This is a fairly simple procedure. I would recommend you allocate a whole day to this procedure so you don't rush things and let the paint dry between the different steps. By no means am I a professional paint/body person. I am sure there are many different ways to prep this project.
Tools needed -
VHT Nite-shades taillight tint
Automotive quality clear coat(R & E Paint Supply. 2 Part (2K), Aerosol, Urethane Clear Coat)
Small Hand
Panel popper(optional)
1500 or 2000 grit sandpaper
Bowl of water
Masking tape
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1. Remove the 2 panel clips on the side of the taillight. You can use a flathead screwdriver if you don't have a panel popper.
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2. Remove the plastic screen on the interior. Pull back the insulation and you will see the plastic wingnut that is holding the taillight on. This is were a pair of small hands helps. BE CAREFUL NOT TO DROP THE WINGNUT INSIDE THE PANEL. You will not be able to retrieve it.
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3. Pull the taillight out and remove the bulbs/wiring. Repeat on other taillight.
![Image]()
4. Now that we have the taillights out, we need to prep them for the paint. I used 1500 grit and soaked the paper in water. I sanded each taillight making sure to keep the sandpaper/taillight wet. After you have sanded the taillight, mask off any areas you do not want tinted. For this set, I choose to leave the reverse lights clear.
![Image]()
5. Spray a light even coat onto each taillight. Wait about 20 minutes(depending on temp) and do additional coats until the taillights are to your desired darkness. I choose to do 3 coats as I wanted it dark, but still wanted to be able to see the brake lights during the day.
![Image]()
6. You may choose to wet sand in between each coat. If you do this you want to leave more time to let the paint completly dry.
Next, apply your clear coat to protect your taillights and give them a glossy finish. Unfortunatly, by this point I got very impatient and put on a couple HEAVY coats of clear too quickly. This resulted in some huge runs. I have ordered a buffer and will show you how to wet sand and buff your taillights if you run into the same problem.
7. Reinstall your taillights.
Here is a finished picture of the taillights installed.
![Image]()
Tools needed -
VHT Nite-shades taillight tint
Automotive quality clear coat(R & E Paint Supply. 2 Part (2K), Aerosol, Urethane Clear Coat)
Small Hand
Panel popper(optional)
1500 or 2000 grit sandpaper
Bowl of water
Masking tape
1. Remove the 2 panel clips on the side of the taillight. You can use a flathead screwdriver if you don't have a panel popper.
2. Remove the plastic screen on the interior. Pull back the insulation and you will see the plastic wingnut that is holding the taillight on. This is were a pair of small hands helps. BE CAREFUL NOT TO DROP THE WINGNUT INSIDE THE PANEL. You will not be able to retrieve it.
3. Pull the taillight out and remove the bulbs/wiring. Repeat on other taillight.
4. Now that we have the taillights out, we need to prep them for the paint. I used 1500 grit and soaked the paper in water. I sanded each taillight making sure to keep the sandpaper/taillight wet. After you have sanded the taillight, mask off any areas you do not want tinted. For this set, I choose to leave the reverse lights clear.
5. Spray a light even coat onto each taillight. Wait about 20 minutes(depending on temp) and do additional coats until the taillights are to your desired darkness. I choose to do 3 coats as I wanted it dark, but still wanted to be able to see the brake lights during the day.
6. You may choose to wet sand in between each coat. If you do this you want to leave more time to let the paint completly dry.
Next, apply your clear coat to protect your taillights and give them a glossy finish. Unfortunatly, by this point I got very impatient and put on a couple HEAVY coats of clear too quickly. This resulted in some huge runs. I have ordered a buffer and will show you how to wet sand and buff your taillights if you run into the same problem.
7. Reinstall your taillights.
Here is a finished picture of the taillights installed.
