Painted My Turn Signals and Headlights

bshusted · Post by **bshusted** » 26 Sep 2010, 19:44

Wanted to try a different look for the front of my 850 and this is what I came up with.

In case anyone else is interested in doing this, I started out by cleaning the turn signal lens really well with lacquer thinner.

I used a clear orange modeling paint on the turn signals with a foam brush for application. The paint was made by Tamiya and is x-26.

You need to work quickly with this paint as it dries very quickly. It is very thin and creates a fantastic finish. Here it is after the first coat.

I did another coat about an hour later in the opposite direction. This really brought out the color.

Next to the amber signals, I thought the chrome look of the headlights needed something to set it off. I removed the lens and painted the surround with Tamiya's gloss black.

Wanted to see what the lens would look like next to it.

bshusted · Post by **bshusted** » 26 Sep 2010, 19:55

While I had the headlight apart, I noticed that the internal wires were in poor condition.

It's a wonder that I hadn't blown the fuse.

A few more pictures of the final product.

Post by **RobTheModd** » 26 Sep 2010, 20:11

Well I guess.. Welcome to the family. lol.

heres a few more photos of other cars, to give someone a little more push to do it.

looks way better then stock, but after awhile, they WILL fade.

be prepared. lol. id put a little thicker orange coat on before you do the clear though to ensure long lasting amber.

lots have done this before, although its not everyones style, it does look great.

bshusted · Post by **bshusted** » 26 Sep 2010, 20:38

I figured they would eventually fade/chip and I did not clear coat them, but at $2.50 for a jar (about half left) I can re-coat every couple of years if necessary.

Post by **RobTheModd** » 26 Sep 2010, 20:44

I would throw one more coat, maybe to if you feel like it just for shiz and giggles.

then clear coat, mine were done by someone with lots of experience with a spray gun, so professionally for free...

you should definitely clear coat them to protect them.

if not with a spray gun, maybe a rattle can, or using the same method as you did with the orange.

Post by **patrioty3k** » 27 Sep 2010, 17:24

Hey there all,how about a fix coat for us 'wagon' owner tailights....any hope,besides purchasing new ones?

bshusted · Post by **bshusted** » 27 Sep 2010, 21:04

Actually, I should have taken some before pictures of my tail lights, but they were terribly yellowed and dull. I'm sure you know what I'm talking about.

I started out wet sanding with 600 grit and then working up to 1500. There will be a milky white color to the water; this is good. As you sand away the oxidized plastic, it will become much more clear and smooth.

Once you think you have it as smooth as you can get, allow it to dry thoroughly and then clean the surface with alcohol. Apply several coats of clear acrylic. After one or two coats of clear, you may want to wet sand again with 2000 to remove any orange peal and then give it another coat.

The final product is quite nice and at $10 worth of clear coat and sandpaper, much cheaper than buying a full new set of tail lights.

While I had mine apart, I modified the passenger side rear fog light to actually be wired in the housing and then connected the rear fogs to come on with the brake lights.

Post by **patrioty3k** » 28 Sep 2010, 17:03

I'll give your info a try...what can I lose? Thanks!