DIY: Tinted Tail Lights

I know this is for a tundra but the same/similar process will work with the 4Runner tail lights.





What is needed:

• Painters tape
• 800 - 2000 grit sand paper (I used 1000 grit)
• PlastX plastic cleaner and polish
• Auto wax of your preference
• One can of VHT Niteshades

1. Start by removing and cleaning off the taillights of any dirt using a cleaner that wont leave a residue. Water if you not sure.


2. Then wet sand the entire taillight until the shinny surface turn into a faded matte finish when dry.

3. Once sanded and cleaned off again, tape up the center sections of the brake light and reverse/blinker light areas. This item is optional. I did this because I wanted to put one less coat over the centers so that more light can be transmitted through them.



4. Apply one coat of VHT Niteshades and allow to dry. I used a heat gun to speed up the process.


5. Remove tape.


6. Apply second coat of VHT Niteshades over the entire taillight and allow to dry for 12-24 hours. I used a heat gun to speed up the process. You can apply as many coats here as you want for desired darkness. It drys darker than when wet so make sure you don't do too many and regret how dark it is. 2-3 coats thick is about all you want without drastically reducing the light visibility.


7. Wet sand using 1000 and then 2000 grit sandpaper then use water and a wax applicator to apply the PlastX. You can skip the wet sanding and move to just the PlastX if desired just might take a little longer to get it all cleaned up (this i did). Use a hard fast circular motion to polish up the VHT. The light will look dull when completed with this step. Do not over sand or polish with PlastX - you don't want to be left with a spot removed of the tint.


8.The final step is to apply auto wax of your preference. Use a hard fast circular motion to apply. Use a towel to remove any access. Don't apply wax too soon, wait 24 hours for the Niteshades to fully dry.

9. Install the taillights and enjoy.

 

Guess we should start bringing some of the DIY mods here too!

 

Yep

 

Permanent if done right