Abstract:
A body panel (310) is provided for use in the body of a vehicle, comprising: a main panel having a first side and a second side, the main panel including a recess in the first side, the recess (420) having a set shape and a depth less than a thickness of the main panel, and a hole (440) from a bottom of the recess (420) to the second side; a flexible lighting strip (130) formed in the recess, the flexible lighting strip ( 130) having the set shape and a thickness within ±10% of the depth of the recess, the flexible lighting device being secured in the recess; a power connector (155) connected to the flexible lighting strip; a control connector (145) connected to a device controller; and a clear coating (470) formed on the first side of the main panel (310) over the main panel (310) and the flexible lighting strip (130), the clear coating (470) having a smooth top surface.