Tinted Tails..... DIY

[Token]

I've been asked a few times what the procedure was that I used to tint my tail lamps myself. Well I've had a condensation problem with my last set of tails since I did them, so I got another set from a member and started over.

Here's how:

First get together everything you'll need.

Tails
1000 & 2000 Grit Wet Sandpaper
VHT Nightshades Spray
Automotive Clearcoat
Masking Tape
Razor Knife
Alcohol Swabshttp://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b121/token44/tintedtails/HPIM0728.jpg

Wipe the surface of the tails with the alcohol swabs to remove any grease, oil, or wax that may be present, and sand them with the 2000 Grit paper to remove any impurities left, and ready them for paint. (This just in from Ernie at ACW {the master} Use a 1000 Grit paper for this initial sanding to give a better surface for the Nightshades to adhere to.)
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b121/token44/tintedtails/HPIM0729.jpg

All sanded, now you have to decide if there are areas you don't want tinted.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b121/token44/tintedtails/HPIM0730.jpg

Tape off the areas not to be tinted. I decided to leave the clear sections clear.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b121/token44/tintedtails/HPIM0731.jpg
Both done.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b121/token44/tintedtails/HPIM0732.jpg
Shoot the VHT Nightshades spray, use even smooth motions, keeping the nozzle about 8" from the surface, overlapping by 50% on each pass.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b121/token44/tintedtails/HPIM0733.jpg
Both done, now allow to dry completely.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b121/token44/tintedtails/HPIM0734.jpg

Scuff the surfaces with the 2000 Grit wet paper, to remove any dust particles or inconsistancies in the paint that may have developed. Clean off all sanding debris completely. (I'd still use the 2000 grit here, far more room for error)
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b121/token44/tintedtails/HPIM0735.jpg

Shoot a second coat of the VHT Nightshades spray to acheive the level of darkness desired, and allow to dry completely.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b121/token44/tintedtails/HPIM0736.jpg

Peel the tape from the areas masked off (if applicable) and do a final sanding once again to remove any impurities or inconsistancies, and to give a good surface for the clear to adhere to. Clean all sanding dust from the lenses.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b121/token44/tintedtails/HPIM0737.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b121/token44/tintedtails/HPIM0738.jpg

Spray the automotive clearcoat onto the lenses, to protect them. THIS STEP IS NECESSARY!!! The VHT Nightshades cannot be left without a clearcoat or it will turn chalky.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b121/token44/tintedtails/HPIM0740.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b121/token44/tintedtails/HPIM0741.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b121/token44/tintedtails/HPIM0739.jpg

If you desire, you can repeat the sanding again, and shoot a second coat of automotive clear.

Now you just wash and wax the tail lights like you do the rest of the car. They have been clear coated and should be treated like any other painted surface.

Lastly, a couple of before and after shots:

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b121/token44/tintedtails/HPIM0744.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b121/token44/tintedtails/HPIM0746.jpg

They are not ACW "Ernie" lamps, but all things considered....... I'd say Not Bad!

[Token]

Anyone wanting to see this page with Hi-Res images, click HERE (http://www.geocities.com/tokenrt/tail/tintedtail.htm)

WARNING! The images are very large, and may take some time to load.

56K.......don't even think about it!!!

[Token]

WOOT. Made the KB!

[fnkychkn]

looks great Token. this should help members for years to come. if i could, i'd bean ya.

[Magma]

Thanks Dave!

Still a lil nervous doing it... but I'll be doing it in the spring!

[hemiwagn]

Well done Dave! Great write up! I presume the same technique would work on the 3rd brake light and side markers too (for the 300's and chargers).

[spenosk8er]

ive never sanded when I do them... but it appears to work!

[Token]

ive never sanded when I do them... but it appears to work!You can't beat wet sanding to get the finish as perfect as possible.

[DMAG]

The sanding is the part that scares me. But, damn! I did Nightshades on my 99 Intrepid and they did not come out even 20% as good as Token's. Bravo!

For the sandpaper challenged as myself: How does adding the clearcoat make the "clear" portions of the lamps suddenly become "uncloudy" from the prior sanding?

[Jaak]

You use an extremely fine sandpaper like Token's spec'd. So you do put scratches in them, but they're very tiny. When you clear it, it actually fills the scratches, which helps it bond to the plastic. Same thing between coats for the same reason, if you let it harden.

[bklynmag]

They look great!

[Token]

The sanding is the part that scares me. But, damn! I did Nightshades on my 99 Intrepid and they did not come out even 20% as good as Token's. Bravo!

For the sandpaper challenged as myself: How does adding the clearcoat make the "clear" portions of the lamps suddenly become "uncloudy" from the prior sanding?Thanks DMAG. As Jaak stated I used 2000 Grit Wet sandpaper, which is a little smoother than the skin on my hand LOL.

The scratches it creates in the surface are verry shallow and the clearcoat actually builds into those scratches and becomes clear and shiny. It also helps reduce the chance of creating runs in the clear.
The sandpaper is so fine that all you are doing is breaking down the gloss of the finished coat to to give a better mechanical adhesion to the next coat of clear.

Those same scratches could easily be buffed to a high gloss shine using a little bit of fine rubbing compound.

[402 Motoring]

Dave,

Good do it yourself write up, but honestly a 2000 grit sand scratch is much to shallow for paint to bind to, We start with 320 and end up with 800 grit paper before we plastic prime the lens. Just wanted to give my 02 cents.

[Token]

Dave,

Good do it yourself write up, but honestly a 2000 grit sand scratch is much to shallow for paint to bind to, We start with 320 and end up with 800 grit paper before we plastic prime the lens. Just wanted to give my 02 cents.Thanks Ernie, of course I know I need to :not_worth to the master, and you're absolutely right, but there is far less room for error with the more agressive papers. Also, if I'm not mistaken the plastic prime (which I do not have ready acces to) has a lot more ability to build than the extremely light Nightshades stuff in the rattle can. It also doesn't have very good self leveling properties. I would be worried about the sanding scratches still being visible in a job being done by the average DIYr. Using the very fine paper like a 1500 or what I had at the time 2000 it would be very hard to screw up.

Like I said in the first post, the chances of getting your DIY tails to look like ACW tails are very slim indeed, unless of course the DIYr has access to a spray booth and some HVLP equipment. LOL

[402 Motoring]

The plastic prime does not have any build qualities. Its sole purpose is to make the paint stick to the plastic. Without really using a plastic primer its like shooting paint over bare steel, it may stick initially but somewhere down the road its not going to. At the very least since you guys don't really have access to plastic primer I would snad the lamps with 1000 grit before applying the nightshades. Just my opinion, not trying to discourage anyone.

[Token]

The plastic prime does not have any build qualities. Its sole purpose is to make the paint stick to the plastic. Without really using a plastic primer its like shooting paint over bare steel, it may stick initially but somewhere down the road its not going to. At the very least since you guys don't really have access to plastic primer I would snad the lamps with 1000 grit before applying the nightshades. Just my opinion, not trying to discourage anyone.Thanks for the tip. I've been lucky with the last set I did, Over a year, and through a Canadian winter without any adhesion problems, but it is definately something to consider. I've edited my first post to share this information.

[604_MIKE]

Where did u find this nightshades paint? Im in Canada also.

[Token]

Where did u find this nightshades paint? Im in Canada also.You can get it at Performance Improvements
http://www.performanceimprovements.com/

They are only in Ontario/Quebec, and I assume from your forum name that you're on the West coast. I don't know if there's anything in B.C.

You may have to buy it online.

[jay2puff]

nice write up Token :thumbs_u:

[baz]

hey token just for your info . d ont be scared to sand , if you make a mistake you can sand it back to bare plastic and start over, many times i have sanded plastic lenses with orbital air sander starting with 180 grit all the way to 800 then buffing to high gloss clear . trick is low speed ,moderate light presssure and a bit of practice

[DaILLestWun]

Luckily I still have the headlight from my old car. i'm going to practice on that one and then if all goes well, attempt it on the Mag.

[prican_2000]

WOW This is a great write-up, Now's all I needs is some warm weather and I will try this on my 300.


THANKS FOR SHARING THE INFO
Your lights look great. :thumbs_u:

[low-viz]

Plastic model geek here. When we build model cars, we use a kit put out by a company called Detail Master to polish the paint to a mirror finish. It starts with 3200 grit and goes to 12000 grit. The abrasive sheets are about 2" X 4". You can probably find it at your local hobby store, or search "Micro-mesh abrasives" on the web to locate a source. Once you use the 2000 grit on the second clear coat you can polish it out really smooth with successfully finer Micro-mesh grits, if you're so inclined.

[lil_hemi]

hey guys i used the vht window tint on mine they look ok but i want to redo them it held up good but anyway i am redoing mine this sun great write up i guess i will start by sanding with 1500 cause i already have tint on them huhh ??? and go from there

[Sublimeon22s]

looks good

[LasVegasMagnum]

Great article! Since it's been a few months now, have you had any problems with the paint chipping or falling off? I want to do something like this with my Eagle Eyes tails.

[_MAGNUM_]

wow, that looks really cool. IM going to do that soon.

[Kuldip]

i think we have a by-law from the police that you can't darken the lights out on a vehicel :-( , i know for sure you can't tint the front windows

[Token]

Great article! Since it's been a few months now, have you had any problems with the paint chipping or falling off? I want to do something like this with my Eagle Eyes tails.NO issues at all. I still have a set that I did over a year ago that still look exactly the same as they day they were finished.
Just remember to wax them with the rest of the car.

[Token]

i think we have a by-law from the police that you can't darken the lights out on a vehicel :-( , i know for sure you can't tint the front windowsYea, we have the same by-law, but after over a year of driving with the tinted tails no one has ever said a word. They still look red in the sunlight and the light shines through enough at night.

[dumpster]

thanks for the info on doing the tails, im going to be doing mine as soon as it gets warm out.

[midoco]

Stupid question time! How long should I wait after I spray and before I sand? ... assuming 70 degrees and low humidity.

Thanks,
Mike

[Hemi Mag]

about 2 hours

AC

[midoco]

Thanks for the quick reply!

Mike

[brighthorizon]

How many coats of clear can be put on? Should I sand between each coat with 2000 or 1000? Thanks!

[Token]

How many coats of clear can be put on? Should I sand between each coat with 2000 or 1000? Thanks!

You can really put on as many as you like until you achieve the desired finish. Yes, sanding between coats is a must to give better mechanical adhesion to the subsequent coat. Using a 1500grit will probably be best.

[LasVegasMagnum]

I gave it a shot tonight. I think I've OBVIOUSLY oversanded after I laid my first coat of nightshades! I had some running of the paint, and I think I've proven to myself that I suck at painting. I'll try to sand ever so lightly tomorrow morning and lay another coat. I hope I don't screw it up! TABARNAC!!!

[low-viz]

Anybody been able to locate the VHT Nightshades in a brick&mortar store? I've been to AutoZone and O'Reillys and gotten blank stares from the 20-somethings behind the counter. Haven't made it to PepBoys yet, but there's not a Checker/Schucks/Kragen anywhere in my neck of the woods as far as I can tell.

[TWIST3D BLACK MAG]

Anybody been able to locate the VHT Nightshades in a brick&mortar store? I've been to AutoZone and O'Reillys and gotten blank stares from the 20-somethings behind the counter. Haven't made it to PepBoys yet, but there's not a Checker/Schucks/Kragen anywhere in my neck of the woods as far as I can tell.


O' Reilleys can order it next day for you .........

The Line code that you need to give them is VHT999.

10.99 a Can / Free Shipping / Overnight except on weekends

[BOCKO 10]

I gave it a shot tonight. I think I've OBVIOUSLY oversanded after I laid my first coat of nightshades! I had some running of the paint, and I think I've proven to myself that I suck at painting. I'll try to sand ever so lightly tomorrow morning and lay another coat. I hope I don't screw it up! TABARNAC!!!


Try to sand the runs out or you might see them when it is lit up. When spraying you should hold the light in one hand and the spray can should be level. Don't spray when the lights are on the ground and the can is not level it seems to not spray evenly and puddle up.

[FloridaRT]

Anybody been able to locate the VHT Nightshades in a brick&mortar store? I've been to AutoZone and O'Reillys and gotten blank stares from the 20-somethings behind the counter. Haven't made it to PepBoys yet, but there's not a Checker/Schucks/Kragen anywhere in my neck of the woods as far as I can tell.

Summit Racing has it in stock or you can buy it on Ebay.

Bob

[FloridaRT]

I have all the necessary stuff to do mine, just a little nervous about doing it. Want to try and tu-tone them, tint the lense and paint match the edge of the tail light (Magnesium Pearl).

One question, shouldn't we remove all the small lettering that is on the lense of the tail light? Rub your fingers all over the lense, do you feel those small letters near the bottom of the lense? Plus I found a couple of "bumps" on the lense, must be when they make the lense.

I am using a razor blade or small X-acto blade to remove any letters or bumps that I find. Followed by sanding.

Might try to do my tint in the next few days.

Bob

[BOCKO 10]

I have all the necessary stuff to do mine, just a little nervous about doing it. Want to try and tu-tone them, tint the lense and paint match the edge of the tail light (Magnesium Pearl).

One question, shouldn't we remove all the small lettering that is on the lense of the tail light? Rub your fingers all over the lense, do you feel those small letters near the bottom of the lense? Plus I found a couple of "bumps" on the lense, must be when they make the lense.

I am using a razor blade or small X-acto blade to remove any letters or bumps that I find. Followed by sanding.

Might try to do my tint in the next few days.

Bob

Definitely remove the letters. Just sanding with the 1000 grit will remove them nicely.

[mog]

I think they came out pretty good! good job.

[lmaballa]

Can someone tell me why my corners didnt come out good? First off I started by sanding the surface with a 2000 grit sandpaer and then I wipe the debris off. Then I sprayed a layer of nightshades, let it dry then applied another coat. After it dried I sanded agian with the 2000 grit sandpaper and applied a coat of clearcota and let it dry. I ended up applying like 5 clear coats because the side markers wont come out glossy. Why is that? I dont know what I am doing wrong but I cant get them to shine.

[BOCKO 10]

Have to be careful with the corners when sanding. Are you wet sanding them? Maybe use a finer grit after the 2000, like 3500. Wax and buff them like your car when all done this should bring the gloss.

[Token]

Can someone tell me why my corners didnt come out good? First off I started by sanding the surface with a 2000 grit sandpaer and then I wipe the debris off. Then I sprayed a layer of nightshades, let it dry then applied another coat. After it dried I sanded agian with the 2000 grit sandpaper and applied a coat of clearcota and let it dry. I ended up applying like 5 clear coats because the side markers wont come out glossy. Why is that? I dont know what I am doing wrong but I cant get them to shine.Can you post a couple of pics?

[lmaballa]

Can you post a couple of pics?


Yea I can tommorrow but I mean theres not much to see except for some dull black corners. Also the clear coat I was using was Duplicolor but I was reading on the back and it said something about Acyrlic Lacqneur (spell check) and I dont know if that is the right clear coat. Can anyone confirm? :pepper: :Na_Na_Na_Na: :rock:

[lmaballa]

Have to be careful with the corners when sanding. Are you wet sanding them? Maybe use a finer grit after the 2000, like 3500. Wax and buff them like your car when all done this should bring the gloss.

Nope I sure didnt wet sand. All I did was rub the 2000 grit paper on the corners. Is that were I did wrong?

[lmaballa]

Sorry for to many post ...

But from the things I mentioned about if something I did happens to be wrong and I need to start all over what is the best way to remove the clear coats and the niteshades that is currently on my corner? Alcohol? Paint thinner?

[FleshWound]

Also the clear coat I was using was Duplicolor but I was reading on the back and it said something about Acyrlic Lacqneur (spell check) and I dont know if that is the right clear coat. Can anyone confirm? :pepper: :Na_Na_Na_Na: :rock:
acrylic lacquer uses vinyl in the manufacturing process as opposed to nitrocellulose

you have the correct product for your application.

best bet is to sand down the lenses, and not use thinner as it may melt the plastic. Thinner has acetone in it and that is some powerful solvent..,

gotta let the lacquer "set up" (cure) before lightly sanding (to remove the bumps, imperfections) and applying the next coat.

[lmaballa]

acrylic lacquer uses vinyl in the manufacturing process as opposed to nitrocellulose

you have the correct product for your application.

best bet is to sand down the lenses, and not use thinner as it may melt the plastic. Thinner has acetone in it and that is some powerful solvent..,

gotta let the lacquer "set up" (cure) before lightly sanding (to remove the bumps, imperfections) and applying the next coat.

alright I appreciate it but since the product I have his correct starting over should not make a difference.

How long should I wait between clear coats? and then you said I got to let the lacquer set up cure before I sand. So does that mean I need to sand the between clear coats? Still a bit unsure of the process.

[lmaballa]

:blah: I made a post on chargerforums as to why my corners did not come out good and another memeber was having the same problem. It was very dull but it was also very humid were he was tinting his corners. But he said today that for some reason they are nice and glossy. So hopefully mine are the same. I am still in bed and im to lazy to get up.:rock:

[FleshWound]

alright I appreciate it but since the product I have his correct starting over should not make a difference.

How long should I wait between clear coats? and then you said I got to let the lacquer set up cure before I sand. So does that mean I need to sand the between clear coats? Still a bit unsure of the process.


definitely sand with 2000 grit between each layer of clear coat. It will remove any small bumps caused by air or dirt being trapped.
Sanding will also prepare the surface to receive the next coat.
drying time depends on the application and environmental conditions, check the can for curing time. should NOT be any bit tacky.

as for starting over not making any difference, if your happy with the finish on the lenses, that's all that really matters.

[spenosk8er]

dude... just go and do them dark, there are no visibility issues... I know at first it seems risky, but just take your time and theyll come out fine! :thumbs_u:

[lmaballa]

yea i been doing the same corner for a whole day ... keeps coming out dull and looking like garbage

[lmaballa]

I think the main reason why mine came out foggy is because its like 85% humidity over here and I needa let it dry up. Because this mourning it already appears to be clearing up and turning a bit glossy. Anyway let me know on that price Ernie

[spenosk8er]

^^^^ mine look nothing like that, thats what it looks like if you dont let it dry and dont clearcoat

[lmaballa]

Damn those lenses up there look like a$$ hole by nature

[402 Motoring]

Jaak I agree the Dave has done a great job on his tails. What I think Matt was trying to point out is that he followed the directions and didn't get the same results. Everyone has different skill levels and each person will obviously have a different outcome to their own DIY project.

[TehKing]

Lets try to keep this on topic, folks.

This is a Knowledge Base article. A DIY information section.

This is not the place to discuss the merits of doing it your self over purchasing a product, or vice versa. Also, this is certainly not the place to be advertising wares.

[Token]

Pics from today. How the tails look on the car.

The car was dirty, so I wiped the light off with a little detail spray to show them a little better.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b121/token44/IMG_0159.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b121/token44/IMG_0158.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b121/token44/IMG_0156.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b121/token44/IMG_0154.jpg

[Magma]

Pics from today. How the tails look on the car.

The car was dirty, so I wiped the light off with a little detail spray to show them a little better.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b121/token44/IMG_0159.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b121/token44/IMG_0158.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b121/token44/IMG_0156.jpg
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b121/token44/IMG_0154.jpg

And I saw them first hand this afternoon. Simply AMAZING work!!!!

[Jaak]

Lookin' Good Dave!

[MooNDoGGie]

Immaculate!

[dennis808]

Lookin' good! I can't seem to find anyone that will ship VHT Nightshades to Hawaii due to shipping policies. Anyone know a place that will ship here?

[Ronin]

Lets try to keep this on topic, folks.

This is a Knowledge Base article. A DIY information section.

This is not the place to discuss the merits of doing it your self over purchasing a product, or vice versa. Also, this is certainly not the place to be advertising wares.

So my posts get deleted?! I know it's a knowledge base article for DIY. I thanked and gave props to Token for posting it up, I tried it myself and had less than spectacular results. If the topic of tinted tails come up, so is Ernie/402 Motoring. Evidently, I'm not the only one that had problems doing it, but their posts are still here. Since I had the first hand ability to compare the DIY project to an alternative (Ernie/402 Motoring) I posted and commented on it. If it's such an issue to comment on it, then the thread should have been locked for viewing only after Token's original post, not cherry picking out posts (in this case, mine) for deletion and applying a double standard...

Matty

[FloridaRT]

Lookin' good! I can't seem to find anyone that will ship VHT Nightshades to Hawaii due to shipping policies. Anyone know a place that will ship here?


Sorry, VHT Nite Shades can only be shipped by GROUND, making it very hard to drive to Hawaii......

Bob

[ChattTownMagnum]

cool write up, its much appreciated and its giving me some great ideas

[BOCKO 10]

Thanks for the write up Token. And Ernie for the tips.
Never done a spray can mod on a car before this. Went with 4 coats and they are pretty dark. They say on the can to not go more than 3 coats.
Looks good and get all kinds of people looking and asking about them.
Jeremy B.
http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q31/BOCKO10/06%20Dodge%20Magnum/Magnum022.jpg

http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q31/BOCKO10/06%20Dodge%20Magnum/Magnum031.jpg

[VelocityBoy]

How do you get those lenses so smooth after painting? Even after wet 2000 grit sanding, I still get those pits from spraying the clear coat.

How long do you wait before putting them on?

Tom

[Cdn_Magnum]

How do you get those lenses so smooth after painting? Even after wet 2000 grit sanding, I still get those pits from spraying the clear coat.

How long do you wait before putting them on?

Tom

Tom... all the ones I have done for th guys here I have laid on a pretty heavy final coat of clear. (You've seen everyoe elses locally)

[VelocityBoy]

Well, actually, I never really seen it up close. Didn't really pay attention to the detail because I didn't know what to look for.

I think I might have gone a bit too dark on the lenses. Need to get higher wattage bulbs.

Tom

[Magma]

Here is some more pics of Daves work:
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c275/Magnum007/Tinted%20Tails/IMG_6579.jpg
http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c275/Magnum007/Tinted%20Tails/tails06.jpg

[BOCKO 10]

Followed Tokens writeup. Added some finner sand paper up to 4000. Wet sanding is key. I sanded in between every coat of clear.

[bguild]

Well I might be doing this on Sunday if I can find spray paint.. Thanks for the right up.

[VelocityBoy]

My question still is: How long after you spray the last clear coat before you wash and wax and put them on the car?

Cheers,

Tom

[Cdn_Magnum]

My question still is: How long after you spray the last clear coat before you wash and wax and put them on the car?

Cheers,

Tom

You can put them on immediately after they are dry. As far as washing.... np... right away.. I would wait a week or so to wax them... let the clear coat set

[VelocityBoy]

I can't seem to get rid of the "spray paint powdery look". Every time I spray the clear coat. Dust is a problem too. This thing is driving me insane. :sad:

Cheers,

Tom

[Major]

Great write up thanks!

[Xracer33]

what kind of clear is being used ? lacquer or enamel ?

[FleshWound]

what kind of clear is being used ? lacquer or enamel ?

I used Dupli-Color clear top coat, which is an acrylic lacquer.
with excellent resultshttp://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z54/FleshWound42/car0331fl.jpg

[bluesteel]

Great write up! Just the mod I always wanted.

[bluesteel]

I have never painted before and I want to try this. A few questions though.

1) How long do you let the nightshade dry before spraying the second coat of nightshades?

2) How long do you let the nightshades dry before spraying the clear coat?

3)How long do you let the clear coat dry before adding the second coat of clear?

Wet sanding is the key to great tinted tails. Thanks!!

[SKULLBOY]

I am in the process of tinting my tails and found this thread VERY helpful.:thumbs_u:

Started wet sanding with 320 Grit paper, then went to 800 grit, and a final 1000 grit sanding before spraying the Night Shades.

Everything went great during the prep.

I have one coat of Night Shades on right now and am letting it curing before wet sanding with 2000 grit before the second coat.

Wet sanding is the key.Use lots of water.

For the fellow Canadian B.C. Westcoaster who asked earlier in the thread, Lordco carries the VHT Night Shades.

SKBY.

[moonstreaker]

Something that will help your lights last longer...clear plastic primer in a spray can.

http://www.automotivetouchup.com/store/spray_paint/adhesion_promoter.aspx

[magnumman72]

I just paint my tails. I followed all the instructions everything came out fine.Just one thing, when i applied the clear coat and it dried it has left a orange peel look, not smooth as I expected. Can anybody advise me how to smooth them out. Do i have to buff them? Thanks All.

Chad:modding:

[Yates]

Wetsand with 1000,1500, grit paper then buff with polish when done they should look like glass.

[fellner593]

I bought an extra set of tails and am going to black them out next weekend.

I will be passing by summit racing in Akron, Ohio Saturday to purchase my supplies.

Questions...

1. Will one can of the VHT Nightshades and the Duplicolor Clear be sufficient to do one set of tails.

2. Is the Adhesion Promoter Clear Primer neccesary? Being that the Nightsahades are marketed as an over plastic tint solution I would think that it would have the same properties as the clear primer...no?

This is a great thread. Looking forward to giving it a try.

How much would a bodyshop charge to do this?

[MooNDoGGie]

I'm no expert (infact I know nothing about doing this) but my buddy Russ did my tails for me. I recall him telling me that he used very little of the Nightshades but used the whole can of clear and some of his own can. I hope that helps.

[Nightshade]

I'm no expert (infact I know nothing about doing this) but my buddy Russ did my tails for me. I recall him telling me that he used very little of the Nightshades but used the whole can of clear and some of his own can. I hope that helps.

Obsidian came by this evening and tinted my tails.. just a few coats of nite-shades and then a bunch of coats of clear.. the clear was put on considerably thicker than the base nite-shades coats.. the clear will be wetsanded with 2000grit sandpaper to make a mirror like finish.

The tails will look so much better on the car tinted..

[snailtek]

so, whats the total cost of this project?

[MooNDoGGie]

$20.00 tops. If you have a good friend that is good at this kind of thing.

Thanks Joe for the better explanation. Nice one!

[Nightshade]

so, whats the total cost of this project?

Cost to me was $0.00 but that's because I have some pretty awesome friends.

I know the nite-shades tint is about 20 bucks for a can.. I can imagine that you can do quite a few sets of tails with one can.. clearcoat is likely 10 bucks a can and can do more than one set with that.. clearcoat is cool, the more you put on the more protection it provides.. I think we put at least 4 coats of clear on.. you want lots on there so when you wetsand it, you are just evening things out a bit and not cutting all the way down to the basecoat again.

20 bucks to do a set of tails is pretty accurate, but if you have to go buy everything outright, you will be paying a bit more.. but the second set will be nearly free.. :)

[54chris]

Im practicing on my trucks old headlights i had laying around. So far so good my advice is to do VERY LIGHT passes of nightshade. I should be doing the tails on my charger next week.:mrgreen:

[MidnightSXT]

I just ordered a set of LED altezza tails for my magnum, the red lens ones with the clear openings for backup and turn. Once I get them I also wanna try to do a 2 stage tint. I found an old tail light for an early 90`s f-150 in my shed, this will be my practice lens. Skullboy, any hassles from Canadas finest in your neck of BC for dark tails? I think cops are a little more anal about that stuff in your area than they are in the north.

[ICEChargerRT]

Just wanted to Thank Token for this how-to, I did my cars tails and they came out pretty good plus I saved a bundle of money. One thing I did different was after the first sanding I sprayed two thin coats of a clear paint adhesion spray/primer on the plastic to make the tint paint hold better. I bought it at a auto body supply store its used to make paint stick better to plastic.

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee281/ICEchargerRT/Tails008002.jpg
http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee281/ICEchargerRT/Tails008003.jpg

[MooNDoGGie]

Just wanted to Thank Token for this how-to, I did my cars tails and they came out pretty good plus I saved a bundle of money. One thing I did different was after the first sanding I sprayed two thin coats of a clear paint adhesion spray/primer on the plastic to make the tint paint hold better. I bought it at a auto body supply store its used to make paint stick better to plastic.

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee281/ICEchargerRT/Tails008002.jpg
http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee281/ICEchargerRT/Tails008003.jpg

That looks wicked! Nice job. Those look better than Token's. :Na_Na_Na_Na:

Seriously though. You should remove that "CHARGER" badge and "rams head" That would set it off nice.

[RossE]

Now you just need to do the third brake light. Once you remove the fasteners, press the light pretty firmly to remove. There is a gasket that seals it to the trunk lid.

[ICEChargerRT]

That looks wicked! Nice job. Those look better than Token's. :Na_Na_Na_Na:

Seriously though. You should remove that "CHARGER" badge and "rams head" That would set it off nice.

Thanks for the thumbs up. I'm happy with the way it came out, fairly easy mod that saved me a few hundred bucks versus having them done by a pro.

MoonDoGGie - I'm gonna keep the Charger badge for now, but 86'ing the front and rear rams head emblems for BT custom emblems.

RossE - I'm planning on doing the third brake light, thanks for the info on how to take it off.

[Token]

Just wanted to Thank Token for this how-to, I did my cars tails and they came out pretty good plus I saved a bundle of money. One thing I did different was after the first sanding I sprayed two thin coats of a clear paint adhesion spray/primer on the plastic to make the tint paint hold better. I bought it at a auto body supply store its used to make paint stick better to plastic.

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee281/ICEchargerRT/Tails008002.jpg
http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee281/ICEchargerRT/Tails008003.jpgGlad the info was able to beput to good use. They do look awesome tinted.

[TheRedMonkey]

I gave it a shot tonight. I think I've OBVIOUSLY oversanded after I laid my first coat of nightshades! I had some running of the paint, and I think I've proven to myself that I suck at painting. I'll try to sand ever so lightly tomorrow morning and lay another coat. I hope I don't screw it up! TABARNAC!!!


IF its running you may be putting too much paint down. Read the directions on the can and do light even coats at the recommended distance. It takes a few to get em dark so don't try to throw too much down at one time.

[71bigblock]

Very cool guys, I love it. If I get one someday this is definitely in the works. :beerchug:

[davidadavila]

has anyone tried just using window tint think that would be much easier, plus if you mess up you can easyly take it out?

[BrlntBlackSE]

has anyone tried just using window tint think that would be much easier, plus if you mess up you can easyly take it out?

But window tint won't wrap around the lens and the car wash wouldnt do it any favors. They do make a film that you can wrap them with. Its easier to stretch over the edges and curves. But painting them is IMO the best look.

[RT722]

I did my first coat of vht this morning and want to know how long I should wait to do the next coat.

[Bizzle]

At least a couple an hour and a half. Make sure u wet sand between each coat. Buff and polish when done to give it that glassy look.

[jimvinny]

Well, my attempt at this mod was going great, until halfway through the third coat of nightshades, when the can blew its top (literally). So i proceeded to blow my top (figuratively), as I now had to sand them back down to bare plastic, since the explosion of spray left a lot of splatter all over me and the taillights. Oh well, back to auto value, for a new can, on them!

[Sevenernine]

Yeah, I had some problems too with my can fizzing out halfway through spraying. It was my fault because I couldn't paint perpendicular to the ground. I ended up, after my 3rd coat of VHT, actually sanding it a little too much, and as a result lost some of my darkness. I'm going to have to stop trying to go for perfection though - I'm on my 5th coat of clearcoat. Eek!


After this one drys though, that's it, unless there's a lot of dust in it.


What is the procedure for buffing them? Do I need a buffer? I don't have one.

[Sevenernine]

Here's how mine turned out. There are a few runs here and there, but for 20 bucks and a good days worth of fun(lol) I can't be mad about it.


http://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik=6f6720ac9a&view=att&th=1201be32df2e9677&attid=0.1&disp=thd&zwhttp://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik=6f6720ac9a&view=att&th=1201be32df2e9677&attid=0.2&disp=thd&zwhttp://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik=6f6720ac9a&view=att&th=1201be32df2e9677&attid=0.5&disp=thd&zw

[# 1070 torred]

pics not showing up

[Simans82]

Knocked mine out last week. Nice DIY thread! Thanks to all who contributed their ideas. :thumbs_u:

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k120/Simans82/SRT8/DSC03326.jpg

[Former GT]

has anyone tried that adhesion promoter / plastic primer? Im trying to avoid having any problems with peeling or flaking later on.

[Token]

Never tried it, but mine are still on my car. They have been trough 2 Canadian winters, and 2ummers of scorching heat.

Still look just like the day I did them. :)

[V8Mag]

I did mine about a month ago, I love the look of them

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d12/V6cam/Magnum/SNV11716.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d12/V6cam/Magnum/SNV11717.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d12/V6cam/Magnum/SNV11718.jpg

[alexcharger07]

great write up thanks

[YESITSAWAGON]

Has anyone done this with there headlights, just a very light coat of it?

[CEV]

I will be giving this a shot sometime this summer. I have never wet sanded before. Anyone have any suggestions or tips on this process for someone that has never done it before?

[Token]

I will be giving this a shot sometime this summer. I have never wet sanded before. Anyone have any suggestions or tips on this process for someone that has never done it before?Do it by hand, use lots of water, and keep a towel handy to dry off the pieces and check your work as you go.
Most importantly, take your time. If you rush it will almost always turn out bad.

[alexcharger07]

agreed

[maniac6541]

Just did mine they are drying now and getting ready for the clear coat

[smitti69]

Okay did Mine one light came out good but had a run on the other side all the way accross to get the run out what is the best way to do it the run happened on the third coat of VHT ??

[Steve HR Hooligan]

Sandpaper

[smitti69]

So will I need to lay another coat of VHT down after sanding to get a better result, someone said you lose some of the darkness after sanding

[smitti69]

Sanding is definitly the key used the 1500 grit and took all the defects out cleaned realy good shot another coat of night shades allowed to set up over night , sanded again with the 2000 and just shot my first coat of clear , biggest thing doing this is just take your time sanding ,and spray thin coats, I will post some pics tomorrow

[smitti69]

All done !!
http://i731.photobucket.com/albums/ww311/smitti_69/Tint009.jpg
http://i731.photobucket.com/albums/ww311/smitti_69/Tint010-2.jpg
http://i731.photobucket.com/albums/ww311/smitti_69/Tint008-1.jpg

[fireman2118]

Nice! You going to polish them?

[infernocharger07]

Here are mine, Still needs rubbing compound and a Polish....I may throw a 3rd clear for more glossiness and added protection. I also did the side-Markers. Thanks for this write -Up!! Without this I would have paid Quadruple than what the part actually cost. Rep points for that!!
Here are my pics..

Installed Markers- 2 diff. shades for a deciding Factor for My Tails.
Lighter
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2426/3564293053_18d869e2a5.jpg?v=0
Darker
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3582/3565110852_fa236a800c.jpg?v=0

Tails
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3382/3568112119_602bcf0e93.jpg?v=0
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3344/3568923782_1f8c61f343.jpg?v=0
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3354/3568924138_c187846e34.jpg?v=0
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2421/3568923980_86e86e5dcc.jpg?v=0

Just a video of me testing my tinted tails
ynaOqb1B_Os

[QwickSilverC]

just got my 1st coat of VHT sprayed. Got one small run can spit, I'll sand it out and put 2nd coat on tomm and start clear. I did use a small flashlight in the bulb socket to make cutting out the outline of the clear easier.

[smitti69]

Nice! You going to polish them?


I thinks I will put another coat of clear and then polish for the glass look ,going to a meet on the weekend and a guy is bring a can of clear to show me what he used said it comes out nice and shiney . But then two mabey I did not polish enough and when I was doing it I couldn't find the info on the polishing step's so if you have any info on the polish end I am all ears

[Obsidian]

I thinks I will put another coat of clear and then polish for the glass look ,going to a meet on the weekend and a guy is bring a can of clear to show me what he used said it comes out nice and shiney . But then two mabey I did not polish enough and when I was doing it I couldn't find the info on the polishing step's so if you have any info on the polish end I am all ears

Wetsand with 2000 grit and machine/hand polish to a shine.
I use Optimum compound, followed by NXT wax to get a high gloss finish.
Here is a one I just finished..

[TMB]http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o290/NPSHSS/Jayt%20tails/Picture002-1.jpg[TMB]

[Token]

Wetsand with 2000 grit and machine/hand polish to a shine.
I use Optimum compound, followed by NXT wax to get a high gloss finish.
Here is a one I just finished..

[TMB]http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o290/NPSHSS/Jayt%20tails/Picture002-1.jpg[TMB]Nice job Hassan... You're really getting the hang of this. ;)

[QwickSilverC]

hey thanks for the polishing info as well. I got 2 coats of VHT and 4 coats of clear now I just need to polish them which I will do next week to get that glass look. So i wet sanded today and started to machine polish with maguires ultimate compound and they are looking great and will top off the wax when done.

[smitti69]

Wetsand with 2000 grit and machine/hand polish to a shine.
I use Optimum compound, followed by NXT wax to get a high gloss finish.
Here is a one I just finished..

[TMB]http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o290/NPSHSS/Jayt%20tails/Picture002-1.jpg[TMB]


Nice !! :thumbs_u::thumbs_u:

[Sevenernine]

I posted a while back, but I did my pics wrong. Here they are:

http://i718.photobucket.com/albums/ww186/Sevenernine/IMAG0030.jpghttp://i718.photobucket.com/albums/ww186/Sevenernine/IMAG0031.jpg


They're starting to fade a bit, so I think I'm gonna sand them back down, and do kinda like I did the first time, but with thinner stripes.

[billster]

Just wanted to thank Token for this How-To. I used it awhile back before joining the LX. Heres my corners Im pretty proud of...
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m14/billsterbob/DSC09873.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m14/billsterbob/DSC09874.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m14/billsterbob/DSC09879-1.jpg

These are on the wifes ride now. Will color match here soon...
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m14/billsterbob/DSC09678.jpg

[LaMag]

Quick question..I tinted mine a few weeks ago and i used a satin clear(dumb me). What grit can i use to sand them back down and put 1 more coat of VHT and reclear them using my gun?

[ToddStone]

Thanks for posting. This will be a project for me in the near future.

[chargeragain]

Just wanted to thank Token for this How-To. I used it awhile back before joining the LX. Heres my corners Im pretty proud of...






These are on the wifes ride now. Will color match here soon...
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m14/billsterbob/DSC09678.jpg

You did such a good job finishing those pieces :thumbs_u:, now the factory finish stands out like a sore thumb. :doh::wink:

[BennyG85]

I just have one question regarding the clear coat.

I bought the Dupli-Color crystal clear stuff that says Acrylic Enamel. Is this the right stuff or should I have gotten the acrylic lacquer.

Thanks for the help.

edit: Got my answer. Heading out to buy the lacquer tomorrow morning.

[FLYSRT8]

Just wanted to thank Token for this How-To. I used it awhile back before joining the LX. Heres my corners Im pretty proud of...
http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m14/billsterbob/DSC09873.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m14/billsterbob/DSC09874.jpg

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m14/billsterbob/DSC09879-1.jpg

These are on the wifes ride now. Will color match here soon...


those sides look good!