How to: blackout rear quarter lenses for $10 on S197
01-04-2009, 05:09 PM
#1
2nd Gear Member
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Join Date: Jun 2008
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Posts: 216
How to: blackout rear quarter lenses for $10 on S197
Here's my latest project on doing a little blackout job on my '08. I know you can buy these from a vendor, or use Niteshades, but I was bored and wanted to do this myself. So keep the comments about "But it's easier if you..." to yourself. I get satisfaction from doing things right and doing them myself. Anyway, hope this helps:
First, pop the rear quarter lens out using a screwdriver and rag. Pry on the end towards the front of the car - they pop right out. Unscrew the bulb socket and take it to the bench.
Before you can lay down the tint, you have to remove the embossed Ford emblem and part number. I used a razor blade and 600 grit sandpaper to knock it down, then hit it with the buffer wheel.
Cut out a piece of tint with about a 1/2" margin (I used 35% - anything darker did not let any light through at night), peel the backing off, spray the lens and tint with a water/soap solution, and lay it down.
Use a heat gun to shrink the tint to the lens. I used a microfiber towel and my thumb to help the process.
Turn it over, and use a razor knife to carefully trace the outline. If you're good, it will come out perfect.
I chucked the lens up in the bench vice and continued to use heat and pressure to make the tint conform to the bends. Patience is a virtue at this point. You will pay special attention to the perimeter of the lens.
This is what you will end up with:
And this is how it will look on the car. Notice my other mod? Blacked-out trunk emblem - sweeeeeet!
Goes well with the front signal lenses and blackout out pony/grill, doesn't it?
First, pop the rear quarter lens out using a screwdriver and rag. Pry on the end towards the front of the car - they pop right out. Unscrew the bulb socket and take it to the bench.
Before you can lay down the tint, you have to remove the embossed Ford emblem and part number. I used a razor blade and 600 grit sandpaper to knock it down, then hit it with the buffer wheel.
Cut out a piece of tint with about a 1/2" margin (I used 35% - anything darker did not let any light through at night), peel the backing off, spray the lens and tint with a water/soap solution, and lay it down.
Use a heat gun to shrink the tint to the lens. I used a microfiber towel and my thumb to help the process.
Turn it over, and use a razor knife to carefully trace the outline. If you're good, it will come out perfect.
I chucked the lens up in the bench vice and continued to use heat and pressure to make the tint conform to the bends. Patience is a virtue at this point. You will pay special attention to the perimeter of the lens.
This is what you will end up with:
And this is how it will look on the car. Notice my other mod? Blacked-out trunk emblem - sweeeeeet!
Goes well with the front signal lenses and blackout out pony/grill, doesn't it?
01-04-2009, 05:29 PM
#4
2nd Gear Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location:
Posts: 216
Bought the taillight trim on Ebay. I broke the left one and need another set, but can't find ANY black trim ANYWHERE. Thanks for the comments. And you're right, this would probably only work on a black car.
