CocoVette

Hi guys, new '14 corvette owner, so I just had a few questions, so don't mind my nonessential.

I have this weird gap between my third brake and the bumper where the paint is slightly starting to chip. I'm trying to figure out a. Is that normal to have the gap, and if not b. How do I access the third brake light to try to adjust it? Any insight would help.

Off topic... Are there any programs to code anything on the vetted, i.e. Number of blinks on auto blinker, window up /down with key font?

Thanks for your time

LT4CMG

Please post a pic of the gap.

CocoVette

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LT4CMG

That looks to me like it’s been repainted, but the surface was not properly prepped and sanded before the repaint, hence the new paint/clear is not properly sticking. Can you get a history report of the car? Doesn’t mean it was in a major accident or anything, could be something as simple as a scratch that the previous owner (or selling dealer) wanted to clean up.

CocoVette

Carfax is totally clean. It just runs on the bottom of the brake light, and I can see where it has rubbed the paint off from the friction. Does it look repainted?

LT4CMG

above the light, toward the passenger side, is that dirt or chipped clear coat? Metallic paint plays tricks on the eye in pics.

CocoVette

Slightly chipped paint right where it rubs on the edges against the light. Tried touching up with touch up paint

LT4CMG

These parts I’ve circled bud, are these chipped or water/dirt spots? Feels smooth when you run your finger over those areas?

CocoVette

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CocoVette

The top part is totally fine, just dust up there

LT4CMG

Please disregard what I said about repaint then. In the pic, it looked to me like the top portion had clearcoat chipped off, which is a sign of a repaint. As for the bottom, I’ve seen a couple posts here about third brake light rubbing, but doesn’t seem to be a very widespread issue. Just walked out into the garage and checked mine with a flashlight, no issues. I believe you would have to remove the rear facia to get to that light. If you bought it from a dealer, call the sales rep and tell him it needs to be addressed. Otherwise, mask the light perfectly along the edges and touch up with a sword style brush.
But that gap is not normal

Gary barnes 1098

It's a known issue. I have a 14 also. Mine was identical. I removed bumper and repaired. The inside support layer is welded with heat. Some were not adhered well thus this happens.

CocoVette

Thanks Gary, was this a do it yourself repair or did Chevy do it? If you did it yourself, could you give me some tips on how to remove the bumper?

Larry/car

I had a Night Race Blue 2014 convertible that had the same problem. Use a tapered toothpick and flow paint into the void. Virtually impossible to see if done properly. My 2017 has not started to chip yet.

Z06 1of38

Install a tinted brake light cover. Looks way better and no more gap or chips

Get it Southern car parts I believe.

RonC7

Search for Window Valet. This lets you raise and lower windows with key fob. It plugs into the OBDII port.

Ron

CocoVette

Thanks so much guys for the insight, greatly appreciated ☺