Dang, that does look nice. It helps your reverse lights are not built in though, might look a little goofy to go red clear red on mine.

 

i still like the rough looking lights for the older rigs. i always see there people tryin to put new looks on old stuff. just looks goofy i think

 

I like my red/clear much more than the red/orange, but that red/red looks awesome too

 

no it wont

 

You're right! Looks good! Thanks for posting that up, that is definitely an option when mine start to fade.

 

That looks awesome ill def be doing that. How long has it been since you have painted them? Are they fading or anything or showing any wear?

 

I actually painted them a couple times, because the red would fade a bit, but the last time I did it I put a coat of clear on it and now they dont fade. No wear showing at all, they still look brand new.

 

Sounds good thanks ill be doing this whenever i get around to it

 

Just so you know, you should paint the whole light. The first time I did it I taped off the red section so I wouldn't get paint on it and the paint made the upper part a little darker than the stock red. The second time I did it i just painted the whole light. Painting the whole thing looks a lot better and it was a lot faster to do. I was nervous that the paint would make it so the reflectors didn't work as well, but there inst a difference. Its funny because I've had a couple people ask how much I paid for my tail lights, they're amazed when I tell them they are stock and it only cost $5.

 

Haven't had much luck finding "stained glass" paint. Is it from a craft store like Michael's or something? Interested in trying this out since it's so cheap and if it fades or ends up not looking good, I can buy the eBay Eagle Eye red/clear ones or something.

 

Grrr. I actually did a search for "faded tail light lens" not too long ago and didn't find this thread. I'm pretty sure stained glass paint would be sold at Michael's or Hobby Lobby. I bought new ones though. I might try red and clear on my old ones.

 

I bought some stained glass stuff at michaels..

 

Do you paint the outside or inside of the lens?

 

outside, I use Testors model paint. Just make sure to clear them too if you go that route or it fades off...

 

automotive paints typically have more UV protection, and it's the UV that fades plastic.

the refinishes of the stock lights look awesome; nice work everyone!

if you DO buy aftermarket lenses, treat them for UV as well. frequently the plastics they use are not formulated to hold up over time. that's one of the reasons light housings are DOT regulated. clear coat 'em, then keep them waxed for longest lifespan.

p.s. if you have older lenses you'd like to restore, the $10 turtle wax brand headlight restoration kit worked great on the headlights of my 97 honda. really easy too.

 

I used the VHT night shades paint that my little Brother had laying around and I think it looks pretty good. I think all RED looks good on the Red 4runners but black might look better on other paint colors.

pic of mine. seems to be holding up fine as of right now but it has only been a month or 2.

 

I've had mine for a about 6month, and has seen nothing but sun, and they still look new.

 

That truck is sick