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DIY Smoked (tail, bumper, side) lights?

Posted: April 6th, 2009, 12:47 am
by Thassodar
I DID search for it.

Is there a do-it-yourself solution for smoking lights on your car? I read about some people putting black vinyl on the inside of their tail lights or something to get the smoked look, but how would you accomplish something like that for the side markers or the bumper lights? Doesn't really seem so plausible.

I ask because http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayI ... &viewitem=" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; <---- this guy is overcharging for them (with NO BULBS) so I was considering getting the clear ones cheaper (WITH BULBS) and attempting to "smoke" them myself. I have no idea how it could be done, so any suggestions would be appreciated.

That listing for the bumper lights is about to expire, he'll probably repost them so just search for MX-3 Smoke Bumper and you should find them.

Re: DIY Smoked (tail, bumper, side) lights?

Posted: April 6th, 2009, 1:21 am
by projectzemx3
you already have bulbs.

Re: DIY Smoked (tail, bumper, side) lights?

Posted: April 6th, 2009, 2:13 am
by Thassodar
But, correct me if I'm wrong, aren't the bulbs orange?

Re: DIY Smoked (tail, bumper, side) lights?

Posted: April 6th, 2009, 2:19 am
by tehbrookzorz
Stock bulbs are clear, he needs amber bulbs to remain legal. I have clear LEDs that glow amber behind my clear lenses.

I think I've heard of a tinting spray that some people use on their brake light lenses. Perhaps check a parts store or speed shop for it. I've never tried it, so I can't tell you how well it would work.

Re: DIY Smoked (tail, bumper, side) lights?

Posted: April 6th, 2009, 4:48 am
by SmoothMX3
Go to your local hobby shop. Get the black candy paint for model cars.
Buy a cheap air brush kit... They sale them at places like wal-mart. Spray on my friend.

Re: DIY Smoked (tail, bumper, side) lights?

Posted: April 6th, 2009, 6:33 am
by hotsiit
I used a product called VHT nightshades way back in the day. Around ~$10.00 a can on eBay.
:)

Re: DIY Smoked (tail, bumper, side) lights?

Posted: April 6th, 2009, 8:13 am
by fowljesse
Yeah, I used VHT about 4 years ago, and they still look great. If you go to a hobby shop, get "Pactra Racing Finish" spray for RC cars.

Re: DIY Smoked (tail, bumper, side) lights?

Posted: April 6th, 2009, 6:26 pm
by 93vtecklr
Definately VHT, looks awesome with a couple LIGHT coats, and illuminates thru so u still see brake lights during the day.

Re: DIY Smoked (tail, bumper, side) lights?

Posted: April 9th, 2009, 10:33 am
by Thassodar
So I went to the local hobby shop and bought some RC Car spray-on tint. Precco or something like that. I sprayed it on the stock orange ones for now until I grab the clear ones. Not a bad job, here are some pics:
(the hood is temporary, I DID NOT do the decals, they were on it when I bought it)

Side marker without bumper marker in:

Image

Bumper marker with about 3 coats:

Image


Bumper markers with the YELLOW BEAST in the backround:

Image

Side marker before putting on:

Image


I'm about to paint the car really close to steel gray, so I left the rear bumper marks red. I think someone said I had to anyways cause it's illegal to tint them or something. I think it'll look nice.

Re: DIY Smoked (tail, bumper, side) lights?

Posted: April 9th, 2009, 11:19 am
by colinsmx3
tehbrookzorz wrote:Stock bulbs are clear, he needs amber bulbs to remain legal. I have clear LEDs that glow amber behind my clear lenses.
White or Amber in the front to remail legal.

Red in the rear to remain legal.

I love my Police edition modification book!

Had a cop the other week try and tell me smooked tail were illegal..... Then I am thinking hmmm new chargers come smoked and new trail blazers come smoked! Then after reading, the book clearlly states you can not smoke the FRONT headlights, rears are ok.
He let me go before I had to pull the book out. :love:

Re: DIY Smoked (tail, bumper, side) lights?

Posted: April 9th, 2009, 5:36 pm
by _-Night-Shade-_
Lol, you and your book.

Re: DIY Smoked (tail, bumper, side) lights?

Posted: April 10th, 2009, 7:57 am
by colinsmx3
My book saves my a-- all the time!! Can get me out of tickets and make the cop look like a homo at the same time! Thats only if they start being a d---!

Re: DIY Smoked (tail, bumper, side) lights?

Posted: April 12th, 2009, 3:33 am
by CrimsonReign1
do you know what the laws for smoked lights are in BC? do you have to wet sand and clear coat the VHT?

Re: DIY Smoked (tail, bumper, side) lights?

Posted: April 12th, 2009, 2:37 pm
by 93vtecklr
Nope, VHT is a one stage deal. But do light coats, cuz runs suck.

Re: DIY Smoked (tail, bumper, side) lights?

Posted: April 12th, 2009, 3:57 pm
by _-Night-Shade-_
I'd like to see how it looks with the turn signal on. Cause it looks like you overdid it and no light can shine through lol