Anyone use film to black out tail lights?

[Charlievee]

I'm trying to make my TuRD less "blingie". Blacked out the roof rack, front and rear bumper plastic things, pulled the TRD off road emblems but now the tail lights have to much chrome/grey on them. Can a film be used to darken them up? The lower half does not bother me, just the top with the "bling". I found this https://www.rvinyl.com/2018664176.html has anyone used it or items like it?

 

[Cndnmax]

Sure... if you want to drastically reduce visibility of your indicators to other drivers behind you, go ahead.

Some states are pickier than others, and it may still be illegal to tint your taillights, even if the red reflector portion isnt covered.

But your truck....

Plus of u get rear ended they can claim the brake lights were not visible and you will be found at fault.

 

[Charlievee]

Im not looking to black it out or opinions on doing so. Just how does the film work. I understand all the hipster do what your told nonsense. Just want to know who, how the tail lights can be covered with film. Again just looking to cover the silver/ chrome on the top, witch looks to me is just reverse lights. Thank you for the useless responses though.

 

[Cndnmax]

Im not looking to black it out or opinions on doing so. Just how does the film work. I understand all the hipster do what your told nonsense. Just want to know who, how the tail lights can be covered with film. Again just looking to cover the silver/ chrome on the top, witch looks to me is just reverse lights. Thank you for the useless responses though.

That would be your turn signals. You could just use tint spray and do just the top part but that will probably look really odd.

 

[Jarheadoo7]

This is easy. Pop them out. Put them in the oven for about 15 minutes at 230 degrees and pop them open. Spray the chrome with oven cleaner. Rinse off plastic chrome. Spray with black paint. Reassemble, pop them back in...enjoy

 

[Jemplyr77]

I would be cautious using any type of film as it could contribute to heat buildup and potentially warp the lens over time.

 

[Hammit]

I am a certified graphics installer, while I've never used film to cover tail lights I don't see any reason it wouldnt give you the results your looking for.

Personally if I wanted to do this I would check eBay for a film that comes on a roll it will be way cheaper and any mistakes you make will be less costly as you won't chance ruining a custom cut peice that you only have one of.

Hope that helps!

 

[graysquirrel]

You might want to look into the rear light assembly for the new Limited Nightshade option. Someone on here posted a link from a Canadian dealer that got one in and did a walk around and from what I recall they were not having chrome on it but a blackened chrome. I think it also included the front and rear lights.

That could give you the look you are wanting, look factory installed and not worry about possibly affecting rear visibility of your brake lights.

 

[zonzin]

Plus of u get rear ended they can claim the brake lights were not visible and you will be found at fault.

This.


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[Charlievee]

Just would like to know if it's possible, considering the plethora of angles on the tail lights.

 

[Charlievee]

You might want to look into the rear light assembly for the new Limited Nightshade option. Someone on here posted a link from a Canadian dealer that got one in and did a walk around and from what I recall they were not having chrome on it but a blackened chrome. I think it also included the front and rear lights.

That could give you the look you are wanting, look factory installed and not worry about possibly affecting rear visibility of your brake lights.

I will look into it thank you. Tail lights look the same, but I will keep my eye out for the black chrome badging for the hatchback.

 

[Decipher]

You could very easily apply a transparent, tinted film over the tails. Look around. There are a ton of film options for this exact application and you can pick the level of tint you’d prefer. I bought a used WRX that had a heavy weight, light tint film on the headlights and tails. I removed the headlight tint and kept the tails since the LEDs were plenty bright.

Can it be done? Yes. Anything can. I know there are a lot of angles but take your time and you can make it look good.

I understand everyone else weighing in on whether or not you should. You’re an adult so you understand the pros and cons.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[supratt]

Yet another thread allowing people who modify their trucks with lifted suspension and over-sized tires to preach about the safety issues associated with tinting tail lights. Likely the same people that go out mudding before hitting the road with an inch of mud covering the tails, headlights and windows.

 

[<<<<]

Someone mentioned Nightshade Edition having dark taillights. Only on concept show vehicle. Production Nightshade has same tails as any other 4 Runner.

 

[97BlackAckCL]

I've had vinyl tint on my Acura tail lights for almost 15 years and they've held up great. I've only seen tinted tails on a 5th gen once and it looks great. I'd love to see someone do this with the film you posted.

Pretty sure these were done with nightshade, but these are the only tinted tails I've seen on a 5th gen

FWIW I just did my mirror turn signals with nightshade, they're drying now, can't wait to see how they turn out

 

[Charlievee]

That's a bit darker then I would like, but looks good.

 

[eHaze]

layer on as much as you want to achieve the desired darkness.

you can buy niteshaes at autozone or amazon.


How-To Clear Coat Over VHT Nightshades:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLlw7z2PqgY

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[Whippersnapper02]

I tint my taillights so they work less.

 

[fourrunnerbill]

Bad idea

No thanks I don't want to risk getting rear ended. Consider many elderly don't see very well to boot especially at night.