How to Customize a Scion TC Tail Light
The Scion line by Toyota has been successful, and lots of people are customizing them. The tC, the popular coupe Scion, has lots of different after-market options available. But one thing that can be done at home is customizing the taillights. You can tint them, candy them or even paint patterns on them, it's all up to you. You will learn how to tint your taillights black below, but you can do this same process with other colors of paint as well, assuming they're translucent. You can even get creative and mask off patterns. Here's how you do it.
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Things You'll Need
- VHT Nite-shades paint
- 1-inch painter's masking tape
- Masking paper (newspaper will also work)
- 1/4-inch ratchet and socket set
- Fine scouring pad
- Cleaner or degreaser
- Paper towels
Instructions
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1
Open the trunk and pull back the carpet to reveal the taillight lens mounting points.
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2
Unclip the bulbs from the taillights. Place them to the side so they don't get damaged.
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3
Unbolt the taillights from the car using the 1/4-inch ratchet and socket set. Carefully pull the taillights from the body and place them on a safe work surface.
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4
Scuff the taillights with the scouring pad. You want to take some of the sheen off of the lenses.
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5
Pour some cleaner or degreaser onto a paper towel and clean the lenses thoroughly.
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6
Mask off the perimeter of the taillight with the masking tape and masking paper. Any area that isn't covered by tape or paper will be tinted black, so be sure to cover everything.
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7
Clean the taillight again using a new paper towel and some cleaner or degreaser.
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8
Spray a light coat of the Nite-Shades spray onto the taillight lens. Let it sit at least 10 minutes. The goal of this coat is to provide a tack surface for the final coats.
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9
Apply Nite Shades in heavier coats, being careful not to let the paint run. Try one coat at a time so that you don't get the taillight too dark. Once done, let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour before you touch the car.
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10
Unmask the lens and reinstall it onto the vehicle in the reverse order of removal.
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1
Tips & Warnings
If you want to put a pattern in the lens, use the masking tape to create that pattern in Step 6. It could be horizontal lines, a Scion logo, or anything you want. Just remember, if it's taped, it won't get painted.
Check local traffic laws regarding taillight colors. Some areas may ban tinting taillights.
