BLTM

So I know this may sound stupid buttttttttt I want to do a black taillight mod, if I do this can I spray paint the chrome in the parking lights area and then just add some led light pods for backing up? Or is this illegal to have them blacked out but bulbs still work? I'm looking to ditch as much chrome as possible

 

I think it was Customtacos forum i saw a write up on this.
You have to cut it open and glue it back shut..
Then I think he had to get a clear lense...

Google BTLM tacoma forum
I bet you will find a how to...

 

Most states, as per DOT requirements, will require rear tail lights to reflect a red color when an external light illuminates them. They may also require this to be visible from a certain distance.

 

Hmmmm I'll maybe take a look at my local laws.

 

I think I've got a pretty good idea on how to paint and reseal, and I have a 10 so I don't have the "pink" lens, but I'm curious if I will get a ticket for having the reverse lights blacked out, bu appreciate the direction I will take some looks

 

@RearViewMirror did this but painted his white. I'm sure he can give some advice.

 

Unfortunately, the tail lights a glued shut... so no baking them apart like headlights.
You can paint any of the internal chrome you want, just keep in mind if it is a reflector bucket (turn signal, reverse light) the output will be greatly diminished if blacked out.
Suggestion; do a light coat of spray tint to knock down the brightness of the chrome, yet still retain some reflective characteristics. Example;


As for the legality, AFAIK you need a side and rear red reflector. You might be able to get away with tinting them for a "cherry red" color... but that's your risk.

I think 54kustomlights on here put a LED pod in the reverse housing so that's another option.
Good luck!

 

Granted these are the 2 gen lights but the process is the same. I used a dremel tool to cut the glue to take the lens off and paint. Took about 3 days to do this properly but I had plenty of time at the time.

 

Hmmmm thanks for the info guys, but I can't just do the oven for the second gen led tail lights?

 

No.

They are not glued together the same way as the headlights. You have to take a dremel tool with a cutoff wheel and cut about 1/4" into the edge of the lens all the way around. You have to be EXTREMELY slow and methodical during this part. If you rush it you take a chance of ruining your tail lights. The headlights are easy by comparison.

 

Do you just reseal with some like silicone?

 

I plastic fuse the housings back together, then go over it with a layer of RTV. No issues with the many I've done.

 

Did you search btlm?
We even have a copy of the write up here on tacomaworld.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/true-black-tail-light-mod.184845/

 

Photobucket Fail

 

Yep but the answer to the questions o.p keeps asking are answered there..

 

All the info is online... just gotta Search.

 

Agreed. But they used epoxy to hold them back together. I prefer to have them reassembled like the factory (plastic fused). But more than 1 way to skin a cat!

 

I saw few threads talk about plastic weld.
Eitherway my point is...the best way to find out is to actually do research....
Then you'd have a better idea on what to do.
Read everything... take the best of each and do your own.


Yea... I know too much work..

 

Just buy a spare set of lights and start experimenting OP!

 

Sorry for being that guy, but I'm thinking about trying that out!!!