Tinted tail lights
- Thread starter Zadams31
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RUN-4-LIFE
New member
There is a reason why it maybe illegal. The most annoying thing ever. Had a Miata in front of me with tints so dark you could barely see them brake, frustration was real.
NinjaOne
New member
It has been done, but please don't. Like RUN-4-Life said, it is super frustrating almost running somebody over, especially in the fog or when you have the sun in yours eyes and can't tell if they are braking or not. Legal status would depend on the state, in WA it is legal long as they are viable from 75? feet.
There are darkened brake housings available that are safer than tinting the brake lights.
mavrick1903
New member
You want to make it harder for people to see you brake? So when the sun is in the wrong direction it's easier for you to be rear ended? And if tinted, it should be considered your fault?
Awesome idea.
Awesome idea.
4thgenblake
New member
I really want to do this someday, so this response will be in your favor. Since everything on my runner is murdered out, why not?! But a few key points.. this shit is risky as hell. You have your fair share of good drivers and bad drivers. Even good drivers that just may not be paying attention and rear end you because they are too dark. So obviously gotta watch it there. I have been considering this though whenever the anarchist in me comes out and will be using a temporary tint like smoked plasti-dip. I don't want it permanent just incase I do want it off or if I would like to modify it, depending on my preference. I will go ahead and recommend that you install upgraded brake LED's first, and even a brake light strip if it concerns you. But do pay attention to the area you live in, your laws, and a method of tinting.
If you do decide to do this, lemme know! I am very interested in a project like this and I know it'll come around to me someday. Good luck!
If you do decide to do this, lemme know! I am very interested in a project like this and I know it'll come around to me someday. Good luck!
BlackWorksInc
New member
Eh, this is one of those things where it's like "just because you can, you shouldn't." I like my new '06~'09 tail lamps and they are very bright red, so the thought of "smoking" them did cross my mind for a brief moment. But you have to keep in mind that the tail lamps are meant to help driver's behind you understand what you are doing and where your vehicle is. I've been behind plenty of poorly "Murdered Out" vehicles and they may as well just painted their lamps flat black for all the good the "Murdered Out" look did. Not to mention I wouldn't have had a drop of sympathy had I "accidentally" relocated their trunk up their arse since I couldn't tell if they were stopping, signalling, or jacking off in the front seat.
That being said, you probably could get away with "smoking" or tinting the lenses a couple shades darker without issue. I would probably get a couple sheets of varying tint and apply them to the taillamps to decide what you think looks best vs. functions best before getting too deep into this (also upgrading to LED tail lamps would be good as well if you're going to do this to counter-act the tint).
This is probably as dark as I'd recommend going since most LEDs will shine pretty well through this tint:
Absolutely idiotic and might as well just paint them solid black:
That being said, you probably could get away with "smoking" or tinting the lenses a couple shades darker without issue. I would probably get a couple sheets of varying tint and apply them to the taillamps to decide what you think looks best vs. functions best before getting too deep into this (also upgrading to LED tail lamps would be good as well if you're going to do this to counter-act the tint).
This is probably as dark as I'd recommend going since most LEDs will shine pretty well through this tint:
Absolutely idiotic and might as well just paint them solid black:
Then you get folks who just don't give a rats ass and see the opportunity to slam into you because of said tinted out brake lights and guess what will win that hefty lawsuit all because the cool factor was more important then that actual safety feature of those said tail lights.
4gin007
New member
Guys its not all that bad like your making it out to be. Yes there are some people that take it to far but here you can clearly see (all though the truck is dirty) all three of the lens covers for the rear of my truck have been tinted. The spoiler and bumper reflector have three coats of transparent black and the tail lights have two coats. I sprayed them with transparent Axalta black paint and clear coated them. Never had a problem. If you want to do it than do it, just be aware of what the others have warned and keep it minimal.
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CAMELPRO
New member
The trick is to go heavier in the spots where there is no light output (outside edge, between bulbs, etc.) to achieve the shadow effect. Mine looked very dark when not on, but in the daylight, they looked more like a smoked red. LEDs and thin layers strategically applied are the only way to do it right IMO. :thumb:
My previous T4R -->
My previous T4R -->
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SO they look clear i don't really see a tint to them so what exactly is the point then? I don't think there is really anything that can be said justifying tinting two lights that are the only thing keeping one from taking one up the ass from another car or truck.
SO you tinted it, it looks clear then why bother if there wasn't a change? or you tint them to dark and still whats the point. to each is there own i guess. Honestly i think this is a mod that is done because its winter and people are bored as hell.
IMO there are to many cons for anyone to do this. No one walks up to a car and say DAMMMMMM those are badass tail lights. Then again i look at it another reason to be pulled over which i don't have time for. Cool kid factor vs safety.
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mavrick1903
New member
I have smoked LED on my Harley. The rear has four total lights that come on when the brakes are applied, and an additional flash sequence is in effect for the first 5 seconds of application for three of the lights. The lenses are smoked and the color itself comes from the LEDs. They are great, but do still end up a little dim in certain lighting conditions (heading into a low sun, or with the sun shining directly into the lights). It's why I added the fourth light up high on the top hard bag.
I'm just trying to express why this may not be a great idea. If you want to dim things down for cool factor (my HD is all black. only color comes from the smoked lights) I get that. But you might consider finding a way to add some extra lights that would help emphasise your signals when applied. An LED strip somewhere or something.
I'm just trying to express why this may not be a great idea. If you want to dim things down for cool factor (my HD is all black. only color comes from the smoked lights) I get that. But you might consider finding a way to add some extra lights that would help emphasise your signals when applied. An LED strip somewhere or something.
WI_4Runner
New member
Please don't tint them - smoke them. AKA a very light tint.
so maybe a 35% tint or a little lighter. The shop close to me has 20 and 35%
WI_4Runner
New member
Just ask them to see some examples of their work. Every tint shop I've been in has pictures, if not, find another shop that does so you can at minimum see what you're expecting.
The black out to me looks cheap a la a high school kid blacking out his Honda Civic, but a light smoke is a cleaner/less ricey look.
Urbanrunner716
New member
earthrealm
Senior Member
2 coats of vht niteshades, you should be good.
you may try 1 coat and see how it plays out first
you may try 1 coat and see how it plays out first
CAMELPRO
New member
If you're going with actual tint I'd stick with the lighter of the two.
With VHT you can control how dark it is in different areas as I mentioned earlier.
