DIY: All-Red Taillights

I was looking at tail light options but I didn't feel like spending that kind of money on cosmetics. I did this for under $15 and I'm really pleased with the result.



1)Remove taillight lenses with a Philips screwdriver. The taillight housings can be left in place. Wash them inside and out and allow them to dry.

2) Use Grease & Wax Remover to prep the surface. Allow that to dry.

3) Spray the outside of the lenses using light coats of

$19 Testors 1605 Red Spray Testors Enamel Plastic Model Spray Paint

Testors 1605, which is available at most Hobby / craft stores. I used a light tack coat and then two wet coats and the paint dried glossy and even. Follow the directions on the can for drying times.

4) After the last coat of 1605 had dried I applied 3 coats of Duplicolor Perfect-Match clearcoat. It's just what I laid laying around the house, almost any automotive clear will work fine. Hobby / craft clearcoats won't hold up in this application.

5) Once you're done with the clear, let it dry for a few hours at least. Even though the surface may feel dry it is very easy to damage until it is completely dry.

6) Re-Assemble. I found that the tail light seals were swelled up and wouldn't go back in place so I cut a small amount (~1/4") out of them, just enough to get them to push back into place. Once the seals fit well I coated them with a gel lubricant I had. Make sure whatever you use is safe for rubber!







Disclaimer: The only major problem with this mod is the reverse lights aren't as bright anymore which might be a problem for people who back up in the pitch dark a lot. I am not responsible for any damages or injuries resulting from modifying your tail lights. Proceed at your own risk!

 

Wow, I like it! I might do this!

Great write-up!

 

That looks really good! Love seeing DIY projects like this. Good job!

 

So I guess you don't need white/clear backup lamps in Canada?

 

That might not fly here in VT either...?

 

I could have masked off the reverse section but the tape I had wasn't cooperating. If I had some thinner pin-striping tape to get a clean edge it would have been easier but it's tough to tape a straight line on tails like these with a rounded dip between each section.

Several styles of aftermarket tail lights, such as the red/smoked OE-style tails don't have clear reverse lights either.

 

Sweet i like this idea.

 

it will fade in time. Make sure you get it thick enough and try adding some wax after it dries.

 

Heed discliamer; I dont know if this is legal state side. Also, how do your backup lights work? Probably red ?

 

Yep they're red. Maybe I'll do a set with clear reverse lights next time but for now I'm not too worried about it.

 

Not too worried until you and another car are backing up simultaneously, while the other driver thinks you're stopped because all he sees is red and then both of you hit.

 

This is what I was thinking too . Good concept but should tape over reverse lights to keep clear I think.

 

they have reverse in canada? who would have known

 

Looks good.

Like everyone said though keep the reverse lights clear.

I'd also go with a deeper shade of red and not such a candy color

 

I wrapped mine with tint off ebay for about 8 bucks. Good thing about tint is that its easy to remove if you ever want to put it back to stock