painting the rear tail lights red?

[Jeremy]

Hi Ive seen a few tundras with the rear tail amber piece colored red? is it possible to paint the amber red? do they sell these all red tail lights? if so how do I do it?

thanks

[peid]

Check out my pictures, I have a list of the paints used and some fairly decent pictures of them.

[dyogim]

It's real easy, remove the tail light assembly. Mask off the area that you don't want painted. Note: Don't mask the red lens. When you paint the amber one paint the red lens to ensure they'll match in color. Once the masking is done, clean the lens. Paint the lens with a few layers. Then spray some lear coat.


The paint can be bought at a hobby shop and the clear coat can be bought at an automotive shop. I used an apple red paint. I don't know what brand of paint was used because I tore off the label. You can see a pic of mine in my photos. This mod is a lot cheaper than buying those clear lights or euro-lights. Plus, I think it looks better.

[Jeremy]

did you guys use the testors model paint using a paint brush or a spray can? also what kind of tape did you use to tape off the rear? thanks

[peid]

I used Testors Spray Paint and just regular 1" wide masking tape.

About 5-6 coats of Transparent Red waiting 15 minutes between coats.

Let dry overnight, 3-5 coats of High Gloss Clear waiting 15 minutes between coats.

Don't put the clear on too soon or it may run into the red making it too clear and diluted.

Edited "High Gloss Red" to proper "High Gloss Clear"

[Simias]

Jeremy....i didn't do it to my current ride, but i did on my first car. anyways, i used Testors spray paint. not sure how it is anymore, but i used the fat cap, easier to apply. i'd suggest testing out your spraying technique on something before you do your lens because it takes some practice. you don't want to overspray the lens. good luck!

[dyogim]

Used a spray can type and painters type masking tape. If you mess up on the color coats, use 3M adhesive remover. That stuffs removes the color coat very easy. Once your satisfied with the color coat. Wait a day or so to spray on the clear coat.

[Jeremy]

cool thanks for all the info guys, i think im gunna try it out, anything to get that yellow out. thanks

jeremy

[JnEsPappa]

I read this thread and decided to give it a try.

The Testors model paint from Walmart was $2.69 for the TRANSLUCENT Candy Apple Red, and another $2.69 for the Clear Top Coat.

I masked of the clear lens and borders on the tail lights and I even painted the Third Brake light (at the top of the Cab). To mask off the white lights on the Third brake light I applied tape wider than the clear parts and then held them up to the window to see through the tape, then I cut away the tape from around the clear parts.

When I showed the finished product to my wife she said, "Now, what did you do?" Ah, the best compliment, she couldn't tell they were painted. The next question was, "Can you do that to my Camry?"

Thanks for the info. Who on Earth (or TS) was the first to try this mod? That had to take courage and know how!

[peid]

Originally posted by jnespappa
I even painted the Third Brake light (at the top of the Cab). To mask off the white lights on the Third brake light I applied tape wider than the clear parts and then held them up to the window to see through the tape, then I cut away the tape from around the clear parts.

You painted the 3rd brakes light cover but didn't paint over the clear lens? Am I missing something or what was the point of painting them if they still have clear in them? I am going to do that too pretty soon, but never really like to change my "stock" truck, always like to have extra parts to change. Just need to get a 3rd brake light cover and I will paint that also, then I still have my stock one too.

Painting tail lights is something that has been around a long time, I think dyogim and myself were the first on here to do it, but Lon V also has his done so who knows. Basically quite a few people have it done and to those we helped, glad we could assist!

[JnEsPappa]

Yep, I left the clear parts on the third light clear. I like having them for Cargo Lights.

[peid]

So why did you paint them?

[JnEsPappa]

Sorry, now I get the question. I painted the third light to make sure the red matched the new color on the tail lights, and it does. I will post pics ASAP.

[dyogim]

I was thinking of painting the 3rd brake light as well. However, since they are not next to each other people looking at it shouldn't be able to tell the difference. So, I left it as is.

[peid]

I agree and am thinking about painting the entire thing red to take out the clear, BUT it is really not a big deal since I still have clear in the rear.

Clear in the rear?