Nite Shades on Headlights?

[studio460]

Anyone try using Nite Shades on their headlights? What about a super-light tinting film? Thoughts, anyone?

[looking97233]

Good question. Sounds like a good idea. I think I would like the look. It does raise two questions though. Is there a legal issue with tinting the headlights? Second, Would a film be durable enough to take the impacts from bugs and other assorted road debris?

[studio460]

Looking, I'm not really concerned about the strict letter of the law, since I'm sure any tint at all on front headlights are illegal. As long as we don't go too dark, I'm sure it won't be a problem (unless you're pulled over for something else, and the officer just wants to nail you on everything!).

I think I'm going to try applying some film myself. It may not be durable at all, or it may last a few car washes and need reapplying . . . which actually wouldn't be THAT bad since you would have already cut one as a template.

As a cosmetic upgrade, I think it's definitely worth trying. Will definitely post pics as soon as I get around to doing it.

[CRUZTAKER]

I was too embarrassed to shout this one out....but it has been in my mind for several weeks. The 'holding up' issue is all thats keeping me down.

:up:

[MI2QWK4U]

Just something else to think about....if you tint your headlights with the night shades, getting a ticket will be the least to worry about. God forbid you should get into an accident at night with your headlights tinted, if you hit a person, someone on a bike, or even another motorist, you are boned. There have been cases where the person at fault in the accident, usually in the case of a fatality or serious injury where the prosecutor has filed criminal charges, including negligent homicide w/ a motor vehicle. Then you have to worry about the civil lawsuit. I have seen cases where tinted headlight covers, window tint on headlights, and actual sprayed on tint (such as night shades) were the reason someone got in trouble. Mostly in the area of the sport import crowd with fast cars, young drivers, diminished headlights due to tinting, and the pedestrian they ran over. Same goes for tinting the tail lights. I personally like the look...2 cars at the St Thomas open house had both headlights and taillights tinted, I would just be worried about the defective equipment, which is what this falls into in Michigan at least, aspect of it and the legal ramifications. Just a thought to do with as you please.

[CRUZTAKER]

:eek::shake::depress::sleepy:: banned:dammit...

[MI2QWK4U]

Cruz, if it makes you feel better...I was going to do it untill someone told me what I just posted above. I would hate to see one of us get in a trick bag over this.

[studio460]

Good point. A civil attorney would jump on that. Okay. So. Now, all I have to do is find a supplier for that stuff they use in sunglasses that changes its opacity with changes in ambient light!

[sailsmen]

I would be more worried about the DA with criminal charges than the Civil Attorney. In our area several DA are very quick to file criminal homicide charges when there is a traffic accident resulting in fatality.

These same DA's have not filed charges in cases where someone shot and killed someonelse with malice intent. Go figure.

[Crown Vic]

I used night shades to tint my reverse lights just like the MM. I did 4 super light coats of night shades and then overcoated with 5 clear coats...But not any clear coat. I used testers (yes, model paint) clear enamel to protect it. I was told to used lacquer but I got better results with enamel. Enamel holds up better to the elements and won't chip.

I did it about a month ago and it is a really tough finish with the clear coat. W/O the clear coat, the night shades almost comes off on your finger if you rub it.

As for darkness, I did it to the point where it is only slightly tinted that it is noticed. It looks about the same, if not a hair lighter, than the "factory" MM reverse lights. I saw someone do it soooooo dark that you can't even tell that the lenses are there!!!

My next thing is to do a slight tint on my tail lights to look a bit more like theMM tails. I think I'll only do a slight coat...maybe 2-3 light coats and lots of clear to protect it. :D

[vegasmarauder]

My nephew used the Night Shades on his 98 CVPI tail lights and back-up lenses. 2 light coats was plenty. Buy a cheap clear and red marker lens from the parts store and tape it off in sections to see exactly how much tint you want. His first attempt (over my protests) was way too dark. After learning his lesson he used 2 light coats and the back-ups look great. 2 light coats and the tail lights are noticably darker, but no perceptible change in look unless you have it next to another CV. Still very visible in direct sun light. Use a wax/grease remover generously or you'll get fish eyes.

It is definately worth the effort..