That definitely looks better than stock. Thank you for sharing. When I get around to doing this, I’m taking the whole headliner out and installing some soundproofing in the ceiling.
Great video, ignore some of the negative comments here not sure where they are coming from 😴 I’m needing to remove my 3rd brake from my Denali and have a question for you, did you remove the weather stripping from the doors or were you able to drop headliner without removing them? My truck is new and they are pretty tight lol. Thanks!
I was able to flex the headliner enough (very carefully so as not to crease it) to get it out of the weather stripping without removing the weather stripping. Thank you for the positive comment! I really appreciate it!
Thanks! I attempted it this afternoon and got to the point where I was trying to get the headliner to un clip. Mine seems hard to get over the sliding back glass ridge. Do you have any tips? I’m just afraid I’m going to crease the headliner, also heard some noises like fabric was tearing, maybe normal😂😂
That is the hardest part. I started on one side and bent the edge of the headliner down until it cleared the rear window lip. I was careful to keep the bend as close to the edge of the headliner as possible because that rear section curls up so I wasn’t too worried of that rear section creased because it would be hidden by the upward fold of the headliner when putting it back in place. The tearing sound may be the headliner separating from the foam that the clips are attached to that hold it up against the roof of the cab. It’s attached with some type of adhesive from the factory. I had to use gorilla glue to reattach the headliner and foam pieces.
Thanks greatly appreciate it man! I got my 3rd brake light out finally but man there should be a easier process of getting to the 3rd brake light😂 Now just got to get it tinted then reverse everything, hoping it all goes back together with no rattle
There was an initial leak before I ever did this swap that was from the top of the rear window. I had to take my truck in to the dealer to get it resealed. Then after I did the swap, I had a new leak that I thought was from the spoiler being taken off and reinstalled but the service people at the dealer said it was the rear window again so they did a complete rear window replacement. The current design of GMs rear windows are prone to leaking. It’s been a problem since the previous generation trucks. I haven’t had any leaks since so it appears we got the spoiler sealed well upon reinstallation.
Removing the whole spoiler isn’t necessarily necessary, right? It looks like it was just two clips? Just want to make sure. I don’t want to take off the whole thing if I don’t have to.
@@SouthpawGarage wow.. that sucks.. I just bought a rear cam that comes with my dash cam so I'll see if I can mount it inside to avoid having to take all of this off then. Thanks.
They do have the third brake light with the built in rear view camera if your truck has the necessary wiring to hook it all up. If your truck doesn’t already have the rear view camera, you will need to purchase the components necessary for that as well (the rear view mirror with built in screen, and the wiring harness that runs from the mirror to the back of the truck).
Directly from Recon’s website. The link in the video description will take you to their product page. I’m not sure if this code will still work, but I used code GETLIT20 at checkout and got 20% off. Just thought I’d mention it in case it still worked. Any kind of discount is always helpful in my opinion. Lol
Here is a link for the clear lens brake light with built-in camera: bit.ly/3ArGNgg Here is a link for the smoked lens brake light with built-in camera: bit.ly/3m4uin9
I have had trouble with mine the passed few months where when I brake it glitches and blinks 3 times then goes to bold. I had LineX install it so I trust them but it seems like the bar just isn’t working.
Couple of hours. Maybe 3 max. The hardest part is figuring out the best way to reach all the bolts across the back of the cab (I don’t have the longest arms. lol) and figuring out how to pop out the yellow tabs without braking them. Once you figure out how to reach all the bolts on the back, putting everything back together is pretty easy. Just make sure you put sealant around all the holes.
I’m not sure what gap you are referring to. Is it a gap between the brake light and spoiler or the spoiler and truck? Is there a place in the video where you see a gap?
light and the spoiler i was installing mine and there is a gap in the middle of top and bottom of light after you snap into spoiler . was wondering how yours looks
Does anyone know If I do the smoked 3rd brake light and smoked taillights from recon if I will have trouble passing my state inspection? Im in new hampshire, thanks!
I can’t speak specifically for NH as I live in GA, but I did find this online: “If you do it right, and not STUPID dark, youll be fine, been giong around with Smoked Tailes for two years now without issue, but you better know your person for inspections, they will 99.9% of the time FAIL you. (Or keep your original set to use as a swap when needing to get inspections)” I have seen multiple mentions online when looking into this that people in the NH area have had issues passing inspections when swapping taillights.
You’re correct. Someone can definitely just smoke them of that’s what they wanted to do. I even considered that myself, but I prefer the replacement over adding smoked tint to the stock one. Also, smoking the stock lights would put an extra layer over them making the lights more dim (by going through red tinted plastic and then also going through tinted vinyl). With these, the lights are only going through a single layer of tinted plastic so it keeps from reducing the effectiveness of the lights themselves.
Couple questions for you. You did this mod only to change the color from red to black or does the new unit have better lights, etc? Also, I have a 2020 LT. On the LT is the factory light all LED and does it have a camera up there? Thanks. Very informative
I believe (form comparing with my own eyes) that the Recon 3rd brake light has brighter bulbs than the stock 3rd brake light. The only trims that came with cameras from the factory are LTZ and High Country trims. Other than the camera, all 3rd brake lights for all Silverado trims should be the same (in regards to the bulbs).
Unfortunately, it’s been a while since I did the video and had a good look at the back of the light so I can’t say for certain, but, I don’t believe these are made to where you can just swap out bulbs. There may be a way to do it but I think they are intended to be full swap parts, not bulb replacements. I spent some time tonight looking online and I can’t find any information on just replacing bulbs.
![[How To] Swap 2019-2021 Silverado Gauge Cluster - Install High Country Model](/img/n.gif)
That definitely looks better than stock. Thank you for sharing. When I get around to doing this, I’m taking the whole headliner out and installing some soundproofing in the ceiling.
Great video. Ordering my light today.
Looks great....installing a similar light assembly on my 2020 Silverado
Great video, ignore some of the negative comments here not sure where they are coming from 😴 I’m needing to remove my 3rd brake from my Denali and have a question for you, did you remove the weather stripping from the doors or were you able to drop headliner without removing them? My truck is new and they are pretty tight lol. Thanks!
I was able to flex the headliner enough (very carefully so as not to crease it) to get it out of the weather stripping without removing the weather stripping.
Thank you for the positive comment! I really appreciate it!
Thanks! I attempted it this afternoon and got to the point where I was trying to get the headliner to un clip. Mine seems hard to get over the sliding back glass ridge. Do you have any tips? I’m just afraid I’m going to crease the headliner, also heard some noises like fabric was tearing, maybe normal😂😂
That is the hardest part. I started on one side and bent the edge of the headliner down until it cleared the rear window lip. I was careful to keep the bend as close to the edge of the headliner as possible because that rear section curls up so I wasn’t too worried of that rear section creased because it would be hidden by the upward fold of the headliner when putting it back in place.
The tearing sound may be the headliner separating from the foam that the clips are attached to that hold it up against the roof of the cab. It’s attached with some type of adhesive from the factory. I had to use gorilla glue to reattach the headliner and foam pieces.
Thanks greatly appreciate it man! I got my 3rd brake light out finally but man there should be a easier process of getting to the 3rd brake light😂 Now just got to get it tinted then reverse everything, hoping it all goes back together with no rattle
Keep us updated on if it leaks or not. That would suck if it does but from the look of your head liner your stock one was leaking...
There was an initial leak before I ever did this swap that was from the top of the rear window. I had to take my truck in to the dealer to get it resealed.
Then after I did the swap, I had a new leak that I thought was from the spoiler being taken off and reinstalled but the service people at the dealer said it was the rear window again so they did a complete rear window replacement. The current design of GMs rear windows are prone to leaking. It’s been a problem since the previous generation trucks.
I haven’t had any leaks since so it appears we got the spoiler sealed well upon reinstallation.
@@SouthpawGarage I have water damage on my headliner too. Im going to remove the spoiler to see if the rubber grommets around the bolts are dry rot.
Incredible difference. Well done.
Thank you! I appreciate the comment!
What wrench did you use for those bolts? They’re a pain in the ass!
I used a ratchet and socket for everything.
Looks great! Have you had any problems with this light yet?
No issues at all.
Removing the whole spoiler isn’t necessarily necessary, right? It looks like it was just two clips? Just want to make sure. I don’t want to take off the whole thing if I don’t have to.
You can’t take out the 3rd brake light or put a new one in without pulling the spoiler off the cab. It’s a horrible, horrible design.
@@SouthpawGarage wow.. that sucks.. I just bought a rear cam that comes with my dash cam so I'll see if I can mount it inside to avoid having to take all of this off then. Thanks.
nice. I will put this on my truck.
Looks great, I am thinking rear camera as well, do they have the option
They do have the third brake light with the built in rear view camera if your truck has the necessary wiring to hook it all up. If your truck doesn’t already have the rear view camera, you will need to purchase the components necessary for that as well (the rear view mirror with built in screen, and the wiring harness that runs from the mirror to the back of the truck).
Just did mine and for some reason the cargo light doesn't come on.
I’d recommend contacting the company for the light and see if they have any suggestions of what might cause the cargo light to not work.
@@SouthpawGarage forgive my ignorance. Didn't realize that there was a cargo light button🤦
Glad the light is working, though! 😎
Looks Awesome, where did you purchase it?
Directly from Recon’s website. The link in the video description will take you to their product page. I’m not sure if this code will still work, but I used code GETLIT20 at checkout and got 20% off. Just thought I’d mention it in case it still worked. Any kind of discount is always helpful in my opinion. Lol
Mine has a camera embedded in there for rear view mirror. I couldn't find anything in their website with camera housing 🤔
Here is a link for the clear lens brake light with built-in camera: bit.ly/3ArGNgg
Here is a link for the smoked lens brake light with built-in camera: bit.ly/3m4uin9
Did you put the spoiler on with the RTV silicon still wet or did you wait for it to dry before putting it back on?
Put it back on still wet so that it would spread and seal when the bolts tightened down the spoiler.
Right on. Thank you.
I have had trouble with mine the passed few months where when I brake it glitches and blinks 3 times then goes to bold. I had LineX install it so I trust them but it seems like the bar just isn’t working.
The whole thing doesn’t even blink only parts of it too like some of the light fixture is damaged. Idk what to do
Have you tried contacting Recon to let them know what is going on?
How long it take?
It probably took about 2 hours to do the actual work.
How long did the whole job take you to do?
Couple of hours. Maybe 3 max. The hardest part is figuring out the best way to reach all the bolts across the back of the cab (I don’t have the longest arms. lol) and figuring out how to pop out the yellow tabs without braking them. Once you figure out how to reach all the bolts on the back, putting everything back together is pretty easy. Just make sure you put sealant around all the holes.
Thank you for posting this.
is there suppose to be a gap in the middle of the the top and bottom ?
I’m not sure what gap you are referring to. Is it a gap between the brake light and spoiler or the spoiler and truck? Is there a place in the video where you see a gap?
light and the spoiler i was installing mine and there is a gap in the middle of top and bottom of light after you snap into spoiler . was wondering how yours looks
7:25 you can see a slight gap from light and spoiler
Does anyone know If I do the smoked 3rd brake light and smoked taillights from recon if I will have trouble passing my state inspection? Im in new hampshire, thanks!
I can’t speak specifically for NH as I live in GA, but I did find this online:
“If you do it right, and not STUPID dark, youll be fine, been giong around with Smoked Tailes for two years now without issue, but you better know your person for inspections, they will 99.9% of the time FAIL you. (Or keep your original set to use as a swap when needing to get inspections)”
I have seen multiple mentions online when looking into this that people in the NH area have had issues passing inspections when swapping taillights.
Hey awesome thank you
Could've just smoked it , not much difference from the stock one.
You’re correct. Someone can definitely just smoke them of that’s what they wanted to do. I even considered that myself, but I prefer the replacement over adding smoked tint to the stock one.
Also, smoking the stock lights would put an extra layer over them making the lights more dim (by going through red tinted plastic and then also going through tinted vinyl). With these, the lights are only going through a single layer of tinted plastic so it keeps from reducing the effectiveness of the lights themselves.
@@SouthpawGarage yea i guess your right about that true
Looks like a lot of work but turned out great!
It was definitely a lot of work. Chevy made changing the 3rd brake light on these new trucks unnecessarily tedious.
Couple questions for you. You did this mod only to change the color from red to black or does the new unit have better lights, etc? Also, I have a 2020 LT. On the LT is the factory light all LED and does it have a camera up there? Thanks. Very informative
I believe (form comparing with my own eyes) that the Recon 3rd brake light has brighter bulbs than the stock 3rd brake light.
The only trims that came with cameras from the factory are LTZ and High Country trims. Other than the camera, all 3rd brake lights for all Silverado trims should be the same (in regards to the bulbs).
@@SouthpawGarageCan you replace the 3rd brake light bulbs/ cargo lights or do you have to replace the entire unit?
Unfortunately, it’s been a while since I did the video and had a good look at the back of the light so I can’t say for certain, but, I don’t believe these are made to where you can just swap out bulbs. There may be a way to do it but I think they are intended to be full swap parts, not bulb replacements. I spent some time tonight looking online and I can’t find any information on just replacing bulbs.