Smoking or Redding BRZ/FR-S Tail Lights

[DarrenDriven]

Smoking or Redding BRZ/FR-S Tail Lights


First you need to get yourself some red lense paint or smoked lense tint. In my case, I am going to paint them red first, then put a single layer of smoke over that for a dark red look.



First, pop your trunk and find the single plastic rivet on each side. A small flat-tipped screwdriver will allow you to pop the center out about 1/4".



Once the center of the rivet has been popped out, you can slide the entire rivet out of the hole.



Fold the carpet back to reveal the area behind the tail light.



Using a small tool (like a pick, or even a nail) you can lift the plastic catch inside of the zip tie.



With the catch lifted, you can pull the zip tie loose from the wiring bundle.



Then unscrew the zip tie assembly from the stud and set it aside.



Almost ready, just need to unplug the tail light. Push the tab in while you pull the plug out.



Now you can remove the four 10mm nuts. It's easiest with a deep 10mm socket, but even with an adjustable crescent wrench it is pretty easy. Now you can pull the lamp assembly off of the car.



For a good paint job, you need a clean surface. I use mineral spirits and a soft towel to wipe down every inch. I wear gloves to prevent contamination from my oily hands.



I almost forgot to mask the black plastic areas that are visible when you open the trunk.



Plenty of masking tape will make this paint job look professional when it gets peeled off. Now I let the lights sit for a bit to completely dry off.



The key to a good paint job is cleaning, and light coats. I spray several VERY light dusting coats on the lens first. Light coats prevent fish-eyes, which are caused by contamination on the surface. If you build up a few light dusting coats then any contamination will get sealed in and won't be noticeable.



I put three very light coats on, then one medium coat. To know how much paint to spray, look at a reflection of the surface while you are painting. If the coat is too light then it will still look sparkly with a texture like sand. The perfect amount is when you get just enough paint on the surface that it blends together into one continuous smooth sheen. Spray any more than that and you will start getting runs (drips).



I let each coat sit for 30 minutes, so after my four coats of red I put one medium coat of lens tint over the top of it. This isn't a great photo, but after I let the lenses sit overnight they should look pretty good. No judging yet!

[DarrenDriven]

Parking lights only


Brake lights only


Brake lights and hazard lights


Smoked vs Stock


[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZ9HMzTTNro"]Smoked Tail Lights on Scion FR-S - YouTube[/ame]


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[Guff]

Can't wait to see results!! The red paint looked fantastic!

[Mr.Jay]

nice! hoping you got a better shot of just red cause looking pretty good

Thanks for the DIY I plan to do this

[DarrenDriven]

Originally Posted by Mr.Jay

nice! hoping you got a better shot of just red cause looking pretty good

Thanks for the DIY I plan to do this

Here are a couple more shots of the red before I smoked it.

[igorot]

The red would've been perfect for me. The only thing about nite shade I don't like is that it isn't the right gloss I'm looking for. Nevertheless, I might try it if I can pick up an extra set once cars start getting totalled

[jimmillion]

The smoked red looks amazing. In the last picture I'm really impressed at how glossy it turned out.

[touge-n00b]

Waiting for someone to take the plunge and do this, I quite look forward to the results!

[WingsofWar]

Originally Posted by igorot

The red would've been perfect for me. The only thing about nite shade I don't like is that it isn't the right gloss I'm looking for. Nevertheless, I might try it if I can pick up an extra set once cars start getting totalled

Gloss on taillights is the result of how deep you can get reflections. To do that, you need to finish off the tint job with wet sanding and polishing.

Proper tinted spray lens tinting takes about 1-2 full days without a curing room. If you do have heat on your side...drying and curing times can be cut in half.

[Calum]

Are the reverse lights on the bottom of the bumper?

[ESBjiujitsu]

I love the solid red very awesome thanks for the post and the DIY!!!!!

[zberch]

Red is nice! Want to see them on a car.

[Pscylo]

What does the final product look like reinstalled?

[Kimsey47]

I'd like to see how badly this prevents the lights from being visible... Looking forward to the end results!