3rd Gen Tech: Black out Taillights
 

I’ve wanted a set of dark taillights for my 2007 for a while. The cost has been prohibitive, (At about $300.00, and then you still have to modify the wiring of the truck to run them.)
I’ve been trying to get up the nerve to modify the existing taillights, and it finally hit me today. (It was either that, or boredom.)

I rationalized if it doesn’t work out, I’ll either buy another set of stock ones, or suck it up and get the $300.00 ones.

This is pretty much a step by step of what I did on my Saturday afternoon.

Before pic:

Nothing wrong with the stock units really, unless you are looking for something a little more unique.

http://i30.tinypic.com/2njk8zd.jpg

First step is to remove the taillights (2 Torx 25 screws inside the tailgate well).

http://i28.tinypic.com/2e6cvip.jpg

The pins that hold the light on the outside edge are a little stubborn to release, so tug on the light with determination.

http://i26.tinypic.com/2q869s8.jpg

Remove the 2 connectors, one has a sliding red lock and then a locking tab, the other just has 2 locking tabs. A small flat blade screw driver may help.
NOTE: After reinstallation found it was MUCH easier to just 1/4 turn CCW the bulb holders, so just do that.

I used the Krylon plastic paint in Gloss black, and also some clear coat.
Since I’ve never done this before, I decided to try it out on a taillight I wasn’t using first to gain some experience with the materials and procedures.

http://i28.tinypic.com/29qjz0l.jpg

Here’s a few before pics. The first is after a light scuffing with a Scotchbrite pad.

http://i30.tinypic.com/22lt8l.jpg

A pic with light passing thru it.

http://i32.tinypic.com/2gy7x1f.jpg

After just one coat of paint.

http://i32.tinypic.com/1547fy1.jpg

Light passing thru it after painting for comparison.


http://i25.tinypic.com/6nt65h.jpg


And one of a flashlight bulb passing light thru it.

http://i29.tinypic.com/1zfl7vq.jpg

After waiting for the paint to completely dry, 2 coats of clear.

http://i27.tinypic.com/2m4x4d5.jpg

Continued
 

Now, moving on to the truck lights.
First tape off the reverse light. Personally, I like bright reverse lights. Skip this step if you don’t.

http://i30.tinypic.com/bg5zxy.jpg

Trim tape to match reverse light. You can actually see where to trim through the masking tape.

http://i32.tinypic.com/2ylpesi.jpg

It's important to mask off first to keep from scuffing the reverse light areas. Notice in the pic above, the right light is lightly scuffed and cleaned. Repeat for the other side.

http://i30.tinypic.com/2m43r5h.jpg


The important things to remember is to clean thoroughly after scuffing, and not to touch the surface you are painting with your fingers.

The plan is to apply 2 coats to the outer areas of the light, and only 1 coat where it has to shine through. Make sure the lights are completely DRY before handling. I waited an hour, although the directions said 15 minutes.

After painting, I’m thinking I might have gotten carried away with the application of paint


http://i28.tinypic.com/4nra.jpg


A quick test on the truck at this point will save work! It’s easier to remove a little bit of the paint now, and repaint if you think you got it on too thick, than AFTER you clear coat it twice.
Here’s how they turned out:

Tail Lights:

http://i28.tinypic.com/aaehaf.jpg


Brake Lights:

http://i26.tinypic.com/wtsqoj.jpg

I LOVE them! They actually look brighter in "Real life" than they do in the pic.

On to the Clear coats! Let them dry completely between coats. With the product I’m using, they say 15 minutes.




Now that the second coat has dried, it’s time to peel the tape, and install on the truck.

Taillights on:

http://i27.tinypic.com/v63ziq.jpg

From the side

http://i27.tinypic.com/28gxtec.jpg

Daytime pic

http://i27.tinypic.com/142ey5y.jpg

http://i28.tinypic.com/29c99ba.jpg

Any questions or comments, feel free to post up!

No interest in this one, huh? lol

:rocking::rocking:

I like!! :U:

Thanks for the props, guys!:c:

So far, absolutely NO problems with the local police or highway patrol.:yeah:

You all should have a better idea than I how the local authorities will treat this mod in your area.

looks great..... i want to get some better looking than stock on my 96 Dodge.....


off topic here:OT:

back in the day when i was heavy into the lowrider scene we had a local rookie cop that had a hard on for anything modified..... we had a club member that had those blackout covers on his tail lights and he harassed him every chance he got. the dude eventually got a ticket so the night before he had to go to court he took and cut the word STOP going from top to bottom like this
S
T
O
P

out of the blackouts and re-installed them. took it to court and the judge laughed and threw it out..... he then drove with them like that till he moved away a couple years later..... prolly still using them......

looking good man!!!!! if anyone needs some done, i can do them!

heres some on my durango:

http://memimage.cardomain.com/member...3_122_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.com/member...3_121_full.jpg

Those look great! :U:

I like it Bill.....maybe I can con you into helping me do this if I ever pass through Phoenix. Looks sharp!