today I smoked out my tail lights and took enough pictures to do a "how to". this is a very simple modification that costs less than $10. all you need is a flat tip screw driver, a ratchet and 10mm socket, and tint spray.

this is the tint spray i bought from a local auto parts store

the first thing to do is to remove the covers inside the rear hatch:
this is where you'll need the screw driver, or long finger nails.


then locate the backside of the lamps. first remove the bulbs from the lamp, they just simply twist and pull out. be carefull with the bulbs(fragile!). 3 10mm nuts hold each lamp in place. in my car they were only hand tightened from the factory. but if they are tighter, a ratchet and 10mm socket will make it effortless.


this is what comes out of the inside car:


and the lamps come off from outside

looks cool without


then i set up the lamps and sprayed the tint just like paint. about 10 inches away with nice strokes. you dont want any runs and it must go on evenly to look good. the directions said it should be dry enough to handle in 20 minutes, and dry to the touch in an hour. i only used 2 coats and ended up with this:


after about 45 minutes i put the lamps back in(just reverse of steps to take apart)

 

Looks good but they don't play down here in Georgia with tinted items...windows, plate covers, and lights. How bright are the lights?

 

You can go the extra mile and do what I did as well...

After the "tint" has dryed...apply about 4-5 coats of clear. Let the clear dry. Then wetsand with 2000 grit sandpaper. Then...with my angle buffer (if you have one) buff them with compound (I used 3M Perfect It). And the finished product....:

 

[QUOTE=KissMy08SS;628336]You can go the extra mile and do what I did as well...

After the "tint" has dryed...apply about 4-5 coats of clear. Let the clear dry. Then wetsand with 2000 grit sandpaper. Then...with mine angle buffer (if you have one) buff them with compound (I used 3M Perfect It). And the finished product..[QUOTE]

thats pretty sweet. i didnt even think of that.

they are still pretty bright when there lit.... i have to upload a picture.

 

Or u can be lazy like me. Looks good badass, kissmy some one ran off with your wiper arm dude.

 

What can you do if you tint them a little too dark?

 

you have to use paint thinner and clear them 100% off and start from the beginning. if they have cured, itll be a pain in the rear

 

Thanks! False alarm though. I dropped one of the tails as I was about to reinstall them and busted one of the bulbs. I ended up picking up a set a silverstars and they seemed to have compesated for going a little too dark. Great guide. It was really easy to follow and complete the job. I'm looking forward to giving 'er a good wash this week and posting some pics.

 

no problem....I know (as some have mentioned) the cops dont always like these. i would make sure they are still bright enough...

 

The Texas DPS just sent a note to all state inspection stations stating that any vehicle with anything on the factory lens are to be rejected. They are going to be sending "bait cars" to stations to verify they are complying with state laws on tinted/painted/taped lens.