Blackout Lightbar Decal Added + Applied Vinyl To Break Up The Controversial Front End on the R1T

wildlife R1T · 2025-04-03T14:11:49+00:00

I have previously used the streaming capability back when it first came out as well as the hotspot since before Connect+ was a thing. I am trying to get the streaming working again but it seems to have been hidden fully behind the paywall. (Not looking to argue the merits of that system here) I recall after Connect+ came out being able to still use the Hotspot while tethering with my phone, and losing it isn't a big deal other than needing to update my wife's wifi, but I think I remember needing to be on the Hotspot to do casting. My question is, did Rivian remove both of these features to fully behind the connect+ paywall? I thought that if you used phone tethering or if you were connected to WIFI you could use most all of the usual streaming like features of the Rivian? If anyone can recommend how to stream while using tethering I'm sure myself and others without Connect+ would appreciate it.

Rivian Mom

Active Wheeler

Dec 10, 2024

I have always loved the R1T and I love the look of the truck. But as with many, the front end is something that many "love it or hate it". I'm personally love it but my friend isn't a fan haha. He doesn't hate it, but he sure as heck don't love it.

Over the past year and a half, probably before too, he has tried some different renderings using photoshop to see if he could do something with the front end to make it look better. He didn't really like any version he came up with and gave up for a while.

Then JeffSTX posted a question for ideals which got him to try again. This time, he came up with one that didn't look horrible. Ordered some vinyl for $30 and decided to give it a try. He generally sucks at applying vinyl, especially if there are any curves or creases, but this actually turned out to be pretty easy for him to do. Only took about an hour, start to finish. He used a lot of soapy solution and a blow drier. Even tho he's not the best when it comes to photoshop, the renderings actually nearly match real life perfectly.

For now, he just did the lower portion as that is what he envisions is more "factory like". He plans to add the Abstract Ocean "RIVIAN" black vinyl to the light bar pretty soon. That gets more into a "custom" look. If the renderings are any indication, it will look pretty much the same. Good thing is, was a cheap option to try and very easy to remove if it doesn't grow on him over the weeks.

I'm dropping this post in case anyone with a Rivian R1T loves what he did with his Lightbar and wants to try it out too. It actually doesn't look bad at all. FIrst two photos are the photoshop renderings, then the real life photos as well.