can i use SEM paint to paint the centerpiece tailight...or will it come out looking like ass?

i dont see why not. make sure you get even coverage with the paint or it will look bad. and i would just use alot of clear to protect it. the piece isnt that big so you should be fine. plus black is an easy color to color-match :). i painted my "talon" letters with white SEM and it turned out fine. i put clear on them and i havent had any trouble with the paint peeling, chipping, etc. for almost a year now. i know it isnt exactly the same, but it is the same type of plastic i believe.

Edit: 800th post, movin' on up!