Check out my Custom Tails

[mofodela]

Well how this all started was I ordered some altezza's and just like everyone elses they leaked like crazy and got lots of condensation in them. So then I bought some clear tail lights, they looked sweet but 3 weeks later I got pulled over and got issued a work order and the officer threatened that if he saw them on there again then he would not only fine me for that but also for all the xenon bulbs I have b/c no blubs are allowed to be blue. So I talked with Ben Jenkins (over on explorer underground, who also sells custom intakes) and he gave me some advice. So I went to the store and bought some testors transparent candy apply red spray paint and painted my clear tails. Anyway I like the looks of them and I thought I would show everyone incase some people wanted some options to get away from the those ugly a$$ factory tails.

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Give me some input to what you all think, much appreciated.

 

[Hartman]

LOOKS GREAT!!!

 

[KodeBlu]

Sweet!!! That's a big improvement over the tri-color stock lights. Why not take a few night time pics with the lights on to really show them off.

 

[benj75]

looks good!

in a post on this board awhile back, there was an EX with painted clears also. the owner used the same paint you did. i was considering this option until i found the following thread:

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here's a relevant quote (from an actual police officer )from this thread:

Ok...lemme see if I clear up the legal side of this. All clear tail lenses are illegal, regardless of whether or not a red bulb is used. The reason for this is that they are not DOT approved and therefore are illegal in all 50. The lenses like the ones shown on the chevy above are legal though. What's the difference? The red reflector on the lens makes them legal because the DOT wants a red reflector to the rear...paint won't cut it, it must be reflective. This is also how the newer cars are able to use clear lenses. The all clear are for show only. The red reflector has to be built in to the lens in order for it to be considered legal by the Department of Transportation (DOT). Therefore, sticking reflectors on the bumpers or tailgate wouldn't cut it. Hope this helps and clears up some questions. If not, lemme know.

this is, however, the most legal looking illegal tail light option. most cops may not even notice the lack of a red reflector.

here's a solution that may work: notice the trim all the way around the sides of the taillight that isn't part of any lightbulb reflector cavity? you could goto a custom vinyl sign shop and have red reflective vinyl custom cut to fit perfectly around the lights. the shop i dealt with when i was having car club logos made(years ago) had several different colors of reflective vinyl. they were just as bright as a real reflector. the reflective vinyl is more expensive than regular vinyl, so this option may not be cheap.

it wouldn't be actually legal, but may prevent you from getting a ticket. from a past experience i've had, if you know the applicable laws and have made modifications that aren't technically legal, but compensate for the intention of the law, you may get away w/o a ticket or having to remove your mod.

 

[mofodela]

funny thing is that on my clear tails, the ones I painted, are DOT approved. On the outside of the light <SAE (2) AIP2RST 98 DOT> is imprinted, not just like in paint but actually into the plastic. So I dont understand why theyd be illegal, must be state laws.

 

[Ben99]

Glad to hear it worked out for you. I like the way you did yours w/ the clear on the bottom. I couldn't decide which I wanted, and picked the clear for the top. Then I had to rewire the taillights to get the reverse light at the top instead of the bottom. I think I like it better clear at the bottom.

I have been pulled over a few times since I installed thes, but the cops never mentioned them (pulled over for other stupid reasons, speeding, stop signs, inspection). I had them on for about a year and a half, and never got hassled for them. Used the Testors Translucent Candy Apple Red. You can get this at any hobby store. It is used for RC car bodies and is pretty resistent to the elements/heat. Mine started to fade a little after about a year, so i just hit them with a new coat.

 

[LStoudenmire]

Mofodela, what a great idea for the taillights. That's what I like about this forum. All the trick ideas floating around is great. BTW Ben, Your truck looks sweet! Do you have any other pictures? What kinda wheels are those? That looks like exactly what I have been looking for....... Nevermind about the pics. I found them on SoundDomain.

 

[LStoudenmire]

Does anyone know if Testors makes the same type paint in orange?