Self Tinting Rear CLusters

[RaKeR]

Has anybody had a go at this?

I want to tint the rear cluster on my standard jetta items?  Is the tint applied to the face of the cover or the inside?

 

Thanks!

[A7 UFO]

Don't do it.  You'll lose the shine on the lense (it gives a matt effect) and the allumination will be reduced or, if you fit stronger bulbs, could melt the lense due to the increased heat.

Its worth saving up for proper alternatives.

[RaKeR]

Fair enough my friend.

Can that one then . . . . . 

[baz_the_man62]

i did it, but i wanted a matt finish, spray the outside of the lense if your gonna do it, and build up light layers. if u want a gloss finish you can always use a laquer over the top. mine are fairly dark and i didnt put stronger bulbs in + the mot dude gave me a pass, so its up to u.

[A7 UFO]

mine are fairly dark and i didnt put stronger bulbs in + the mot dude gave me a pass

But the lights are on the back of your car for a reason....not just for looks but also so others can see you when driving in the dark.  Personally, I'd rather be visible.

[baz_the_man62]

yea but they look good, they're more visible at night than in the day so no problems there and in the day if someone cant see them they shouldnt be on the road, if the mot man gave the thumbs up its good for me!!

[takethefifth]

Ah well i'm sorry but have to disagree on this one. I have come across some cars with tinted lights at night that seriously reduce the visible distance.

I'm not saying don't do it, i am just saying that factory tinted lenses are produced within a set standard that ensures they produce enough light. 

You can do it yourself but you have to rely on your judgement and that of the MOT man. As we all know MOT guys can add their own interpretation on faults, especially things like lights that they would pass/fail by sight only not with some fancy gadget.

So my opinion - I would trust a European standard over my standard and that of an MOT guy.

[baz_the_man62]

fair point, i didnt fancy buying lights because they do cost more and even tho they are European safety marked, lots are for left hand drive cars so the fogs on the wrong side etc

didnt feel i could justify spending 50 quid for some rear lights tbh.

[VeeDubGTI16v]

stretch a pair of tights over them 

[Dizzie]

I made mine into the 16v items and they're fine. the reverse and indicators are hardly on anyway