My darkened taillights are once again bright red

[BobSacomano]

I previously posted about how I 'muted' my taillights with VHT Niteshade.

Well, now I moved to Texas, and in Texas you have to get a yearly inspection and any kind of taillight tint will fail your inspection. (I'd like to say thank you to the quick thinking technician who alerted me to that fact before I spent an exorbitant amount of money on an AC recharge and oil change, too. I was able to walk out without spending a penny.)

So, this morning I went down to the car wash, filled up a bucket, and went to town on the taillight lenses with some 800 grit.

Here's before:

Here's left side done:

Here's both done:


I guess that oughta do it. Welcome to Texas.

 

[Jim BB]

I previously posted about how I 'muted' my taillights with VHT Niteshade.

Well, now I moved to Texas, and in Texas you have to get a yearly inspection and any kind of taillight tint will fail your inspection. (I'd like to say thank you to the quick thinking technician who alerted me to that fact before I spent an exorbitant amount of money on an AC recharge and oil change, too. I was able to walk out without spending a penny.)

So, this morning I went down to the car wash, filled up a bucket, and went to town on the taillight lenses with some 800 grit.

Here's before:
View attachment 521995
Here's left side done:
View attachment 521996
Here's both done:
View attachment 521998

I guess that oughta do it. Welcome to Texas.

Did polish the tail light lens after you hit them with 800 grit sand paper they will hayz over if you don't and maybe fail your inspection anyways !

 

[BobSacomano]

Did polish the tail light lens?

I did.

 

[Brandon-w]

Next time hit it with some carb cleaner on a rag. Takes vht right off I did my badges and wheels with it for that purpose just a Simple wipe if it needs to go

 

[Green_Manalishi]

It's always better to leave them factory. An inattentive driver that rearends you will be happy to sue due to your non-compliant stop lamps, reflectors, turn signals, and tail lamps. Plus, it keeps me from having to stop you for those violations.

 

[Brandon-w]

It's always better to leave them factory. An inattentive driver that rearends you will be happy to sue due to your non-compliant stop lamps, reflectors, turn signals, and tail lamps. Plus, it keeps me from having to stop you for those violations.

#murica land of the free... Ish lol

 

[04fxdwgi]

Next time hit it with some carb cleaner on a rag. Takes vht right off I did my badges and wheels with it for that purpose just a Simple wipe if it needs to go

Be careful with that. Carb or brake cleaner will melt the uncoated plastic, as will acetone.

 

[chri5k]

#murica land of the free... Ish lol

To be fair, many of the DOT regulations are there to ensure the safety of the motoring public. Not sure it is "anti-freedom" to restrict creating a hazard for everyone else on the road.

 

[Cableman]

I barely see a difference, surprised that wouldn't pass. Even up here in ny they have never questioned my aftermarket tinted ones, I don't even know if they are dot! Can't have any tint on my front windows tho

 

[Scottly]

Be careful with that. Carb or brake cleaner will melt the uncoated plastic, as will acetone.

Negative. Carb cleaner sprays out of the can through a plastic straw...Think about it. Carb cleaner will damage paint, but brake cleaner won't

 

[04fxdwgi]

Negative. Carb cleaner sprays out of the can through a plastic straw...Think about it. Carb cleaner will damage paint, but brake cleaner won't

OK. Just commenting on experience trying to clean plastic parts with different chemicals / products and having undesirable effects.
I am pretty sure plastic lenses are not same plastic composition as a plastic straw.

 

[BobSacomano]

Well, the deed is done. I'm Texas plates official.

 

[BobSacomano]

It's always better to leave them factory. An inattentive driver that rearends you will be happy to sue due to your non-compliant stop lamps, reflectors, turn signals, and tail lamps. Plus, it keeps me from having to stop you for those violations.

My brother-in-law is LEO and he is happy to remind me... that, and the *slightly* tinted license plate cover...

 

[turkeybird56]

I previously posted about how I 'muted' my taillights with VHT Niteshade.

Well, now I moved to Texas, and in Texas you have to get a yearly inspection and any kind of taillight tint will fail your inspection. (I'd like to say thank you to the quick thinking technician who alerted me to that fact before I spent an exorbitant amount of money on an AC recharge and oil change, too. I was able to walk out without spending a penny.)

So, this morning I went down to the car wash, filled up a bucket, and went to town on the taillight lenses with some 800 grit.

Here's before:
View attachment 521995
Here's left side done:
View attachment 521996
Here's both done:
View attachment 521998

I guess that oughta do it. Welcome to Texas.

FYI, no more than 4 Lights Lit on the front of your vehicle when traveling on highways/roadways. U can mount 35 if U want, but no more than 4 lit while driving and must have proper reflective angle, etc.,. OH, the plastic cover on your rear license plate (and front if U have), once U get TX tags if U r establishing residency, a no go also. Just a lil tidbits, lol.

I typed this not see some of the above, LOL.

 

[turkeybird56]

My brother-in-law is LEO and he is happy to remind me... that, and the *slightly* tinted license plate cover...

Yuppers, lmao.

 

[Dave Haddon]

WOW you guys in TEXAS really are controlled...glad I'm in the true White North...feeling relaxed in my freedoms!