tail lights

kingswingin · 05-23-2008, 06:48 AM

Ok, so lately I've just been a tease ANNOUNCING things I'm going to do, but haven't done yet. (eyelids on the way, etc.)
Here we go again, but I have a good reason this time.

I've read all the threads on how to do this myself, and they are extremely helpful... but I have just a couple questions to ask before I dive into this.
Is it necessary to wetsand the surface before applying the VHT to promote adhesion?
As I'm sure 2-3 (probably 2 coats) will be sufficient, is it necessary to wetsand between coats of VHT, or just after I'm happy with the coating prior to clearcoating? - worried about how much would come off wetsanding, etc.
I'm also planning on taping off my reverse lights (I like this look on a Silver mag) - do you remove the tape before the final wetsand prior to clear?
I should be able to get them cleared professionally (brother) - because I'd rather not mess with all the wetsanding and polishing. He said with the clear he'd put on, he'd put it on, bake it, and it'd be good to go.
Thanks for looking, guys

MAGNUMSE · 05-23-2008, 07:45 AM

I wish i could help you out but i haven't done mine yet either! sorry man.

Fireman2118 · 05-23-2008, 09:28 AM

Here's how it went for me.
1. After removing lights I wet sanded the lights (before taping off) with 1500 grit so the paint will stick.
2. After sanding, dry, then mask off the areas you don't want tinted (see picts.)
3. Clean surface with iso. alcohol and wipe with lint free cloth.
4. Spray desired # of coats of VHT (I went with 3) Be careful, stay 12" or so from surface and apply evenly and not too much or it will run.
5. After each coat use 2000 grit and wet sand lightly to get any high spots. (don't push, just hold the sand paper barely or you'll remove color.)
(make sure sand paper is very wet for even sanding) I waited about 15-30 minutes between coats And about 1 hour after the 3rd coat.
6. After 3rd or last coat dries, remove masking and wet sand with 2000 as above. (you don't need to sand much if you painted as specified above) Clean with iso. Alcohol.
7. The clearing was actually easier than painting. The clear (automotive top coat by duplicolor) will run so don't do too much with each coat but get even coverage.
8. I went 3 coats of clear for good coverage and to allow for a little wet sand with 2000 after finishing 3rd coat. *I WAITED OVERNIGHT FOR CLEAR TO DRY BEFORE FINAL SAND & POLISH
9. When done, I used a 6" portable hand buffer with Meguiars "scratchX" polish and they came out sweet. See picts. Let me know if there's anything else I can help you with.
FYI - When applying clear, it may cloud-up a bit. Don't worry, as it dries, it will clear up.

after 2 coats
DSCF0026.JPG

after 3 coats
DSCF0027.JPG

after clear coats
DSCF0029.JPG

Finished right
DSCF0036.JPG

finished left
DSCF0037.JPG

The colors (left and right look different because of the way the light hits them. They are actually the same. A couple of finished shots from the rear at this link.
Update - Tinted rear spoiler brake light also. compare You'll notice I also did the 3rd light. You can compare the difference at this link.

TheFOSS · 05-23-2008, 11:11 AM

Nice write up Fireman!@ Beans to you... i'm going to use this when my VHT comes in!@

kingswingin · 05-23-2008, 12:11 PM

I beaned as well... solid pointers. Plus a little PM nudge to make sure I got it. Service with a smile there! (Did I mention that this forum rocks?)

Fireman2118 · 05-23-2008, 01:12 PM

^^^ This forum does indeed rock and I am smiling.....:-)

STLTH WGN · 05-23-2008, 01:20 PM

good luck King, can't wait to see the final product!!!!! oh and those look bitch'n Fireman!!!!

Fireman2118 · 05-23-2008, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by STLTH WGN

good luck King, can't wait to see the final product!!!!! oh and those look bitch'n Fireman!!!!

Thank you!

MAGNUMSE · 05-23-2008, 02:26 PM

Agreed they do look awesome, and i will absolutely use this when i do mine!!

kingswingin · 05-27-2008, 06:42 AM

Alright - did my taillights yesterday. Here are some pics
Taped up - 1 coat

WHAT?!?! I CAN'T HEAR YOU

2 coats

3 coats - turned out a TOUCH darker than I was intending, but LOOKS awesome.

wetsanded before clear

done

done - and installed

05-23-2008, 06:48 AM	#1
kingswingin LX Aficionado Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Northern Indiana Posts: 1,960 iTrader: (0)	tail lights Ok, so lately I've just been a tease ANNOUNCING things I'm going to do, but haven't done yet. (eyelids on the way, etc.) Here we go again, but I have a good reason this time. I've read all the threads on how to do this myself, and they are extremely helpful... but I have just a couple questions to ask before I dive into this. Is it necessary to wetsand the surface before applying the VHT to promote adhesion? As I'm sure 2-3 (probably 2 coats) will be sufficient, is it necessary to wetsand between coats of VHT, or just after I'm happy with the coating prior to clearcoating? - worried about how much would come off wetsanding, etc. I'm also planning on taping off my reverse lights (I like this look on a Silver mag) - do you remove the tape before the final wetsand prior to clear? I should be able to get them cleared professionally (brother) - because I'd rather not mess with all the wetsanding and polishing. He said with the clear he'd put on, he'd put it on, bake it, and it'd be good to go. Thanks for looking, guys
	kingswingin's Sig: KSD Check out my Cardomain... 2005 Magnum RT-4128 180º t-stat, K&N 63 intake, NC-SXT grille, Mopar 'M' vinyl badges, skull & BT shifters, skull valve caps, crossbones tail cover, custom-painted engine bay w/skull graphics, auto-light mod, VHT tinted tails, eyelids, Flowmaster 40's, no resonators, SuperChips Flashpaq, Audiobahn subs, Alpine V12 amp Future Mods painted calipers, black chrome pedals, black powdercoat RT wheels, more paint

05-23-2008, 09:28 AM	#3
Fireman2118 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Foster City, CA Posts: 823 iTrader: (0)	Here's how it went for me. 1. After removing lights I wet sanded the lights (before taping off) with 1500 grit so the paint will stick. 2. After sanding, dry, then mask off the areas you don't want tinted (see picts.) 3. Clean surface with iso. alcohol and wipe with lint free cloth. 4. Spray desired # of coats of VHT (I went with 3) Be careful, stay 12" or so from surface and apply evenly and not too much or it will run. 5. After each coat use 2000 grit and wet sand lightly to get any high spots. (don't push, just hold the sand paper barely or you'll remove color.) (make sure sand paper is very wet for even sanding) I waited about 15-30 minutes between coats And about 1 hour after the 3rd coat. 6. After 3rd or last coat dries, remove masking and wet sand with 2000 as above. (you don't need to sand much if you painted as specified above) Clean with iso. Alcohol. 7. The clearing was actually easier than painting. The clear (automotive top coat by duplicolor) will run so don't do too much with each coat but get even coverage. 8. I went 3 coats of clear for good coverage and to allow for a little wet sand with 2000 after finishing 3rd coat. I WAITED OVERNIGHT FOR CLEAR TO DRY BEFORE FINAL SAND & POLISH 9. When done, I used a 6" portable hand buffer with Meguiars "scratchX" polish and they came out sweet. See picts. Let me know if there's anything else I can help you with. FYI - When applying clear, it may cloud-up a bit. Don't worry, as it dries, it will clear up. after 2 coats DSCF0026.JPG after 3 coats DSCF0027.JPG after clear coats DSCF0029.JPG Finished right DSCF0036.JPG finished left DSCF0037.JPG The colors (left and right look different because of the way the light hits them. They are actually the same. A couple of finished shots from the rear at this link. Update - Tinted rear spoiler brake light also. compare You'll notice I also did the 3rd light. You can compare the difference at this link. Last edited by Fireman2118; 05-23-2008 at 01:38 PM.. Reason: spelling corrections*
	Fireman2118's Sig: *Never mistake kindness for weakness!*

05-23-2008, 11:11 AM	#4
TheFOSS Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Tallahassee, FL Posts: 2,711 iTrader: (0)	Nice write up Fireman!@ Beans to you... i'm going to use this when my VHT comes in!@
	TheFOSS's Sig: 2005 InfernoRed R/T Mods: Engine: Mopar CAI , JBA Shorty Headers , Diablo Predator , Custom painted engine cover and pillers, BT oilcap, fuse box cover, power steeriing, and washer fluid cap Exterior: Shaved Side Moldings and Badges , Tinted Tails Interior: Red C/F Dash Kit , BT shiftknob , Modified Shifter

05-23-2008, 12:11 PM	#5
kingswingin LX Aficionado Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Northern Indiana Posts: 1,960 iTrader: (0)	I beaned as well... solid pointers. Plus a little PM nudge to make sure I got it. Service with a smile there! (Did I mention that this forum rocks?)
	kingswingin's Sig: KSD Check out my Cardomain... 2005 Magnum RT-4128 180º t-stat, K&N 63 intake, NC-SXT grille, Mopar 'M' vinyl badges, skull & BT shifters, skull valve caps, crossbones tail cover, custom-painted engine bay w/skull graphics, auto-light mod, VHT tinted tails, eyelids, Flowmaster 40's, no resonators, SuperChips Flashpaq, Audiobahn subs, Alpine V12 amp Future Mods painted calipers, black chrome pedals, black powdercoat RT wheels, more paint

05-23-2008, 01:12 PM	#6
Fireman2118 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Foster City, CA Posts: 823 iTrader: (0)	^^^ This forum does indeed rock and I am smiling.....:-)
	Fireman2118's Sig: *Never mistake kindness for weakness!*

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05-23-2008, 07:45 AM	#2
MAGNUMSE Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Derry, NH Posts: 630 iTrader: (1)	I wish i could help you out but i haven't done mine yet either! sorry man.

05-23-2008, 01:20 PM	#7
STLTH WGN I lurk at night! Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Fullerton, Ca Posts: 1,270 iTrader: (0)	good luck King, can't wait to see the final product!!!!! oh and those look bitch'n Fireman!!!!
	STLTH WGN's Sig:

05-23-2008, 02:26 PM	#9
MAGNUMSE Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Derry, NH Posts: 630 iTrader: (1)	Agreed they do look awesome, and i will absolutely use this when i do mine!!

05-27-2008, 06:42 AM	#10
kingswingin LX Aficionado Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Northern Indiana Posts: 1,960 iTrader: (0)	FINISHED TAILS - Weekend Mods Alright - did my taillights yesterday. Here are some pics Taped up - 1 coat WHAT?!?! I CAN'T HEAR YOU 2 coats 3 coats - turned out a TOUCH darker than I was intending, but LOOKS awesome. wetsanded before clear done done - and installed
	kingswingin's Sig: KSD Check out my Cardomain... 2005 Magnum RT-4128 180º t-stat, K&N 63 intake, NC-SXT grille, Mopar 'M' vinyl badges, skull & BT shifters, skull valve caps, crossbones tail cover, custom-painted engine bay w/skull graphics, auto-light mod, VHT tinted tails, eyelids, Flowmaster 40's, no resonators, SuperChips Flashpaq, Audiobahn subs, Alpine V12 amp Future Mods painted calipers, black chrome pedals, black powdercoat RT wheels, more paint

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