The Corvette C4 Light Panel (Page 1/4)
Dennis LaGrua MAR 07, 03:14 PM
Several years back a rear tail light panel was available for the Fiero GT that gave the rear a totally different look that I really liked. This panel didn't use the round Ferrari lights but the oval Corvette C4 tail lights. I always thought that this vette style panel looked good but could not find one until they came available recently from Fieromotive in St Petersburg, FL
It is basically a stripped panel that needs some prep work but it is doable

This is the panel as shipped

Then you drill the hole and cut a part of a broken tail light housing and make a template for the tail light plug notches. The template is used to pencil in the tail light sockets cutting points. You will need another hole for the brake light. I used the T10 sockets that are used for the Pontiac running light.

Next I painted the light housings chrome silver, sanded and primed the panel


Finals steps: Paint the panel the car color of black and make up two C brackets that will hold the panel in place. Glass resin or epoxy them in place Then do some trimming of the supports on the tail light cavity area as necessary. Finally fit the two Pilot Navigator Back up lights in the openings for the reflectors and complete the wiring. I will post pictures as we go along to completion.

[This message has been edited by Dennis LaGrua (edited 03-08-2020).]

TXGOOD MAR 10, 10:10 AM
Thanks Dennis, I like progress and how-to-do pictures.
Dennis LaGrua MAR 10, 10:42 AM

quote
Originally posted by TXGOOD:

Thanks Dennis, I like progress and how-to-do pictures.



Always try to help Fiero folks out. This is not a very detailed thread so far but for those interested in converting over to the Corvette C4 tail lights I will post progress pictures as they go. Right now I pulled my back out so it may be another week or two before I can put up more pictures.
The total cost of this panel install with Corvette style C4 lenses, gaskets, the Pilot Navigator BU lights and screws (less paint) will come in at about $300 but there is a bit of labor involved. Jim tells me that he is coming out with a few different style tail light panels that will include a 2 pc panel and one that will use the Corvette round style lights as well. What I like the most about Jim's panel is that the tail lights are designed to have a recessed three dimensional look.

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" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "

wftb MAR 10, 08:14 PM
Looks good Dennis

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86 GT built 2.2 ecotec turbo
rear SLA suspension
QA1 coilovers on tube arms

Dennis LaGrua MAY 28, 06:36 PM
The next step in installing this panel will be to figure out a way to mount it. I know that some have used screws to hold it in place in odd locations but we decided to use the mounting location holes that were used to attach the GM/OEM panel. IMO this makes for a neat OEM type installation.
We measured carefully bent up some aluminum L brackets from 1" x 1/8" aluminum strips, (Home Depot) then used epoxy to fasten them in place. The next day we used fiberglass mat and resin to hold them firmly to the panel. Notice that 1/4-20 aluminum thread inserts were used in the brackets. 1/4 -20 by 1 1/4" Phillips head screws w small washers will be used to hold the panel firmly in place. Some spacers may be required but we haven't painted the panel for mounting as yet.
Here is how the panel with brackets as it now looks as of today.





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[This message has been edited by Dennis LaGrua (edited 05-28-2020).]

Dennis LaGrua JUN 17, 03:08 PM
The pilot navigator back up lights are installed, the Corvette C4 light panel has been painted with 4 coats of Dupont Centrari pitch black enamel, , brackets glassed in place, then mounted (using the OEM taillight mounting holes), the lens' installed and LED lights added. I am pleased with the installation and the look. Perhaps we will add a Pontiac logo or emblem in the center but here is the panel as it looks today.



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" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "

[This message has been edited by Dennis LaGrua (edited 06-17-2020).]

Dennis LaGrua JUN 17, 04:59 PM
and the final touch that I believe enhances the center section to be seen several posts down


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" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "

[This message has been edited by Dennis LaGrua (edited 06-24-2020).]

Spoon JUN 17, 07:38 PM

quote
Originally posted by Dennis LaGrua:

and the final touch that I believe enhances the center section




Hey Dennis, that's a terrific job you did with that panel & the backup lights. Is that the reflection of a Chrysler 300 in those 4 tail lights?

Spoon


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"Kilgore Trout once wrote a short story which was a dialogue between two pieces of yeast. They were discussing the possible purposes of life as they ate sugar and suffocated in their own excrement. Because of their limited intelligence, they never came close to guessing that they were making champagne." - Kurt Vonnegut

[This message has been edited by Spoon (edited 06-17-2020).]

Dennis LaGrua JUN 17, 10:16 PM
Charlie first off thank you for the compliment. You've got a good eye. Yup thats my 4000lb 2015 Chrysler 300. Hope to see you at Carlisle. We are already registered and waiting for the governor's permission to go. It's a troubling situation. If you have interest I can take you through the steps for that custom panel. The guy that makes these Corvette panels is Jim Cleary /Fiero Motive and he's in the Tampa FL area. PM.for his contact info.
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" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "

[This message has been edited by Dennis LaGrua (edited 07-17-2020).]

cam-a-lot JUN 24, 07:07 AM
Wow!! I really love the look of that panel. Nicely done! Gives the car an updated look without "trying too hard" .... too many cars have excessive bling like too many scoops, too many wings, too many stickers and badges and it just ruins the look. This panel looks basically stock and elegant- nicely done

Did you say they are now available? I could not find it online. I may buy one. I assume it is no big deal to revert back to the original tail lights if a person wishes to do that in the future? BTW, thanks Dennis for referring me to your friend with the Metric speedo- works great!

[This message has been edited by cam-a-lot (edited 06-24-2020).]