicle inspections, I had an old truck that had a marginal horn button in the steering wheel. Some times it worked and some times not. Took it in to the inspection station and the horn acted up just making a feeble little squeak. The car in the far bay let out a robust honk so my inspector said "Hit it again so we can hear it down here." HONK and he slapped a sticker on the windshield.
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