How to: Nightshade/Clear Tails the LSP way :)

[LilSparkPlug]

Okay...here goes. This is the best way I have found to Nightshade your tails and get them to look OEM as far as glossiness goes. This is another thing I have recieved alot of PM's about and random questions....so this is how I did it .

You will need:
- 600 grit sandpaper wet-to-dry
- Soft block (for sanding)
- Dawn or Wax/Tar Grease Remover
- Tack rag (if you so desire)
- VHT nightshades
- UPOL Clear No. 1 Clear coat

Steps:
1. Clean any/all debris off the taillight, using Dawn/Pamolive or Wax/Tar grease remover.

2. Grab some 600 grit sandpaper, and wetsand them until you have a uniform dull finish.

3. Clean them again, using Wax/Tar grease remover, soap w/no silicone or dawn.

4. Tape off the sides and back of the taillight so nothing gets on them when you nightshade them. You don't want overspray. Use 3M Fineline tape on the reverse light if you want to do like I did and leave it white.

5. Clean them again, don't moisten the tape too much if you are using a Dawn type solution. Wax/tar grease remover is best.

6. Spray your first coat of nightshades using 50% overlap on each stroke, then read the back of the can. I believe its 5-10 minutes in between coats. DO NOT wait any longer it will flake/peel off.

7. Spray as many coats as desired. Then wait 5-10 minutes after your last coat before clearing.

8. If you masked off your reverse light, remove the tape (GENTLY) at this time so that you don't have a "bump" where the clear coat ends and the reverse light begins. It will allow for a uniform finish.

9. Spray 2-3 coats ONLY of the UPOL clear using 50% overlap on strokes, anymore and it will lift on you as most clears do. Wait 5-10 minutes in between coats, and 25-30 minutes after your last coat to handle them. 24 hours before you put them on the car....trust me on that one.


I recommend the UPOL clear because it is UV protectant and around $18 a can. Its the best clear you can buy without buying one that has a hardener in it for $25+ dollars. You can buy it online or at your local autobody supply store. It has a VERY high gloss level. Here are mine:





I believe I have a bit over 6 coats on there, and you can still see them at night. Although during the day you can't see the running lights only the brake/turn signals.

[supertrick_05]

Ah...another wonderful writeup by the lovely Crystalmarie! I'll be following this thread VERY soon...

[boostedblue]

cant wait to do thissss!

[Mopar65]

What is the problem if you don't wait? I really want to go take some pictures because I just waxed the car and I did the nightshade and clear about 8 hours ago.

[orangeneon05]

here is my car i am thinking about doing this. but one question should i black out the middle light as well of should i leave it red.

[dblsg]

^ black it out.... if anything, just leave the "white" part. that would make it easier to see when backing up at night.

[orangeneon05]

cool thanks ad your black it out was to the middle light right i just want to be sure

[ejclide]

Don't know if this will be helpful to anyone, but we just started carrying the VHT niteshades paint at Advance Auto Parts. Just came in on our most recent truck, and we just re-did our whole paint section. Most stores should be carrying it I assume, so now we don't have to order it! And if you're going to be in Carlisle and want me to get you some cans, PM me.

[onewickedkid05]

is there nay other clear coat thats uv protected like duplicolor or anything else u can pick up in a store cause i cant find the UPOL in an actual store here

[yell0w4d00r]

is there nay other clear coat thats uv protected like duplicolor or anything else u can pick up in a store cause i cant find the UPOL in an actual store here

i used regular clear coat that you can pick up at walmart and they look fine

[Mat00ES]

I used the cheap clear and its a all peeling now, Im in long need of a redo on my tails.