slam_dat_sun Posted December 21, 2009 Report Share Posted December 21, 2009 Well I haven't came around a write up on how to nightshade/tint/blackout your taillights. So if there already is one maybe this will also help someone out. Maybe this will be enough interest to make it a sticky who knows. Things you will need: A can of VHT Nightshade (local parts store, online) tools to remove the light fixtures Your choice of clear coat, personally I picked rattle can Dupi-Color Clean rag Green Scotch Bright pad Newspaper or cardboard Something to prop up your taillights ( I used a 2x4 ) Once you have every lens you want to tint, use a green Scotch Bright pad and scuff every part where you will spray. I doesn't really matter which direction you go in just as long as you DONT see any shiny spots. Now the fun part! Make sure everything is well wiped with the clean rag. Grab the Nightshade and shake for about 1 min, and start spraying keep the can about 12" away from the taillight. You DON'T want to spray it on too heavy or it will run this stuff is very thin! Put as many coats as you want, depending on the darkness. Let each coat sit for about 2-3 min. I like the tails real dark so here is my progress of the shades. About 5 or 6 coats later... Once you let the Nightshade COMPLETELY dry, use the green Scotch Bright pad and re scuff the taillights and what ever else you decided to tint. Next is to put about 2-3 coats of clear coat on the Nightshaded parts. Put the clear on as thick as possible with out running it, so do a couple of tests on a piece of paper so you have an idea on how thick/thin it will come out. Once dry to the touch reinstall on the car. I am not responsible for any mess ups or damage to your car or taillights! I Hope this helped out. After your clear has dried you can sand and buff and reinstall you fixtures on your whip . Quote Link to comment
Bears510 Posted December 21, 2009 Report Share Posted December 21, 2009 Good info! I have never tried the VHT brand as I use the "window tint" paint that is used for R/C cars. since it is made for polycarbonate bodies, I figured it would work good for the tails too! Have used it for years without any issues. Like Slam says...iit ALSO is very thin so you have to be careful, but it lets enough light through as to technically be legal (here in AZ anyways) Just adding to the information as another resource for the paint. Quote Link to comment
J.C_620 Posted December 21, 2009 Report Share Posted December 21, 2009 do you have any pics of the finished product? sounds interesting Quote Link to comment
J.C_620 Posted December 21, 2009 Report Share Posted December 21, 2009 my volkswagen cabrio has dark smoked tailights and they look lots better than the non smoked ones i may have to try this when the weather warms up a bit Quote Link to comment
slam_dat_sun Posted December 21, 2009 Author Report Share Posted December 21, 2009 Ha ha no just follow the destructions and you will have a nice set of lights :lol: Quote Link to comment
J.C_620 Posted December 21, 2009 Report Share Posted December 21, 2009 what ya talking about 72240z this thread aint useless it has pictures:confused: all two both of the ones you posted:lol: Quote Link to comment
72240z Posted December 21, 2009 Report Share Posted December 21, 2009 (edited) Ya see, I'm TRYING to help lol :lol: Honestly though if you google head light or tailing tinting or even vht nightshade you get PAGES of in depth write ups with pics. Doesn't hurt to have another here but without pics it's sub par and useless. Anyone can read directions, they are already on the can, pictures though are what give people real insight as to the process.....or jesus at least the before and final.... more :-) Edited December 21, 2009 by 72240z Quote Link to comment
slam_dat_sun Posted December 21, 2009 Author Report Share Posted December 21, 2009 Ya see, I'm TRYING to help lol :lol: Honestly though if you google head light or tailing tinting or even vht nightshade you get PAGES of in depth write ups with pics. Doesn't hurt to have another here but without pics it's sub par and useless. Anyone can read directions, they are already on the can, pictures though are what give people real insight as to the process.....or jesus at least the before and final.... more :-) You are correct I should have posted pics, but the fact of the matter is I don't have any :lol: Quote Link to comment
Bears510 Posted December 21, 2009 Report Share Posted December 21, 2009 I will see if I have some pics around. I know I don't have any of the steps, but will see if I can help out by showing the end results. If I can find my extra set of xb tails I will do the step by step and post up...but after moving, that's a big IF!! lol! Quote Link to comment
dat521kid Posted December 22, 2009 Report Share Posted December 22, 2009 be careful when you do this, could be an invitation to getting rear ended.. my two cents. i personally hate the way it looks and especially on dattos.. kinda like tinted windows on a datto Quote Link to comment
WtShSed Posted March 1, 2010 Report Share Posted March 1, 2010 Good info! I have never tried the VHT brand as I use the "window tint" paint that is used for R/C cars. since it is made for polycarbonate bodies, I figured it would work good for the tails too! Have used it for years without any issues. Like Slam says...iit ALSO is very thin so you have to be careful, but it lets enough light through as to technically be legal (here in AZ anyways) Just adding to the information as another resource for the paint. +1 on the Window Tint for PolyCarb R/C car bodies. I had them on my old tail lights... til it got messed up :( Quote Link to comment
Davexzero Posted April 29, 2011 Report Share Posted April 29, 2011 I like to check out all of the civics around Atlanta, with the "smoked" tail lamps all oxidized out from UV rays. If you are not using a professional two part clearcoat tinted with a black candy concentrate, then you are simply ruining a set of tail lamps. Rattle cans are for kids to huff and vandals. Good luck with ruining a set of tail light in the name of being "cool" for cheap. I'm just sayin' Quote Link to comment
datzenmike Posted April 29, 2011 Report Share Posted April 29, 2011 As far as I'm concerned blacking out tail and side marker lights is absolutely fucking stupid as it gets. The lights are there so others see you and don't run into you. Blacking them out is a criminal act and I for one don't ever want to run into one of those assholes. 1 Quote Link to comment
Laecaon Posted April 29, 2011 Report Share Posted April 29, 2011 As far as I'm concerned blacking out tail and side marker lights is absolutely fucking stupid as it gets. The lights are there so others see you and don't run into you. Blacking them out is a criminal act and I for one don't ever want to run into one of those assholes. Depends to me, black vs smoke (there is a light smoke). Also dont black the tail lights(reverse light is ok since it is rarely used, but still not black). And finally, please dont smoke orange lenses!!! Clear only. Quote Link to comment
The Dat-side Posted April 29, 2011 Report Share Posted April 29, 2011 If you're going to do it, take the time. And spend the money. Upgrade to HIDs too. http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=94540 (oh and first to post actual oics) Quote Link to comment
Dirk Diggler Posted May 2, 2011 Report Share Posted May 2, 2011 Get them professionally done. DIY tint and rattle can clear will oxidize on plastic very fast. I had mine done professionally in 08, they still look new, while my friend did his this way 6 months later, and his look like shit now. Quote Link to comment
Siqx20 Posted May 2, 2011 Report Share Posted May 2, 2011 If you're going to do it, take the time. And spend the money. Upgrade to HIDs too. http://www.r3vlimite...ead.php?t=94540 (oh and first to post actual oics) Does that high beam have crosshairs??? That would be cool. kind of a VW thing tho Quote Link to comment
The Dat-side Posted May 2, 2011 Report Share Posted May 2, 2011 Does that high beam have crosshairs??? That would be cool. kind of a VW thing tho Kinda, the black reflects around in the housing. That way you're not obstructing affecting the lens. Quote Link to comment
Siqx20 Posted May 2, 2011 Report Share Posted May 2, 2011 Kinda? so yes it does? I kno they donw obstruct. My friends VW had them thought they were kind of a cool touch. Quote Link to comment
The Dat-side Posted May 2, 2011 Report Share Posted May 2, 2011 I mean kinda cause they arent the actual VW crosshairs. Aren't the VWs on the outside? Quote Link to comment
Siqx20 Posted May 2, 2011 Report Share Posted May 2, 2011 hmm i thought they were on the inside... I may be mistaken. she had that car like 8 yrs ago and i dont really remember haha o wells. They look good tho. those on ur car? Quote Link to comment
Shagy Posted May 4, 2011 Report Share Posted May 4, 2011 I have never seen a car look good that used VHT. Here is a sample of my work... this is the wifes car. you can see them with the parking lights and brake lights. You can even see the reflectors. If you're going to do it, take the time. And spend the money. Upgrade to HIDs too. http://www.r3vlimite...ead.php?t=94540 (oh and first to post actual oics) I could see doing it on the low beam since its a projector..but the high beam....you just lost your relective surface.... Cars with inside bezels, I take them apart and paint it. I try not to smoke the outter lens..but did it on my car. With the 5000K HID's I see just fine. Quote Link to comment
frink84 Posted May 6, 2011 Report Share Posted May 6, 2011 Does that high beam have crosshairs??? That would be cool. kind of a VW thing tho yup, they have crosshairs. is actually a European thing, not just a vw thing Quote Link to comment
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