Tinting rear lights on Sportback

[DTGriff]

Aloha!,

Can anyone help me with tinting my rear sportback lights.

Gonna tackle this badboy on the weekend.

I bought VHT night shades in black so I'm wondering, do I have the sand the lights first?

Obviously I know I'll have to tape up the reverse light but is there anything else I need to be careful with?

Thanks

[Corzza2]

Mate your game not to put a damper on the idea but, a) not only is it illegal but b) will you become a coppers best mate.

[Alixxandar]

Most cops couldn't tell if it was legal or not to be honest. The sportback isn't a common car so most cops probably don't know what they look like stock (although I am seeing more of them recently)

On top of that, heaps of ADR approved tinted tail lights exist. If the cops pulled everyone with tinted lights over, they'd be wasting their time, so they're not likely to bother pulling you over.

[DTGriff]

Yea I know what you mean,

I really don't like the standard rear lights though :/

Shame they haven't brought after market lights out yet!

Dammit!

[Neo]

btw taking off vht nightshade is a pain, you have to wet sand it and by doing that you lose the glossy shine of the plastic. Or you can do something like this not sure how it would work on a sport back tho :\ (credit to Tong-sea)

[Corzza2]

Most cops couldnt tell if it was legal or not to be honest. The sportback isnt a common car so most cops probably dont know what they look like stock (although I am seeing more of them recently) On top of that, heaps of ADR approved tinted tail lights exist. If the cops pulled everyone with tinted lights over, theyd be wasting their time, so theyre not likely to bother pulling you over.

Not sure about other states but in NSW cops are pretty cluey when it comes to these sorts of mods. Its not that difficult to tell the diffrence.

[DTGriff]

Ahh dammit!

Knew I should've bought the Sedan!

Wish there were more options open to the Sportback!

[Corzza2]

They dont make the LED replacements for the sports back?

[Glenn]

I went the tinted vinyl option. If it ever becomes an issue i can pull it off right there and then.

Sportback might be a more complex shape but with a heatgun you should be able to wrap most things

[DTGriff]

Nope, I've searched everywhere and I've even heard of other people not being able to find anything.

Apparently the LED replacements are made in China and the Sportback apparently isn't available in China - Not a statement from me but just something I've heard.

Sucks to be a Sportback owner right now!

[SAM-24A]

Read my previous post here: SportsBack Tail Lights Black-Customised

You could also use black vinyl as an alternative to Nite Shades.

Vinyl gives the option to change/alter the design until you achieve the desired pattern and/or remove it quickly if the Fun Police demand it.
You might also want to consider LaminX Tinted Film's which is available pre-cut and/or sheets/rolls in different tinted shade's & designed to conform to the curves common to Tail & Head Lamp assy's.


Sam .....
Merlinised MIVEC - AspiRe 2.4L
Merlin Inspired Variable Engine Control

[MRWOLF]

This is a shot of the left hand side which I did with night shade
When you look at my lights it is dark in day time but ive seen it at night time and all the lights are still visible (Which is the main thing!!)

[DTGriff]

Michael do you get a lot of attention from the Police with yours?

Cheers guys, I'll take a look into the suggestions above!

[MRWOLF]

Dont worry about the dirt, havent washed in a while!!
This is how the lights look at night. The left side is a bit stuffed, as i sprayed a bit tto much on it and I was trying to be a perfectionist on it and failed

[MRWOLF]

In all honesty, I haven't seen any coppers following me so i cant say, but my parkers, brake lights and blinkers are visible, even in the dead of night.
But if worse comes to worse, im pretty sure mineral turps should be able to clean it up