I smoked my tails. I did the DIY route with VHT Niteshades. Detailed instructions inside.
09-09-2006, 03:16 PM
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I smoked my tails. I did the DIY route with VHT Niteshades. Detailed instructions inside.
It was easy. I took my time over 2 days. Process was as follows:
1.) Sand the stock tailights smooth to avoid any puddling in the letters and markings. I used a sanding block.
2.) Smooth out with 1000 grit. Don't worry that the lens looks very dull at this point.
3.) CLEAN THOROUGHLY with dishwashing detergent and HOT water. DO NOT TOUCH WITH YOUR HANDS ANY MORE to avoid any oils on the surface.
4.) Wipe with tack cloth to remove any particulates.
4a.) I wanted the back ups to stay clear so I masked the clear area with blue painters tape. I used a razor blade to cut the curved area.
5.) In a well ventilated but as dust free an area as possible spray light coats of the VHT Niteshades. I used 2 very light coats that were sprayed from about 12-14 inches. Try to get as even as possible with smooth easy back and forth applications. Let cure per instructions on can.
6.) I then used 4 VERY LIGHT layers of automotive clear coat. I let dry between coats per the instructions on the can.
7.) After 24 hours of curing I then lightly sanded with 1000 grit dry then wet. Then I used 2000 grit dry then wet.
8.) To finish it off I used 'Clear Coat Safe" 3M Rubbing Compound on a yellow pad with my Porter Cable buffer. This really made them clear. I then used Glaze and finally 3 coats of Rejex for gloss.
I really like the look. My tailights have a deep "ruby red" look to them. They have enough red reflection to stay legal and pass inpsection but are different enough to be personalized.
Here's the pics:
Close up of lens. It looks deep red in person.
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/69962/a6_tints_002.jpg">
The look in the shade. They look a bit darker in the pic than they actually are.
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/69962/a6_tints_007.jpg">
Looks like I'll need to update my sig pic eh?
1.) Sand the stock tailights smooth to avoid any puddling in the letters and markings. I used a sanding block.
2.) Smooth out with 1000 grit. Don't worry that the lens looks very dull at this point.
3.) CLEAN THOROUGHLY with dishwashing detergent and HOT water. DO NOT TOUCH WITH YOUR HANDS ANY MORE to avoid any oils on the surface.
4.) Wipe with tack cloth to remove any particulates.
4a.) I wanted the back ups to stay clear so I masked the clear area with blue painters tape. I used a razor blade to cut the curved area.
5.) In a well ventilated but as dust free an area as possible spray light coats of the VHT Niteshades. I used 2 very light coats that were sprayed from about 12-14 inches. Try to get as even as possible with smooth easy back and forth applications. Let cure per instructions on can.
6.) I then used 4 VERY LIGHT layers of automotive clear coat. I let dry between coats per the instructions on the can.
7.) After 24 hours of curing I then lightly sanded with 1000 grit dry then wet. Then I used 2000 grit dry then wet.
8.) To finish it off I used 'Clear Coat Safe" 3M Rubbing Compound on a yellow pad with my Porter Cable buffer. This really made them clear. I then used Glaze and finally 3 coats of Rejex for gloss.
I really like the look. My tailights have a deep "ruby red" look to them. They have enough red reflection to stay legal and pass inpsection but are different enough to be personalized.
Here's the pics:
Close up of lens. It looks deep red in person.
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/69962/a6_tints_002.jpg">
The look in the shade. They look a bit darker in the pic than they actually are.
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/69962/a6_tints_007.jpg">
Looks like I'll need to update my sig pic eh?
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09-09-2006, 04:53 PM
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Free Hellas came courtesy of my AW membership
I just happened to hit it right when another AW member decided to sell his A6. He decided that he couldn't sell the car with his non-DOT taillights so he came here looking for a free trade.
I was quickest and closest. Boom. Deal done.
I was quickest and closest. Boom. Deal done.