tinted my tails
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,612
Likes: 2
From: Dunwoody, GA
Looks good. Can you snap some shots with the park & brake lights on? I'd like to tint my taillights but I don't want to sacrifice too much light output and aftermarket LED taillights aren't really an option as I have strobe lights in my taillights.
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 6,245
Likes: 1
From: IL, USA
Riggz,
Key is the amount of tint you apply......the more you use, the more you cut down on your light output.
My first time (8 coats?):
Severely cut down the light output.....
Now (3 coats or so):
Much easier to see the lights and in the sunlight you can still see the red of the lens.
Key is the amount of tint you apply......the more you use, the more you cut down on your light output.
My first time (8 coats?):
Severely cut down the light output.....
Now (3 coats or so):
Much easier to see the lights and in the sunlight you can still see the red of the lens.
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 6,245
Likes: 1
From: IL, USA
It's spray tint.
The Original poster used VHT Niteshades, I used model tint from Hobby Lobby. The key is a good clear over the tint, IMO.
I've had my tails tinted for close to 2yrs now, still look exactly the same as when they were done.
The Original poster used VHT Niteshades, I used model tint from Hobby Lobby. The key is a good clear over the tint, IMO.
I've had my tails tinted for close to 2yrs now, still look exactly the same as when they were done.
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 6,245
Likes: 1
From: IL, USA
I don't remember off hand.....but I believe $3-5 for a 3.0 oz spray can.
"Transparent Black Window Tint" from the model car section of Hobby Lobby
"Transparent Black Window Tint" from the model car section of Hobby Lobby
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 202
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From: So Cal
Here is how mine turned out .. I also tinted the turn signals on the TT mirrors
DCSpecial: your truck looks bad ***!!
-Junior
DCSpecial: your truck looks bad ***!!
-Junior
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 366
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From: Fredericksburg, VA
I know you guys won't like this, but if you are ever involved in an accident, even hit from the rear, the insurance company and the courts will hold you at least partially liable. You have cut down on the light output; the manufacturers must meet some minimum standard set by the federal government. Tail and brake lights are nice things to have, I don't understand why you would want to reduce the visible light, just to be 'cool'.
I notice that one of the photos above show Illinois plates; that is where I retired from a career in law enforcement, including at one time being Watch Commander of the Traffic Division. Don't flame me, but just remember when you get a ticket...
I notice that one of the photos above show Illinois plates; that is where I retired from a career in law enforcement, including at one time being Watch Commander of the Traffic Division. Don't flame me, but just remember when you get a ticket...
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 86
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Thats when you keep cleaner in your truck that will take it off and after they hit you just run out there and wipe it off. Plus I feel bad for the car that doesn't see my big a$$ truck stopping. You could even get one of those cool led strips to go under your tailgate to illuminate it more.. lol
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Junior User
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: georgia
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 6,245
Likes: 1
From: IL, USA
Originally Posted by WhiteEx
I know you guys won't like this, but if you are ever involved in an accident, even hit from the rear, the insurance company and the courts will hold you at least partially liable. You have cut down on the light output; the manufacturers must meet some minimum standard set by the federal government. Tail and brake lights are nice things to have, I don't understand why you would want to reduce the visible light, just to be 'cool'.
I notice that one of the photos above show Illinois plates; that is where I retired from a career in law enforcement, including at one time being Watch Commander of the Traffic Division. Don't flame me, but just remember when you get a ticket...
I notice that one of the photos above show Illinois plates; that is where I retired from a career in law enforcement, including at one time being Watch Commander of the Traffic Division. Don't flame me, but just remember when you get a ticket...
I did have a county sheriff mention my tail lights to me when they were as dark as the first picture (with the chrome bumper and black exhaust). He was at a gas station when I stopped in to fill up. He waited for me to come out to go over a few things he noticed about my truck.
That's why they aren't nearly that dark now. They don't really cut down on light output any more. They are basically just a darker red:
Parking lights, turns, brakes, are just as easily visible in the daylight as they were stock.
And those LED brake lights (60" strip under the tailgate) are super bright.
On a related note, there is a high $$$ Chevy show truck around here with this stock tail lights shaved and his only brake light/running lights/turn signals in the rear is the LED strip under his tailgate. Now, I could see cops having a huge problem with that.
