Smoked/Blacked out Lenses

[wancosc356]

I know there is write up or two of how to do it yourself. I am curious if any aftermarket companies sell them as a smoked or blacked out lens?

If not, maybe some one can tell me if it is better to smoke/black out the clear lenses or colored lenses? Pics of both would be great if anyone has any.

Also, I know the lenses have grooves and ridges on them....are they on the inside or outside of the lens?

I don't want this thread to turn into legalities and arguments about what is legal or illegal or safe. Just trying to get some ideas on what I want. Thanks guys.

[kev2809]

not specifically for our tail lights, but a good how to. another method ive seen is sanding them down, then shooting a light coat of actual black paint, then a few cloats of clear. im tempted to try the nightshades method, it looks too easy.

http://www.350z-tech.com/zwiki/Tutor...ing_Taillights

[wancosc356]

Originally Posted by kev2809

not specifically for our tail lights, but a good how to. another method ive seen is sanding them down, then shooting a light coat of actual black paint, then a few cloats of clear. im tempted to try the nightshades method, it looks too easy.

http://www.350z-tech.com/zwiki/Tutor...ing_Taillights

Cool write up. That looks pretty good. I know there are a few ways to do it.

[vegaschevy]

Im surprised with as simple as our lenses are that no one is making smoked lenses.

[wancosc356]

Originally Posted by vegaschevy

Im surprised with as simple as our lenses are that no one is making smoked lenses.

I hear that. Ill let you jump on the business venture and start making them. I'll be your first customer.

[vegaschevy]

Originally Posted by wancosc356

I hear that. Ill let you jump on the business venture and start making them. I'll be your first customer.

Hell, I have no idea where to start with making lenses china? HAHAHAHA

[wancosc356]

Originally Posted by vegaschevy

Hell, I have no idea where to start with making lenses china? HAHAHAHA

That's right! Haha. BUT...if you make them in the USA, Ill pay you double what they would be if you made them in China.

[FRENCHBLUE72]

Back in the day vht had sprayable tint that you could use to darken your lenses..

[Mordachai]

^ funny I was going to suggest the VHT. it works really well, you can keep making it darker with more and more coats if you want!

[Longhorn Man]

VHT nightshades... good stuff. You can still get it at Jegs
http://www.jegs.com/i/VHT/322/SP999/10002/-1

I did the front turn signal lenses on the burb, the lenses disappear when the lights are off. I want to do the side markers, but probably won't.

[1LoC10]

I used DupliColor Metal cast on all the lights on my 06
http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=311754

[1LoC10]

and I used Blue MetalCast for the tails, been over a year and still shiny

[kev2809]

Originally Posted by FRENCHBLUE72

Back in the day vht had sprayable tint that you could use to darken your lenses..

thats what they used in the write up i posted. ive heard the paint clearcoat method holds up better, but it sure is pricey. i think i will do what longhorn man did, i love the look of the tinted turn signals

[wancosc356]

Im familiar with the metal cast and VHT Tricks,

I am curious if any aftermarket companies sell them already smoked or blacked out?

If I can't find them aftermarket and have to do the paint/tint trick, is it better to smoke/black out the clear lenses or colored lenses? Pics of both would be great if anyone has any.

Also, I know the lenses have grooves and ridges on them....are they on the inside or outside of the lens?

[Spray-Bomb]

If you have regular lights (not LED) then you need to do the read lenses so that when the lights are on theyre red

If you have LEDs & theyre red, then you could prolly do clear lenses & them work ok

As for the fluting of the lenses, its on both sides IIRC
Rather big smooth ones on the outside & smaller / deeper ones on the inside

You need to apply your tint to the outside of the lens

[wancosc356]

Originally Posted by Spray-Bomb

If you have regular lights (not LED) then you need to do the read lenses so that when the lights are on theyre red

If you have LEDs & theyre red, then you could prolly do clear lenses & them work ok

As for the fluting of the lenses, its on both sides IIRC
Rather big smooth ones on the outside & smaller / deeper ones on the inside

You need to apply your tint to the outside of the lens

I've got a set of super bright LEDs. Red for the tails, white for the reverses and amber for the front signals.

Oh ok. Thanks for the info on the lenses.

[Mordachai]

1LoC10- don't you get hassled with the red and blue 3rd brake light?

[Longhorn Man]

I would not bother getting clear lenses to tint. At least the red ones reflect red light on the reflectors intead of reflecting white like the clear ones do.