Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums Custom Corner Tinted Turn Signal Lenses

SO...I finally got some time to get this little project started.

Parts used so far are:
A set of four lenses
Testors Spray Transparent Black Window Tint 3 oz
Dupli Color Clear coat
600 grit sandpaper (wet) to rough up the lenses

Im only ok with the results so far. I dont know if you can see but if you look closely the tint isnt quite even yet, seems a little splotchy to me. Im going to let the clear dry and do some fine (2000 or higher) wet sanding then buff and see how it comes out.
I am happy with the overall look and possiblity of a better outcome.





Im starting to wonder if those that want to get red lenses can use the Testors Spray Transparent Candy Apple Red.

One of my friends has red lenses on the rear of his Sporty. I like 'em too, but he has to swap out with ambers once a year to get state inspection.

Jack

Maybe it's just me, but your idea of splotchy looks like an awesome antique glass finish to me.

Just an update in case anyone is watching this thread...

Ive stripped the lenses now for the third time.
1st time (pics above) it was heavy and had a light "fish eye" or "orange peel" look to the paint.
2nd time first coat was awesome! I had them under a work light to help dry and I think that helps reduce the "fish eye" outcome. Second coat got "fish eyed" again and I did not have the heat source on them.
3rd time was looking good but after drying I realized I sprayed to heavy and had heavy, dark runs.
4th time is in the garage right now. I sprayed lighter and so far so good. Ill do a second coat tomorrow and cross my fingers for a good outcome so I can clear coat and polish.

Some things I learned...
Alcohol (99%) is just as good for stripping the paint as Acetone and it is not as potent.
Having a light/heat source (Im using a 500 watt work light) seems to really help the drying (DUH!) but also seems to help the outcome!

I went to a body supply shop and picked up some 2000 grit paper for the final wet sand (after clear coat) prior to polishing.
For polishing Im going to use 3M Imperial Hand Glaze (its what was suggested).

If everything work out Ill post some finished product pics.

Just wondering are you going to use the same bulbs? Will they be bright enough? Any brighter replacements.

Alos where did u find that spray tint?

Awesome look so far

Ill probably switch to LED bulbs but I dont intend on blacking the lights out...just getting them darker. Dark enough not to look like Oranges but not so dark as to make the turn signal not visible.

The spray tint I got at a Hobby Shop. Its used for modeling.
Heres what it looks like:

Im using an automotive clear coat though!

Pic or link didnt work. Hard to change to LED's?

I used the translucent red paint and it came out great. I put 2 coats of paint on the inside of the lense. They look like they were always red lenses. THe paint cost $3.50 and I still have about 99% of the bottle left.

Had to do this because I converted all of my turn signals to dual element lights. Providing running lights and parking lights as well as signal lights.

If you decide to go with LEDs, while you are shopping at www.superbrightleds.com, you will need to pick up a flasher made for LEDs (CF13GL-02).

Soren

I really like the idea of using the stock signal lampholders to double as running lights (and also as additional brake lights). Has anyone here tried this on their Triumph?

http://www.electricalconnection.com/other-lighting/tsk-star&sport.htm

Jack

Jack...I have the exact same item and I love it! NO issues, easy install!

I have looked at the electrical connection kit above before and wondered how their red lights would work. Z: so you have the kit but are not using their red lights? Isn't the point of their setup to leave the lenses alone and still use the stock turn signals, but provide red running/brake lights all the rest of the time?

Heres how it works:
The kit provides a ring of LEDs (that shine red) that fits around your oem bulb under the amber lens.
Your oem lights work the same as always...off when not turning, on when turning under the amber lens.
When not turning the red LEDs light up under the amber lens and turn it red. Not perfectly red but red.
When braking the red LEDs intensify and shine through red along with your tail light.
When braking into a turn the turn signal is amber, leds are bypassed but your tail light and other running light are still red.

Its simply red leds that are strong enough to turn an amber lens red when they light up.

cool, non-evasive and cheap.

I used to have pics posted but they were on the old photo post. When I get time Ill snap more and post again.

How does this attach to the harness for brake/running light functions? Did you use crimpover connectors on the harness wires?

Since we started getting a bit off topic here I figured Id get us back on track AND provide a thread for the Run Rurn Brake Light Discussion

As for the tinted lenses...Ive now done the process way too many times and simply cant get a good coat with the Testors product. Its either a nice finish and much too light or its dark but splotchy.

Ive stripped the lense once again and ordered a product called Nite Shades by VHT.
The VHT product gets as much press for tinting lights as the Testors does BUT the VHT is not sold in the state of Washington anymore (at least it seems that way to me)(and some of the kids with speedracer cars tell me so).
It also seems to be on back order till the end of the month so this is all on hold until it arrives.

I have the correct paint for doing this. It is notthat difficult. If you want to ship the lenses to WI, I am sure we could work something out.

Thanks for the offer but its not fun if someone else does it for you.
What do you use?