03-10-2017, 10:33 AM | #1 |
Drives: 2017 2SS Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: United States
Posts: 636
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3rd brake light - sticker vs spray-tint
I originally bought the 3rd brake light blackout tint sticker that several vendors sell here. It went on easily, and looked OK. But, I wasn't very happy that it left a ring of red at the edges.
It's not the fault of the vendor or sticker. The problem is that the 3rd brake light is raised from the level of the decklid. It's kind of a bubble shape. The sticker just doesn't extend far enough to wrap around the edges. Sure, you could only see a slight red ring when viewed from the top or sides (or bottom, but no one is under your car looking at it). It looked fine from the back. But, I would see it every time I opened the trunk. So, I removed the sticker and used the VHT tint spray. I was originally going to remove the light, but saw that it not only uses 4 screws to hold it in (with clips on the screws), but also is glued in with a weatherproof sealer glue. After seeing that, I decided to just mask off the rest of the car with tape/paper. The good news is that you can get your fingernails under the light a tad, and pull it up just a hair. But, it's plenty enough space to be able to get masking tape down behind it enough to prevent overspray on the paint. I did 3-4 coats, 2 passes per coat. And it looks wonderful! It's glossy. It's uniform. And it took less than 30 minutes, start to finish. One tip if you do this. Don't spray directly onto the lens. I mean, not perpendicular. If you do, you'll end up with that same red ring on the outside. Rather, put the can at 45* to the top/left of the light (so you get the left and top edges) for the first pass, then 45* to the bottom/right of the light (so you get the right and bottom edges) for the second pass. When you finish, it'll look completely black. But the light shines through with about 90% or more of the original brightness. I know . . . I'll get them now that it's sunny outside. Here we go Last edited by 00 Trans Ram; 03-10-2017 at 02:29 PM. |
03-10-2017, 12:00 PM | #2 |
Drives: 2016 1ss camaro Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: 909
Posts: 9,917
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i had a sticker first and hated it then had my bodyshop do it later and love it! night and ay lol also had them do my rear red sidemarkers also
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16 1SS NIGHTFALL GRAY METALLIC WITH NPP #BECAUSERACECAR #SAVETHEMANUALS
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03-10-2017, 02:00 PM | #3 |
Drives: 2016 Blue 2SS Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Posts: 612
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I used Plasti dip on mine and all the reflectors, to be honest, I don't understand why others haven't done it this way. It covers 100%. The light still shines through when you hit the brakes on the third break light.
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03-10-2017, 02:12 PM | #4 |
Drives: 2016 1ss camaro Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: 909
Posts: 9,917
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i just dont like the flat cheap look of plastidip my bodyshop guy charged me like $60 for all three to be painted
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16 1SS NIGHTFALL GRAY METALLIC WITH NPP #BECAUSERACECAR #SAVETHEMANUALS
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03-10-2017, 02:50 PM | #5 |
Drives: 2017 Camaro 2SS Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Nashville
Posts: 114
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I like the look but concerned about breaking the law on doing these.
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03-10-2017, 02:54 PM | #6 |
Drives: 2017 2SS Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: United States
Posts: 636
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03-10-2017, 04:59 PM | #7 |
Drives: 2016 1ss camaro Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: 909
Posts: 9,917
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in cali its illegal but no cops have cared yet lol
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16 1SS NIGHTFALL GRAY METALLIC WITH NPP #BECAUSERACECAR #SAVETHEMANUALS
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03-11-2017, 11:05 AM | #8 |
Drives: 2017 Summit White 2SS Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Dublin, CA
Posts: 546
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03-13-2017, 01:06 PM | #9 |
Drives: 2016 1ss camaro Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: 909
Posts: 9,917
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haha i have tint and smoked third brake light and loud exhaust and im fine
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16 1SS NIGHTFALL GRAY METALLIC WITH NPP #BECAUSERACECAR #SAVETHEMANUALS
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03-13-2017, 03:55 PM | #10 |
Drives: S O L D Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Ontario
Posts: 2,106
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I went this route......
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Club F1FTY
2017 2SS 50th Anniversary Convertible Borla S-Type exhaust NPP| GM CAI | Color matched GM side skirts | Color matched 3rd brake light | Big Worm Graphics smoked out tail lights & rear reflectors | Oracle ghosted side markers | LED License plate bulbs | Door striker covers | Jam handle | Engine emblems from RiverCity Creations | 50th Center Console | Black bow ties | Hawk Performance ceramic brake pads | ZL1 Start button | CQuartz ceramic paint finish | Novistretch bra | S O L D |
03-13-2017, 04:30 PM | #11 |
Drives: 2016 SS Nightfall Gray Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Las Vegas
Posts: 203
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03-13-2017, 05:58 PM | #12 |
Drives: S O L D Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Ontario
Posts: 2,106
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Club F1FTY
2017 2SS 50th Anniversary Convertible Borla S-Type exhaust NPP| GM CAI | Color matched GM side skirts | Color matched 3rd brake light | Big Worm Graphics smoked out tail lights & rear reflectors | Oracle ghosted side markers | LED License plate bulbs | Door striker covers | Jam handle | Engine emblems from RiverCity Creations | 50th Center Console | Black bow ties | Hawk Performance ceramic brake pads | ZL1 Start button | CQuartz ceramic paint finish | Novistretch bra | S O L D |
03-13-2017, 07:49 PM | #13 |
Drives: 2017 SS 1LE Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Chico, CA / Saint Paul, MN
Posts: 24
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I had the third brake light and all reflectors tinted when I had my windows tinted. If you have a professional tint shop do it, they can properly stretch the tint to cover all of the red/orange.
Tint looks much better than spray or plastidip, since it retains a nice glossy finish. I paid $100 to have all 7 pieces tinted (all 4 corners, 2 in the bottom rear bumper, brake light). |
04-02-2017, 06:31 PM | #14 |
Drives: 2016 SS Nightfall Gray Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Las Vegas
Posts: 203
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Just looked at thatgmpartsguy site to see if there is any news about a GM tinted 3rd brake light.
This is what I found DISCONTINUED PART?? |
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