Black-out taillights - $15

I've heard of some people paying as much as $200 for someone to blackout their taillights, which is rediculous. I did both of mine for around $10 in less than 2 hours.

First of all, you need to realize that your lights will be darker (duh), and the light won't be as bright, especially at night. By law (at least in NY), the LIGHT has to be red in color, but I don't think it mentions the plastic itself. Also, if a cop is looking for a reason to pull you over, you're doing him a great favor.
The purpose of the design is to leave some parts clear to allow more light to pass through.

***This is for information purposes only, try at your own risk***
I've heard of some people paying as much as $200 for someone to blackout their taillights, which is rediculous. I did both of mine for around $10 in less than 2 hours.

First of all, you need to realize that your lights will be darker (duh), and the light won't be as bright, especially at night. By law (at least in NY), the LIGHT has to be red in color, but I don't think it mentions the plastic itself. Also, if a cop is looking for a reason to pull you over, you're doing him a great favor.
The purpose of the design is to leave some parts clear to allow more light to pass through.

***This is for information purposes only, try at your own risk***\

But if thats fine with you, here's how it's done:

Step 1: 1 - Materials

1. Materials.
PAINT

I heard of this paint called Nightshade thats meant for the purpose, but I just used regular Krylon spray paint and clearcoat.
1. Materials.
PAINT

I heard of this paint called Nightshade thats meant for the purpose, but I just used regular Krylon spray paint and clearcoat.


SANDPAPER
Use very fine sandpaper, 2000 grit or so

MASKING TAPE

RAZOR BLADE or Xacto knife

GLOVES(opt)

PEN
SANDPAPER
Use very fine sandpaper, 2000 grit or so

MASKING TAPE

RAZOR BLADE or Xacto knife

GLOVES(opt)

PEN

Comments

[Diabloscope]

It only looks Kool if you got a Kool car !

[Yonder Boi]

Why didn't you just use nightshade? which scans as Street legal? I live in Brooklyn.

[alexd619]

Just as a warning if you use black paint and not Night shades paint then you will most likely be pulled over and might even possibly get a ticket because tail lights should be clearly visible 1000 ft away

[valhallas_end]

The distance varies by state, and by county's within states.  My village has a 500ft minimum visibility in full sun, but the city I live nearby states 500ft in light snow, 1000ft in full sun.  Really the only way to be safe is to ask a state police office before committing to a project like this.

[Rvanhollenbeck]

great instructable very creative. i also tinted my tail lights,but in a different way. i would be worried about completely blacking mine out like you did. check mine out.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Tinting-your-taillights/

[dan_o_89_rs]

how does this look at night?

[alex_0227]

Like this. A little different in person, but close enough.

[berky93]

whats the purpose of blacking out your tail lights?

[alex_0227]

It looks cool. A lot of people have it done to their cars.

[slimguy379]

should show them at night