[jrs580]

I looked at the thread on this buy there was 4000 posts so i figured id cut to the chase. Can some summarize the best way to install the new black tinted gm third brakelight?

[Lemooreace]

Remove dedklid insulation/liner.

Pull out on the old light (use non mar tool to leverage/pull up, perhaps some tape to protect surroundings).

Disconnect connector.

Clean off old two sided tape adhesive.

Install new one.

Watch Lethal's video, just ignore all of his small misteps. Learn from his lessons.

You do not need to remove or adjust the metal screws/clips. It's really a simple press in.

[GP86]

I don't think you need to remove the internal trunk lid liner. I didn't do that when I replaced my 3rd brake light.

1. Use non-marring trim tool to pry the perimeter of the 3rd brake light away from the trunk lid
2. It may be necessary to lightly cut the foam adhesive in addition to prying. I used my thinnest trim tool for this before going full-on pry-bar technique.
3. Once the light is separated from the bodywork, unplug the electrical connector and take the light out
4. Clean the foam adhesive off the trunk lid bodywork. I scraped it away carefully with my trim tool, then used a bit of detailing cleaner with some clean rags. I did not remove ALL of the adhesive, but at least 95% of it
5. Remove the paper from the new light to reveal the sticky tape
6. Pull the electrical connector out from the body work
7. PLUG THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR INTO the new light
8. Eyeball the alignment of the new light and slowly press it into place
9. Firmly seat the new light by putting pressure along the outer edges of the light to adhere the double sided tape to the bodywork. I worked from the center of the light to the outer edges at the same time using both hands. I used my full body weight on it, but this was probably unnecessary.

[Soleil]

Here is another one

klick me

[ZED SLED]

^ Like link in post above. You don't even need to open the trunk. Put painters tape on decklid around light. Maybe a couple of layers. Use a plastic trim tool and go around the light to loosen the 3M tape and pop the light out. It will then pull out and you can disconnect the plug. Use 3M adhesive remover to remove the stuck on 3M tape. You can use stuff like goo b gone but it will take longer. Clean off residue with isopropyl alcohol. Install the new light holding it as level as possible. On most cars including mine, the 3M tape on the new light is too thick and tries to push out in a couple of places at the top. Attaching top first might alleviate this.

[HyperBlue16]

I didn't have to remove my inside trunk liner. Using the trim tool to go around it to get the 2 way tape, basically pulled it out at the same time on mine.

[Lemooreace]

Originally Posted by HyperBlue16

I didn't have to remove my inside trunk liner. Using the trim tool to go around it to get the 2 way tape, basically pulled it out at the same time on mine.

Your likely right... Lethal's video sent me down that path.... In hindsight, the pull and pry is likely sufficiant. It believe it did allow me to push a little from behind (if there is any value in it).

[nicktechla]

I was ready to take out the liner, but I decided to give it a little pry first and mine lifted up pretty easy. then once i was able to get the pry tool under it, it popped out. just make sure you buy a thing of goo off, because the adhesive is on there pretty good.

[GAHDOOSH]

Anyone have a photo of this installed on a grey one with black tail lights to match?

[SK GT]

Not grey but close

http://www.camaro6.com/forums/showthread.php?t=506720

All ZL1 1LEs have them.

[TripleB]

I didn't read the other write ups, but a tip for removing the double sided tape and the light easier: get a pipette dropper ( a quick Google search yielded the following link http://m.pipingrock.com/aromatherapy...iABEgIYjvD_BwE ) and use it to put Goo Gone or whatever product you use into the tape around the border of the light. It'll soften it up and make it easier to pull off. I just did it this way about a week ago.

[Haole]

I used an old library card or you can use anu thin flexible card i guess. I inserted it into the seal area of the light and slid it aroind 2 times. Light came right out. This took about 3 min, cleaned the area up and put new light in.

[mstgeer]

Originally Posted by TripleB

I didn't read the other write ups, but a tip for removing the double sided tape and the light easier: get a pipette dropper ( a quick Google search yielded the following link http://m.pipingrock.com/aromatherapy...iABEgIYjvD_BwE ) and use it to put Goo Gone or whatever product you use into the tape around the border of the light. It'll soften it up and make it easier to pull off. I just did it this way about a week ago.

Just used a modified version of this, except used a red straw from a brake clean can with the finger over the end trick to syphon goof off extreme to apply to give the adhesive tape a little soak. Straw fit well between the light and the trunk and prevents the goof off from running all over the place. Then used my harbor freight card once around then the light basically can be pulled out by hand.
Thanks for the tip.