Any Recommendations for Painting Faded Tail Light?

[DavidProehl]

I ordered a can of Tamiya Transparent Orange modeling paint after seeing an old post on the DML about painting the inside of the lens with it. Has anyone had any success with opening up their taillight housing? I'd like to paint the inside, but unsure what the best way is to get at it. I'm ok with cutting into it as long as I have reasonable odds of being able to glue it back together. I could paint the outside of the lens, but I'm concerned that it will eventually wear off after enough car washes.

Approaches I'm considering:

Dremel along inside seam in order to separate
Directly cut away section of housing above orange blinker


I'm not crazy about either approach so I'm interested in hearing any suggestions for getting into this. I may just end up ordering a NOS unit, but I'd like to try saving this before dropping $150 just to get a little color.

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[awildermode]

Like you said, it will be a challenge to get into the housing. There is no easy way to open this as they are sealed to keep moisture out. Make sure you seal it well.

With only the inside sprayed, you might still see a 'thickness of clear'. The texture inside may help. You may have to spray the outside as well. While you are in there, spray the inside with a silver to bounce the light more.

Another option is to use a clear amber vinyl. Apply like you would any vinyl. Do each lens separately to avoid bubbles and errors.

- Make sure the lenses are clean to avoid dust/air bubbles.
- Spray a soapy solution (few drops of dish wash liquid into bottle, top with water, shake) onto lens position vinyl.
- Squeegee out water and air bubbles.
- Let dry for a few minutes.
- Then, cut along the edges.

You can also use a heat gun, on low, to help the vinyl contour to the lens and into the seams.

Good Luck!

[Shep]

Have you considered selling it? I'm actually looking for taillight housings similar to this. If the amber is 100% gone -- perfect! If not, that's okay too, someone looking to do a one-off custom might like it better than sacrificing a perfectly good NOS unit.

Pictures of the other side? And is your other housing like this too, or no? :)

[DavidProehl]

Like you said, it will be a challenge to get into the housing. There is no easy way to open this as they are sealed to keep moisture out. Make sure you seal it well.

With only the inside sprayed, you might still see a 'thickness of clear'. The texture inside may help. You may have to spray the outside as well. While you are in there, spray the inside with a silver to bounce the light more.

Another option is to use a clear amber vinyl. Apply like you would any vinyl. Do each lens separately to avoid bubbles and errors.

- Make sure the lenses are clean to avoid dust/air bubbles.
- Spray a soapy solution (few drops of dish wash liquid into bottle, top with water, shake) onto lens position vinyl.
- Squeegee out water and air bubbles.
- Let dry for a few minutes.
- Then, cut along the edges.

You can also use a heat gun, on low, to help the vinyl contour to the lens and into the seams.

Good Luck!

I hadn't thought of applying vinyl, good suggestion. Also hadn't considered that painting the inside may not be enough. Now you have me second guessing this project.

I would certainly need to make sure it is properly sealed after doing any work on it.


Have you considered selling it? I'm actually looking for taillight housings similar to this. If the amber is 100% gone -- perfect! If not, that's okay too, someone looking to do a one-off custom might like it better than sacrificing a perfectly good NOS unit.

Pictures of the other side? And is your other housing like this too, or no? :)

Selling may be the better option, depending on how much it is worth. The color isn't completely faded, I've included pictures below. It has faded to yellow from the original orange. Apart from the fading, it is in great condition.

Edit: And the driver's side light looks great - still a dark orange.

3092130922

[Shep]

Selling may be the better option, depending on how much it is worth. The color isn't completely faded, I've included pictures below. It has faded to yellow from the original orange. Apart from the fading, it is in great condition.

3092130922Post an ad in the "Parts For Sale" section, see if you get any bites. If you do, you'll have your answer. If not, try eBay (with a reserve, of course, so it doesn't sell for a dollar) and see if anyone bites there. Good luck! :)

EDIT: Also, if there's a way to fade them even further, while I wouldn't attempt it on a good unit like this, I would be strongly interested in how it's accomplished. I'm both genuinely curious and have a reason for trying it (LED bulbs, FWIW).

[Mark D]

I've the the same problem on my car, although it's the DS tail light that is faded and the PS is fine. I considered taking it all apart like you are proposing but ultimately I think I'll just buy a new one and sell the old one. Mine looks pretty close to the same color as yours...maybe someone out there perfers the lighter yellow color instead of amber?

[DavidProehl]

I decided to buy a replacement and try selling this one. I don't like doing hack jobs on the D, and I'm afraid that is what this would end up being. Once the replacement arrives I'll list mine for sale.

Mark - If you are ready to buy, try giving DMC-MW a call. I called to order a NOS unit, but was told they have a parts car currently in the shop with a pristine rear end. I was able to buy a used tail light off it. Mike texted me a photo of the light, at least in the photo it looked great. Well worth going used for the price difference, especially since I'm only replacing one, this way both have a somewhat used look to them but will be the proper color. If you call soon you might be able to nab the other light.

[Mark D]

I decided to buy a replacement and try selling this one. I don't like doing hack jobs on the D, and I'm afraid that is what this would end up being. Once the replacement arrives I'll list mine for sale.

Mark - If you are ready to buy, try giving DMC-MW a call. I called to order a NOS unit, but was told they have a parts car currently in the shop with a pristine rear end. I was able to buy a used tail light off it. Mike texted me a photo of the light, at least in the photo it looked great. Well worth going used for the price difference, especially since I'm only replacing one, this way both have a somewhat used look to them but be the proper color. If you call soon you might be able to nab the other light.

Thanks David! I just sent at email out to Julee :-)

[DavidProehl]

Tail light arrived today! Got it swapped out. Here is a side by side look at the old one vs the one DMCMW shipped me.

30975

Will be selling the old one on eBay in the next couple weeks, but if anyone wants to make me an offer before then, send me a PM.