harrower

Hi, I am considering getting blacked out brake lights like the ones attached in pics. Anyone done this mod and willing to post pics so I can see the look. I have also purchased smoked reverse light covers so the end result would be pretty much a black-out look except for the crome trim which will be next. Thanks

sflgator

Any danger in "blacked out" brake lights? I know they'll still light up, but do you really want them dimmer than they should be? Hope you don't get rear-ended.

harrower

Not sure how less bright they would be, hence the post. Just looking to see if anyone has done this and what their experience was.

Questions

I definitely see a safety concern for taillights or turn signal indicators being blacked out and not visible enough.

A few weeks ago on the highway I saw a black c63, fully blacked out with tints, emblems, trim, grill, everything, including dark taillights. Middle of the day the lights were visible enough for me. Car looked great too. I wonder if that person is on the boards here.

I see the turn signals on yours are still clear. On the car I saw it (the entire taillight assembly) was more on the side of smoked than blacked out. It felt like it could have been blacked out darker.

harrower

Thanks for insights. My pic in sig is old and I have smoked now moving to completely blacked out EvoSport replacements.

Dkab

Dkab

I've seen this style of blackouts on a black C63 likes yours, I recommend not putting the smoked cover on the reverse light. As for mine, I did a fairly light coat of black. Black enough that it hides all the red and doesn't look purple, but light enough that about 80% of the light still gets through the paint. I'll try and remember to take a picture of it tomorrow night for you.

olszowa12

Complete blackout:



With turn signals left OEM



And lighter tint + OEM blinkers

YYZ-E55

I never understood why people leave the blinker/reverse light clear. It makes the tails look unfinished and "aftermarket" to me.

Most OEMs tint the clear part of the lens, not just the red area - example: SL with factory tinted tails:

bluejae

to each their own...

i'm looking to do my taillights like the white one pictured above but haven't found a place in dallas yet...

i'm thinking it looks darker than it is since the pictures were taken in the shade

emericr

There was a thread here where the person who did got ticketed and he was pissed off because the cop advised him that it was unsafe and illegal.
It will reduce the ability of the people to see you brake but if you are OK with it and the consequences, then go for it. it is an easy mod and if you like the look, then that's what counts.

Simon @ evosport

Yes this is a very personal preference. Here's one we just did on a Maserati project:



More pics here: Evosport Wallpaper Gallery

squigmang

If done correctly, it will not affect light output. Here is a picture of my Jeep with the tinted tails.

No lights

With daytime running lights...

And with the brakes on...

harrower

Matt, as usual you are the one with all the photos...thanks

harrower

Guys, I am going to pull the trigger on this mod and see if the lights present any safety issues. Only way to be sure is to install and then do test drive to make sure that safety is not comprimised. Of course I do not want to get rear-ended, but also I don't want some other soul getting into an accident in addition to myself. I am all for mod'ing, but not at the cost of someone getting hurt. Will see how it turns out...hell they could be for sale in a couple of weeks in the exterior parts for sale thread!

Dkab

I always have cops riding my a$$ when they see my blackouts, and as soon as they see me break and the amount of light that still gets through the paint, they continue on their way. I've been pulled over multiple times for random reasons, and I've never had an officer tell me anything about my lights.

Questions

Completely agree.

emericr

squigmang: Great looking Jeep. They are monsters and I love that huge center exhaust. No one can miss that you have something bad under hte hood.

However, putting any kind of tint of the tail WILL affect the output. It is just a matter of how much.

harrower

Here is an alternative...LED with darkened reverse and indicators. Not bad looking.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2008-...item4cf147fd2c

503C43 ////AMG

Not sure what the laws are like in the Czech republic but I know they just passed a law here banning smoked or "blacked out" tail lights. I would suggest you check with the law enforcement in your area before you committed to the tail light mod.

harrower

I am sure there are some laws about blacked out lights here as well, but they really don't enforce these sort of things. I am more concerned about safety and whether the black-out will diminish the light strength when I brake and there create the possability in getting rear-ended.

MyBigBenz

Absolutely awesome! I personally like blacked out lights. They look great and typically aren't too dark to see unless you spraypainted them yourself (not recommended). If you buy them as an accessory or have someone do them for you, it's usually fine.

squigmang

Thanks for the compliment on the jeep!
you are right, it will be affected, but it lets enough thru that anyone, in any light, can see it fine. keeps me and the cops happy !

whatthecrunchyo

Hi, I have a W203 and was looking to do this to my car. I wanted to get someone to do it locally. Where do I start? At a tint shop or what?

squigmang

auto body shop. AFAIK they just use a translucent black paint.