USR Blacked Out Taillights

No. I didn't want my turn signals to be backup lights.

 

let us know what you think.. I may give them a try again hoping things have improved..

 

I am the one that mentioned butyl rubber earlier in this thread. I recall 4runner owners using it to seal their roof racks where the bolts penetrate the roof. Apparently it is a better solution than silicone but I don't have personal experience with it.
There was a post somewhere that suggested the butyl tape (or rubber?) could be kneaded or rolled into strips to create rings for the the roof bolt holes. I expect it can be rolled into strips that fit the gap around the edge of the tail lights. Not sure how/if it hardens but it may be a cleaner solution compared to silicone (which I agree gets very messy).
But, using any sealant may impact the warranty with USR. They required inspection of my defective tail light, before shipping the replacement, to confirm there were no "modifications" made. Not sure if sealing the edges would be considered a "modification" but it is something to consider.

 

The lights came! Will be a bit before I have time to install, but will post more info. when I do...and photos! Stay tuned. . .

 

Got mine. Used the websites installation video. 15 minutes with 5 mins trying to get 10mm nut out of the well.

 

I've had these for about 18 months and have been disappointed. One lens regularly gets condensation inside, and that same lens has a bad cosmetic flaw on the lens and the blacked out area directly underneath it - what looks like someone touching that area with acetone or something. I didn't see the cosmetic problem until after a year of ownership so it was too late for a warranty issue. Same for the condensation, it cropped up after a year. All that being said I would not buy them again.

The light spot on top is a reflection of a cloud. The one on the bottom is the area on the light that is bad.

 

I'm giving them a go, but keeping the OEM lights just in case I need to go back.

 

I wish you luck. I think they are largely a good buy based on comments, so maybe I got a bad batch. In any case, inspect them carefully before installing them.

 

Looks great! Do you keep your rig in a garage? I don't have that option so it will definitely be exposed to the PNW rain. Guess I will learn quickly if water gets in or not.

 

Garaged. Tucson has torrential monsoon rains which will quickly reveal if these are sealed properly. I kept the OEM one's just in case.
Yeah, I like 'em.

 

I replaced my tail lights with Morimoto's blackout model. I like them better that the AlphaRex. I did however, replace my headlights with the AlphaRex Nova series blackout model. Both rear and fronts look great at night when using the sequential turn signals.

 

Looks good, but I don't have the $ for all those fancy lights. And I wanted to stay close to OEM look.

Having said that, A-Rex headlights are what I am considering in the distant future.

 

Finally installed the USR lights! Followed @57HotrodVW s article which was very well written.


Here's a look at USR lights


OEM and USR side by side


Followed all the details from @57HotrodVW s article. Easy peasy...well almost.



Make sure to pull straight back...I didn't and this lil boo boo appeared. Oops!

Here's what she looked like before.



Here's after. Subtle, but awesome!



Hopefully no condensation will form, but all in all it took about 30 mins to complete. I did get my boyfriend to help as he was better able to pull it straight back during removal. No boo boos on the side he helped with

Happy 4th everyone! I'll post if anything comes up as far as malfunctions or other oddities.

 

Just put mine on, was slacking for some reason. Really really like them!

 

I would love to hear people's follow-up to condensation issues. I am looking at a pair of USR taillights on FB marketplace for $100. I like the OEM look and not spending an arm and leg for other taillights that don't have the best look (IMO).

 

Never had and still don’t have condensation issues.

 

Ditto.

 

If anyone is selling a set of the USR blacked out tail lights, I'd be interested in them.