Rear lights tint film and window tint film - any difference?

[xd-data-ii]

Hi

I want to tint the clear sections of my rear lights.
Tried tint spray today but it streaks too much. May be better if i take the lights off the car first - which i dont know how to though

Other option is to add tint film. am looking at the offerings on decalfx.com for tail light tints.
But i have loads of windows tint film (35%) which looks great.

Is there any different to the ones specifically for lights or will the window tint film work just as good?
Method seems to be the same to install so the one rear light ones something special so they can be applied on the outside.

 

[lc_allan]

Not sure on the tint side but the light units are only held on with 3 nuts and are piss easy to remove. Just don't drop any of the nuts down into the car chassis

 

[Cooper_81]

Guessing you've done that too and had to fish them out with a magnet!?

 

[lc_allan]

No one is still in the car somewhere

 

[turbin]

haha, I had to go fishing too. Those nuts in the corners are tricky little *******s.

 

[russ_coffey]

I've been thinking of doing this as well, but not sure if it will pass an MOT with tinted rear lights.

 

[xd-data-ii]

of course it will. there are loads of cars out there that have standard lights smoked. Golf gti, vectra, astra, plus more

 

[xd-data-ii]

So apparently people say its easy to get the rear light clusters off.
But is it possible to get access to the back of the lenses after removing the clusters to spray the tint on the inside of the lense and how?

 

[Phillc]

MOT might be a problem it depends on the garage, i tinted my 220 turbo's lights red and it failed as the indicators flashed red not amber and i had to remove it, not to much of a prob it comes of with nail varnish remover after the mot i sprayed them again, untill the next mot

 

[edmong]

We've discussed this already somewhere on here, but i'll say again.

At an MOT each light needs to be:-

1. Visible to the rear from a reasonable distance,
2. Show the correct colour,
3. At least 50% of each lamp needs to be visible to the rear and
4. Two red reflectors are fitted symetrically, facing squarely to the rear and on either side of the vehicle.

If you do tint the rear lights just be careful you can meet the 4 above requirements and you'll be fine at test and with the Police.

 

[xd-data-ii]

Im just going for a slight tint/smoked look. Not blackout or anything near that.
35% window tint looks perfect and lets through all colours. Will be aiming for that effect and only on the clear parts. not going near the red bits
Anyway, mot doesnt apply to me.

 

[mixupz]

how comes you exempt?

 

[xd-data-ii]

Huh?

I took that rear lights off last week. Very easy and sprayed the clear sections with special tint spray paint and worked great and looks great.
Just need to do the side indicator lenses now

 

[seatcupra]

So you went for the spray rather than the tinting film then...

Pitty would have liked to have seen the finished look with the film as ive never seen that being done

 

[xd-data-ii]

Yeah was worried about water affecting the film as it was intended to be installed on the inside of the window. cant access inside the lenses either.
Didnt have the film with me at the time, had the lights off the car, had the spray can so just thought would try it. Am happy with it.

 

[mixupz]

pics pics

 

[xd-data-ii]

Ok. here are some pictures.

Was trying the side repeater lenses on friday but ran out of paint half way through. Have more paint now and will get them done this week.

I might use the window tint to actually tint the windows now. Its DIY job and ive never done it before and meant to be pretty difficult but will see

 

[Mr Roboto]

Always check what the law states mate.

You don't want any one going in the back of you and then trying to blame it on your lights.

 

[xd-data-ii]

The indicators actually look way more orange than before. Much better.
Brake lights werent touched. Just the clear section.

Anyway, there are many standard cars out there with smoked lenses as standard.

 

[lc_allan]

Always check what the law states mate.

You don't want any one going in the back of you and then trying to blame it on your lights.

Makes no difference even if your brake lights are not working someone can't use that as an excuse for going into the back of you. They have to keep a safe distance and even though everyone does and takes them for granted. Brake lights are only a visual aid to indicate someone is slowing down. You shouldn't rely on them solely.