Removing Backup Lamp assembly

[dansenander]

Can anyone tell me how to remove the back up lamp assembly? I am going to NiteShade them and would prefer to have them on the bench to avoid overspray issues.

I am very good at turning wrenches, but this just baffles me. I tried to get them out and discovered that they seem to be in place with adhesives and rivets.

Am I missing something? Is it really this difficult?

[CRUZTAKER]

You will need to remove the ENTIRE rear panel as an assembly. The backup lamp assemblies are not removable individually.

Listen, I did mine while they were on the car. You have to mask either way you do it, cause they aren't coming off.:o I masked, taped some newspaper around the area, and then covered the car with old sheets. Prop the trunk lid up abit for the right angle, and you're good to go. :up:

This pic was taken in the spring of '03 right after I painted them. Sheets still on the car.

http://www.mercurygallery.net/mmnet/data/503/627stealth_look_off.jpg

[dansenander]

You will need to remove the ENTIRE rear panel as an assembly. The backup lamp assemblies are not removable individually.


That is the exzct tint level I am hoping to achieve.

How mwny coats did you put down on the Backup lamps?

[CRUZTAKER]

Five... ;)

[Joe Walsh]

Barry, Did that totally 'kill' any light from your back-up lamps??

I really like the look BUT I don't want to start bashing into things while backing up at night... :(
Joe

[CRUZTAKER]

Barry, Did that totally 'kill' any light from your back-up lamps??


Nope! See for yourself. This pic was taken at the EAM-1 event Invasion of Hershey.

http://www.mercurygallery.net/mmnet/data/503/627MY_MM_REAR.jpg

[Joe Walsh]

SWEET!!! Where can you buy this 'Night Shade' Spray??? I assume that it goes on the outside of the back-up lenses..??

[Bigdogjim]

SWEET!!! Where can you buy this 'Night Shade' Spray??? I assume that it goes on the outside of the back-up lenses..??


Joe you can get nite shades at most any auto parts store. Ricers use it a lot.

If you do not find it by the C.A.M. pm me and I will bring you a can:)

[Joe Walsh]

Joe you can get nite shades at most any auto parts store. Ricers use it a lot.

If you do not find it by the C.A.M. pm me and I will bring you a can:)

UH-OH....Maybe I don't want to use that stuff!! ;) :hotrice:

P.S. Ray 'PM'd me about my parts...They're in. No problem dragging them down in your trunk??
Joe

[Bigdogjim]

UH-OH....Maybe I don't want to use that stuff!! ;)
P.S. Ray 'PM'd me about my parts...They're in. No problem dragging them down in your trunk??
Joe


Just don't go crazy with the nite shardes................ :P :P

No problem I'll pick up your parts ;) :burnout:

[Joe Walsh]

Just don't go crazy with the nite shardes................ :P :P

No problem I'll pick up your parts ;) :burnout:


Thank You Sir!

BTW....Now I want to add a HUGE 'cheeseslicer' Rear Wing and some Type 'R' stickers! :eek: :eek: :nono: :nono:

Can you strap on two chrome coffee cans in place of the OEM Megs?? :lol:

[Petrograde]

I did the same as Barry, except I didn't paint my whole back up light assembly. 4 coats of Nite Shades.
http://www.mercurygallery.net/mmnet/data/500/1111After_Nite_Shades.jpg

[CRUZTAKER]

I like that as well Tom. Too much taping for me though!:D

[Embassy]

I used Nite Shades to tint the taillamps and back-up lamps.

That rear panel is quite easy to remove. However, having a second set of hands is useful to steady the trunk lid as you pull the off the panel.

After you remove the panel, I would recommend cleaning it with Joy, Dawn, etc.

As others have said, simply mask off the panel. Take your time to assure that there are no cracks that will allow overspray. Then, cover the rest of the panel with newspaper or clingwrap.

Use a tack cloth before and after masking.

Then, apply several light coats instead of one heavy coat.

For durability, it would not hurt to apply several light coats of clear gloss.

I took some pics when doing this project. They can be viewed here. (http://www.superford.org/registry/vehicles/detail.php?id=588&s=16136#content)

Hope this helps.

[dansenander]

Then, apply several light coats instead of one heavy coat.
For durability, it would not hurt to apply several light coats of clear gloss.
They can be viewed here. (http://www.superford.org/registry/vehicles/detail.php?id=588&s=16136#content)


What product did yu use for gloss?
It almost appears in the picture that the gloss made them a bit brighter. Or is this just the camera flash reflecting?

[Embassy]

What product did yu use for gloss?
It almost appears in the picture that the gloss made them a bit brighter. Or is this just the camera flash reflecting?I used Dupli-Color's clear top coat. You can get it at any auto store or WallyWorld.

I do not believe a clear coating would lighten the tinting. It would simply enhance the shine and durability.

If you are referring to that last picture, it is simply the bright sunshine that makes the tail lamp look brighter.

I was using the flash in the other pics and it is the culprit for those pics looking brighter than they actually are.

Check out some of the other photo galleries to see what the lamps look like in natural light.

Finally, you can always install 50W back-up bulbs to compensate for the tint. I did this along with installing these bulbs in the turn signals.

[CRUZTAKER]

No disrespect Embassy....but I wouldn't advise anyone to use a gloss spray paint over the nite shades. It just isn't required. The night shade product after it has been on and dried over many, many washings and scrubbings naturally gets smooth and glossy. It's extremely permanent and will not scratch or fade.

The potential for spray paint to peel and/discolor over the years is not worth the hassle.

As far as prepping the parts, it is VERY important to clean all the plastic parts first. Use straight rubbing alchohol, some rags, and a tooth brush. Clean, clean, and clean again. Dry thoroghly with a lint free cloth, and blast with an air hose. Wash your hands thoroughly before masking and handling the parts, or wear latex gloves. Oil and wax are your worst enemy.

Spray really light coats, and LOTS of them. 10-15 minutes between coats is about all it takes. Keep track of the number of coats you apply for piece uniformity. The first three coats will look really bad. The fourth coat is when you really start to see results. Do not spray too close! Arun will screw up the entire project.

The finished product will give the appearence and feel of flat enamel. Don't worry. This stuff smooths right out after several washes and waxes. Yes, you may wax it after many washes.

Good luck, post your results....and please....please don't paint over them with clear enamel!

[Dr Caleb]

One advantage can be had with clearcoating though Barry.

I did my nightshaeds over the complete backup lights and signals, then didn't like it. So I sanded it off (PITA!!!!). The clearcoat will remove any marks left over by sanding.

And I agree with embassy, remove the rear panel and lights. Spray indoors, out of the wind to prevent overspray. They're really easy to remove.

[Embassy]

No disrespect Embassy....but I wouldn't advise anyone to use a gloss spray paint over the nite shades. It just isn't required. The night shade product after it has been on and dried over many, many washings and scrubbings naturally gets smooth and glossy. It's extremely permanent and will not scratch or fade.

No offense taken. To each their own. :beer:


The finished product will give the appearence and feel of flat enamel. Don't worry. This stuff smooths right out after several washes and waxes. Yes, you may wax it after many washes.

This is the exact reason why I applied several coats of gloss.

I have used Nite Shades in the past and the surface was rather dull after the applications. The gloss coats give the surface an shiny, OEM look and further smoothed out the tint and spray.


The potential for spray paint to peel and/discolor over the years is not worth the hassle.

I would not recommend using hobby/model car gloss coats.

The gloss coating I used was designed for automotive applications and has held up without any fading, chipping, etc.