How to fix squeaky tail lights and replace the bezels. Step by step with photos.
12-22-2013, 08:21 PM
#1
Pro
Thread Starter
How to fix squeaky tail lights and replace the bezels. Step by step with photos.
Every single C7 has squeaky tail light bezels. Mine did and here is how I fixed them. I also replaced them with a painted set from RPI Designs. They are a forum sponsor.
The bezels can be removed with a plastic wedge. I wrapped it in tape and inserted it where each clip is and the bezel would pop with a little pressure.
Once I got the bezel out, you can see all the places that the bezels are rubbing. They rub on both ridges on the bottom of the tail light.
They also rub on the curve on the side and on the triangle shaped fangs on the top side.
I filed both tabs off of the bottom of the tail light lenses and I filed the flashing off of the new tail light bezels. The pic show the flashing before I filed it flush. (Side note) The original carbon flash painted bezels had the flashing cut off of them after they were painted, it looked like it was done quickly with a utility knife, probably on the assembly line.
After the flashing is all filed off, I put 3M anti squeak tape on all the problem areas. The tape is clear and looks like clear bra material, but it is designed to be an anti squeak material. Once I was done you can see it is fairly hidden and it is only on the inside edges. I trimmed all the over hanging tape with a razor blade flush with the edges. You need to have about 1/8 inch of tape on the bottom of the inner tail light bezel. It still squeaked on my first try even after I filed the tab off of the bottom of the lens. You can see the exposed tape along the bottom edge in one of the following photos. This will be only tape that is exposed when it is all assembled.
Now, just snap the bezels back in and you are done. No more squeaks and I also removed the Corvette emblem from the rear of the car and I love the new look.
The bezels can be removed with a plastic wedge. I wrapped it in tape and inserted it where each clip is and the bezel would pop with a little pressure.
Once I got the bezel out, you can see all the places that the bezels are rubbing. They rub on both ridges on the bottom of the tail light.
They also rub on the curve on the side and on the triangle shaped fangs on the top side.
I filed both tabs off of the bottom of the tail light lenses and I filed the flashing off of the new tail light bezels. The pic show the flashing before I filed it flush. (Side note) The original carbon flash painted bezels had the flashing cut off of them after they were painted, it looked like it was done quickly with a utility knife, probably on the assembly line.
After the flashing is all filed off, I put 3M anti squeak tape on all the problem areas. The tape is clear and looks like clear bra material, but it is designed to be an anti squeak material. Once I was done you can see it is fairly hidden and it is only on the inside edges. I trimmed all the over hanging tape with a razor blade flush with the edges. You need to have about 1/8 inch of tape on the bottom of the inner tail light bezel. It still squeaked on my first try even after I filed the tab off of the bottom of the lens. You can see the exposed tape along the bottom edge in one of the following photos. This will be only tape that is exposed when it is all assembled.
Now, just snap the bezels back in and you are done. No more squeaks and I also removed the Corvette emblem from the rear of the car and I love the new look.
Last edited by 48supertruck; 12-22-2013 at 09:35 PM.
12-22-2013, 08:37 PM
#3
Pro
Thread Starter
12-22-2013, 08:38 PM
#4
Melting Slicks
12-22-2013, 08:40 PM
#5
Instructor
every single c7 has squeaky tail light bezels. Mine did and here is how i fixed them. I also replaced them with a painted set from rpi designs. They are a forum sponsor.
The bezels can be removed with a plastic wedge. I wrapped it in tape and inserted it where each clip is and the bezel would pop with a little pressure.
once i got the bezel out, you can see all the places that the bezels are rubbing. They rub on both ridges on the bottom of the tail light.
they also rub on the curve on the side and on the triangle shaped fangs on the top side.
i filed both tabs off of the bottom of the tail light lenses and i filed the flashing off of the new tail light bezels. The pic show the flashing before i filed it flush. (side note) the original carbon flash painted bezels had the flashing cut off of them after they were painted, it looked like it was done quickly with a utility knife, probably on the assembly line.
after the flashing is all filed off, i put 3m anti squeak tape on all the problem areas. The tape is clear and looks like clear bra material, but it is designed to be an anti squeak material. Once i was done you can see it is fairly hidden and it is only on the inside edges. I trimmed all the over hanging tape with a razor blade flush with the edges. You need to have about 1/8 inch of tape on the bottom of the inner tail light bezel, it still squeaked even after i filed the tab off of the bottom of the lens. You can see the exposed tape along the bottom edge in one of the following photos. This will be only tape that is exposed when it is all assembled.
[url=http://s1314.photobucket.com/user/frogylovr/media/c7%20stingray/image_zps62e10af6.jpg.html]
[/u
now, just snap the bezels back in and you are done. I also removed the corvette emblem from the rear of the car and i love the new look.
The bezels can be removed with a plastic wedge. I wrapped it in tape and inserted it where each clip is and the bezel would pop with a little pressure.
once i got the bezel out, you can see all the places that the bezels are rubbing. They rub on both ridges on the bottom of the tail light.
they also rub on the curve on the side and on the triangle shaped fangs on the top side.
i filed both tabs off of the bottom of the tail light lenses and i filed the flashing off of the new tail light bezels. The pic show the flashing before i filed it flush. (side note) the original carbon flash painted bezels had the flashing cut off of them after they were painted, it looked like it was done quickly with a utility knife, probably on the assembly line.
after the flashing is all filed off, i put 3m anti squeak tape on all the problem areas. The tape is clear and looks like clear bra material, but it is designed to be an anti squeak material. Once i was done you can see it is fairly hidden and it is only on the inside edges. I trimmed all the over hanging tape with a razor blade flush with the edges. You need to have about 1/8 inch of tape on the bottom of the inner tail light bezel, it still squeaked even after i filed the tab off of the bottom of the lens. You can see the exposed tape along the bottom edge in one of the following photos. This will be only tape that is exposed when it is all assembled.
[url=http://s1314.photobucket.com/user/frogylovr/media/c7%20stingray/image_zps62e10af6.jpg.html]
[/u
now, just snap the bezels back in and you are done. I also removed the corvette emblem from the rear of the car and i love the new look.
12-22-2013, 09:09 PM
#6
Safety Car
Color change looks nice on your car - mine will be Torch Red with black wheels so the red / black "theme" is appealing to me (and I DO like the black contrasts with the bright colors like yellow and Torch Red). I'd worry about filing tabs / flashing off the taillight components - hope they don't pop out on you some day. The squeak is a non-issue to me.
12-22-2013, 09:41 PM
#7
Pro
Thread Starter
Color change looks nice on your car - mine will be Torch Red with black wheels so the red / black "theme" is appealing to me (and I DO like the black contrasts with the bright colors like yellow and Torch Red). I'd worry about filing tabs / flashing off the taillight components - hope they don't pop out on you some day. The squeak is a non-issue to me.
12-22-2013, 10:43 PM
#11
Pro
Thread Starter
The squeaks are cause from two pieces rubbing together and road vibration and it is causing damage. I didn't cause this damage because i am detailing the car too much. 
What are these going to look like in a year or more?
What are these going to look like in a year or more?
12-23-2013, 08:46 AM
#13
You are not alone. This is the funniest non-issue I have heard of. There are a handful of folks who have made it their mission in life to make this a big deal. One guy wanted the factory to fix it for them.
12-23-2013, 09:57 AM
#14
Race Director
12-23-2013, 10:34 AM
#15
Scraping the splitter.
Mine do squeak very slightly when I push on them, but it's completely a non-issue to me.
I do, however, like what the OP (and Glen) did.
S.
I do, however, like what the OP (and Glen) did.
S.
12-23-2013, 10:58 AM
#16
Pro
Thread Starter
I am only trying to be helpful and I wanted to share some of the useless knowledge I have learned with others.
My next "how to" with tell how remove the door panels without breaking them and fix the horrendous vibration ratting in both doors causing by the speaker in the door. If you only listen "AM" talk radio, you have no idea what I'm talking about. Download some Warren G and then you and I can regulate with the G Child.
12-23-2013, 11:00 AM
#17
Scraping the splitter.
Thanks Snorman, I posted this "how to" mainly to show people how to R&I the tail light bezels. RPI Designs did not send any instructions, so I thought this would be helpful. "IF" you wanted to fix your squeaks when the car is apart, well here's how I did it. If you don't want to fix yours, then don't. I am not trying to create an issue or rant about poor craftsmanship on the corvette or even say the squeaks really bothered me either. I love this car.
I am only trying to be helpful and I wanted to share some of the useless knowledge I have learned with others.
My next "how to" with tell how remove the door panels without breaking them and fix the horrendous vibration ratting in both doors causing by the speaker in the door. If you only listen "AM" talk radio, you have no idea what I'm talking about. Download some Warren G and then you and I can regulate with the G Child.
I am only trying to be helpful and I wanted to share some of the useless knowledge I have learned with others.
My next "how to" with tell how remove the door panels without breaking them and fix the horrendous vibration ratting in both doors causing by the speaker in the door. If you only listen "AM" talk radio, you have no idea what I'm talking about. Download some Warren G and then you and I can regulate with the G Child.
I'm going to have to put some bass-heavy music on and stand outside of my car. Honestly, I haven't noticed anything inside the car, but from what I've read, the vibration is more noticeable outside of the car.
(and I'm still floored at how low your car looks in that picture)
S.
12-23-2013, 11:25 AM
#18
Le Mans Master
Member Since: Jan 2009
Location: NYC
Posts: 6,598
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2015 C7 of the Year Finalist
This is what I like about this forum. We get detailed information on how to do things to our vettes. If we choose to do the mod or not, the information is available to us.
Thanks for the great post.
Thanks for the great post.
12-23-2013, 11:36 AM
#19
The Consigliere
Member Since: May 2006
Location: 2023 Z06 & 2010 ZR1
Posts: 22,267
Received 5,458 Likes
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I really like the body color tail light bezels. Nice upgrade over stock.
12-23-2013, 11:50 AM
#20
AIR FORCE VETERAN
Squeaky tail lights? WTF.." What, That's Funny. There is an advantage being older and not hearing to well. Either that or the Sport mode exhaust music over powers them..