I decided to tint my tails instead of buying tinted ones. This was really easy to do, and I was very pleased with the way they came out. I used 400grit sand paper, a 3oz can of Model Master transparent black window tint (can be purchased at most hobby shops), and a can of clear coat.

I first sanded off the raised lettering off all three lenses using 220 grit paper. After that I used the 400 grit to sand the whole out side of the lens. I would recommend using 600 grit after the 400. I didn't have any handy, and the 400 seemed to work just fine.



I then sprayed my first coat of tint.




The tint spray runs easily. If it does, don't worry you can wet sand it out with the 400 grit.

Second coat




getting darker with everycoat

Third coat




Then I waited a few hours for them to dry fully, and wet sanded them with 400 grit to get rid of a run, and to smooth everything out nice. I followed the wet sanding with one last coat of tint.

after wet sanding


Fourth coat of tint


and mounted back into the pods, after two coats of clear.



with brake light on


brake light on with no flash


another with the flash for good measure



I thought this was an easy mod, and anyone can do it. Let me know if this how to has helped you.

 

Maybe it's just the pictures, but I figured the tint would be a little darker.

 

It can be much darker with more coats, I chose to not over do it, I want to remain safe and visible.


aslo the flash greatly affects how they look, they do look darker in person.

 

I think you're right. The lenses do look darker in some pics. Well done.[8D]

 

i just integrated turn signals into my stock taillight (2004 ex500) i wish there was a way to lighten the casing or something. *video of what it looks like* (done on an older 500)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVZog0xlqUE

 

Looks much better than the original signals.[8D]

 

looks good, i know this is an old thread but if anyone else out there is interested a company called VHT makes a product caled "nightshades" same basic concept, but requires fewer coats to achive desired results. just a little FYI

 

Thanks for the write up....

Im getting ready to repaint my whole bike black and was planning on doing the same with my tail lights... I'll prolly go a lot darker but this info was definately needed.

 

NiteShades is common. I've used it a few times. Make sure you use a good clear, as some will flake off, like the triple-thick "Krylon Clear Glaze"stuff I used on the Bronco and Cavalier lights.

 

ive never herd of spray on tint for tail lights..... thanks guys..... thats really cool..... might have to do that on my truck..... good write up.... a follow up pic farther away would be cool.