How are these taillights so dark? I want them.

[Steve]

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b306/clintonmomo/P71/sjc%20crown%20vic/2000p7154.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b306/clintonmomo/P71/sjc%20crown%20vic/2000p7126.jpg

P71 Auction
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ford-Crown-Victoria-Interceptor-2000-Ford-Crown-Victoria-Police-Interceptor-BLK-P71-NR_W0QQitemZ220198786166QQcmdZ ViewItem?hash=item220198786166

[NATEHAWK]

He used Niteshade its a spray that you use to darken your lights. Go to google and type in Niteshade you will find it.

[Mike]

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b306/clintonmomo/P71/sjc%20crown%20vic/2000p7154.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b306/clintonmomo/P71/sjc%20crown%20vic/2000p7126.jpg

P71 Auction
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ford-Crown-Victoria-Interceptor-2000-Ford-Crown-Victoria-Police-Interceptor-BLK-P71-NR_W0QQitemZ220198786166QQcmdZ ViewItem?hash=item220198786166

I also used Niteshade. I believe 5 coats and I like the look :banana:

[Rocknthehawk]

I also used Niteshade. I believe 5 coats and I like the look :banana:


:eek:

It could be clearcoat with a few drops of black paint in it.


The easiest way is VHT Niteshades. There's two products, one is lighter than the other, and i'm assuming mike had the lighter of the two.


NOT MY TRUCK! NOT MY TRUCK!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v199/rocknthehawk/Picture003-1.jpg


That's two coats of the darker stuff.

here's stock to get an idea:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v199/rocknthehawk/thunderbolthood004-1.jpg


Usually you'll want to scuff them with a very fine scotchbrite pad first, then do one coat, spraying it in two directions. Wait ten minutes, if you want it darker, do it again.

Those aren't cleared...Which you would want to do. They'll look nicer and last longer if you clearcoat them after niteshading.

[dreydin]

ooo! THATS what i want to do to my taillights! thanks for the info!

[arejayesss]

Just for clarification:

I assume this is perfectly legal? The red must come through when the brakes are applied? Does it vary from state to state? Any LEOs here that could chime in on the legality of this? Thanks, just curious

[magindat]

Just for clarification:

I assume this is perfectly legal? The red must come through when the brakes are applied? Does it vary from state to state? Any LEOs here that could chime in on the legality of this? Thanks, just curious

You don't need a LEO...

To stay DOT legal, you have to have a red reflector showing to the side and to the back. The Niteshades covers up said reflector which is just a reflective portion of the red lens.

To stay legal, you'd need to leave a void of some shape so that reflective area could remain red reflective.

[arejayesss]

Ahhhh.. thank you wise one. So the thunderbird pictured is not legal per DOT specs.

[magindat]

Can't see pics from work. Pull it off where it is and attach it here, so I can see and I'll verify.

[TiTo35]

I thought other members were using paint...I saw another thread and I dont remember them mentioning niteshade. I want to do mine but which one is better? Can niteshade be removed if its a legal problem?

[magindat]

I thought other members were using paint...I saw another thread and I dont remember them mentioning niteshade. I want to do mine but which one is better? Can niteshade be removed if its a legal problem?

I would think not other than by sanding. You;d be better off buying new light housings.

Do the S55 treatment. It's legal!

[Raudermaster]

lol, that P71 ain't even that dark. Look at gdmJoe's Vic, and here is a picture of my old Vic.
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/files/5/6/2/9/vic-071.jpg

[wchain]

Looks like a *****ty Nightshades job. FWIW, a guy on the explorer board used clear coat with a little bit of black paint and just keep painting until the desired darkness and then wet sanded and buffed it, and they look awesome!

[TiTo35]

lol, that P71 ain't even that dark. Look at gdmJoe's Vic, and here is a picture of my old Vic.
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/files/5/6/2/9/vic-071.jpg

That black CV dont look too tuff yours looks better.

[Marauderman]

Here is a pic of mine--I love them--but used just black paint---fbm may correct me---


http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x181/Marauderman1/100_3755.jpg


Here he is doing them---
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x181/Marauderman1/100_3745.jpg
and here they are done before placed back on--
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x181/Marauderman1/100_3738.jpg

[magindat]

That red landau topped pic is a HORRIBLE job! It's not DOT compliant, either.

[arejayesss]

Can't see pics from work. Pull it off where it is and attach it here, so I can see and I'll verify.
12176

1234567890

[freakstatus]

I'm more partial to those rims...looks less coppish (I have them on for the winter). Anyone know where you get those metal round inserts that fit around the edge?

[magindat]

12176

1234567890

Thanx Ryan. No sir, those are not DOT compliant. Fortunately most local LEO's are not so versed on DOT regs (at least around here), but State Troopers ARE!

[wchain]

I'm more partial to those rims...looks less coppish (I have them on for the winter). Anyone know where you get those metal round inserts that fit around the edge?


JC Whitetrash has them.

[Raudermaster]

That red landau topped pic is a HORRIBLE job! It's not DOT compliant, either.

You better not be talking about my car Rich.

[hot-rauder]

You better not be talking about my car Rich.

i would rather have a SB than that fugly car Jarod.... I loved my 94 CVPI, and it was purple, but the landue top HAS TO GO!!

[magindat]

You better not be talking about my car Rich.

I callz like I seez 'em, Jarod!

The picture shows the Niteshades to be dull and not shiney. And, in fact, it is not DOT compliant.

[magindat]

i would rather have a SB than that fugly car Jarod.... I loved my 94 CVPI, and it was purple, but the landue top HAS TO GO!!

I'm surprised they didn't call the puppies out to sniff that car every time you were pulled over!!!!

[dreydin]

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b306/clintonmomo/P71/sjc%20crown%20vic/2000p7154.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b306/clintonmomo/P71/sjc%20crown%20vic/2000p7126.jpg

P71 Auction
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ford-Crown-Victoria-Interceptor-2000-Ford-Crown-Victoria-Police-Interceptor-BLK-P71-NR_W0QQitemZ220198786166QQcmdZ ViewItem?hash=item220198786166

so wait... are these DOT compliant? legal? or whatever? i like these out of all the pics on here, so far.

[magindat]

so wait... are these DOT compliant? legal? or whatever? i like these out of all the pics on here, so far.

Sorry, can't see ebay from here. Download and attach the pic to your reply and I can tell ya.

[Raudermaster]

I callz like I seez 'em, Jarod!

The picture shows the Niteshades to be dull and not shiney. And, in fact, it is not DOT compliant.

The actual brakelight's are not shiny, I never sprayed them with clearcoat. The inside "reflector" part were shiny though, as I sprayed them with clearcoat. I did both at a different time, and I never remember to spray the brakes with a clear. It never bothered me. I've been pulled over numerous times in that car (mostly for exhaust) and the cops have never questioned me about them, but busted my balls for having HID's in it.

[hot-rauder]

The actual brakelight's are not shiny, I never sprayed them with clearcoat. The inside "reflector" part were shiny though, as I sprayed them with clearcoat. I did both at a different time, and I never remember to spray the brakes with a clear. It never bothered me. I've been pulled over numerous times in that car (mostly for exhaust) and the cops have never questioned me about them, but busted my balls for having HID's in it.

you never got written up for disturbing other drivers with that FUGLY landau top? lmao

[magindat]

so wait... are these DOT compliant? legal? or whatever? i like these out of all the pics on here, so far.

Now that I can see the pics, it's hard to tell. If you shine a light on them and the reflector reflects back red they are compliant.

[Raudermaster]

Now that I can see the pics, it's hard to tell. If you shine a light on them and the reflector reflects back red they are compliant.

lol, mine were like that, but yet you say they aren't, just by looking at them...

[magindat]

lol, mine were like that, but yet you say they aren't, just by looking at them...

Jarod, It' like looking at window tint. Some is SO DARK, it's obvious it's too dark. Just applying my best judgment and clarifying the DOT standards as I understand them...

[gdmjoe]

Taillights were NiteShaded in 2003 and have never been a legal issue. *75,000 miles on the clock.

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/2206000-2206999/2206612_103_full.jpg

BTW ... Rather than removing the taillights (as Tom / MarauderMan and others have done), the job can be done with the taillights on the vehicle; it's just a matter of careful masking and using drop-clothes to drape-over body panels to avoid overspray issues.

[CRUZTAKER]

I love how things come full circle.

When I suggested this in Jan 2003 I was riced!

Mine:

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/files/6/2/6/COLUMBUSRACING005.jpg

[sailsmen]

I like the look with the red horizontal.

I just don't get the blacked out windshield and blacked out tail lite Helen Keller look.

Why don't you just drive with your eyes closed, then everything will be blacked out?:confused:

[Eric91Z]

Where can one get the Niteshades at? Also, any recommendations on the "best" clear coat to use or any spray clear fine?

Other than using something like a scotchbrite pad to scuff them up prior to spraying, is anything other prep or finish work recommended?

[TiTo35]

Taillights were NiteShaded in 2003 and have never been a legal issue. *75,000 miles on the clock.

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/2206000-2206999/2206612_103_full.jpg

BTW ... Rather than removing the taillights (as Tom / MarauderMan and others have done), the job can be done with the taillights on the vehicle; it's just a matter of careful masking and using drop-clothes to drape-over body panels to avoid overspray issues.

NOW ^^^^ I likes!:D

[dreydin]

Taillights were NiteShaded in 2003 and have never been a legal issue. *75,000 miles on the clock.

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/10/web/2206000-2206999/2206612_103_full.jpg

BTW ... Rather than removing the taillights (as Tom / MarauderMan and others have done), the job can be done with the taillights on the vehicle; it's just a matter of careful masking and using drop-clothes to drape-over body panels to avoid overspray issues.
too dark for me, but it does look sick. i need to get some of this Nightshade stuff for a light coat me thinks

[magindat]

Taillights were NiteShaded in 2003 and have never been a legal issue. *75,000 miles on the clock.

Again, most locals (around here, at least) aren't versed on DOT requirements. Usually it's FHP or the actual DOT that might get you.

I once had 3 locals and 4 counties, yep, 7 cars total at a stop because the local LEO that stopped me couldn't find the statute about my smoked taillight covers. He never would find a statute because it's not a state law. It's DOT. He knew it was wrong but couldn't reference the law for the ticket. The word spread and I eventually has 7 LEO's looking for the law. Ultimately, they let me go.

Conversely, in a different car, FHP was doing a checkpoint at a particular overpass near a truck stop near my home. I got pulled and the trooper immediately stroked me an equipment violation citing a DOT reg in the blank for smoked covers over my turn signals. Specifically, the yellow reflector not reflecting.

So, take your own chances. I studied the DOT reg and know what must be when it comes to lights, markers and reflectors. Just passin it on FWIW. YMMV.

[magindat]

I love how things come full circle.

When I suggested this in Jan 2003 I was riced!

Mine:

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/files/6/2/6/COLUMBUSRACING005.jpg
Actually, I like yours best, Barry. I may try to work that into mine, but it might be a b!tch getting the green line and silver to line up.

[hot-rauder]

Where can one get the Niteshades at? Also, any recommendations on the "best" clear coat to use or any spray clear fine?

Other than using something like a scotchbrite pad to scuff them up prior to spraying, is anything other prep or finish work recommended?


eBay has the cheapest.... you dont need to scuff them but if you do, use a very fine scotchbrite. any automotive clear works with it.

if your going to use a spray clear, i reccomend U-pol