How to: De-Amber your tail lights!

[Mark_Dorman]

So I know a lot of us aren't super fond of the beloved amber (yellow) lenses on our tail lights...or anywhere else for that matter. I personally like the look of all red tail lights. A few members on the board have done this as well but I figured I'd do a little write up on my project (second time doing it actually) this time.

Things you'll need:
1) A screw driver
2) 400, 1000, and 2000 grit Sand Paper
3) Rubbing Compound
4) Testers Transparent All Purpose Spray Enamel - 1605 Candy Apple Red (or similar)
5) General Automotive Clear Coat (Krylon or Dupli-color will work fine)
6) Blue Painter Masking Tape (Don't use the green stuff...trust me)
7) Razor Blades
8) News Paper
9) A little bit of patience

To start you need to pull off your tail lights...
Very simple:
Pull off corner triangle pieces...unscrew
Pop Trunk/Boot...unscrew
Remove Tail lights.

Once you have your tail lights off do some light wet sanding with 400 grit sand paper to remove some of the oxidation and create a good bonding surface for the paint.

Once completed, begin taping up your lights. I chose to tape over the reflector as well as the reverse light (applies to 91-93 lights).







Now that you have your lights all taped up it's time to setup for paint station. Mine is ghetto but it works...



After that...take your paint...


Make sure the lenses are clean and oil free. I like to use compressed air to make sure there's no loose dust on them.
Now spray away...



Once your tail lights are dry inspect your paint job and make sure you got full coverage and have a nice smooth finish. It doesn't have to be perfect since you will be clear coating them but it shouldn't be splotchy and rough...

Make sure to let them dry before putting on your clear coat. I would bring them inside so you don't get too much dust stuck to them.





Depending on the paint you use...you should wait at least 3 hours before clear coating them.

Tic-Tock Tic-Tock...

Time for clear coat!



When preparing for the clear coat application remove the tape from the reflector and reverse light as well as the tinted lower part (see below).



Now it's important to read the back of your clear coat can. The Dupli-Color clear coat isn't suppose to be use over enamel paints so you have to spray it on carefully. If you do too think of a coat the red paint will run (see examples below)...

Correct:


Incorrect:


Make sure you to apply sufficient layers of clear coat so you can sand and polish to a mirror like finish. Once the clear coat is applied allow 48 hours for it to dry before sanding and polishing...

First wet sand with 1000 grit sand paper...then with 2000 grit to get the clear coat to smooth out. If you're going to recoat (which would be a good idea) now is the time. If you recoat sand again with the 1000 then 2000.





Now that you're finished wet sanding you'll bust out the rubbing compound. By far the worst part. Honestly...I'm going to take my 94+'s to a paint shop and have them clear coat them. Probably will come out a little better ...

Here's the right side after polishing...






I'll post some this weekend of the tail lights on the car

P.S. They look a lot better in person. Nice and glossy!

So here's a picture of them on the red car. I'll see if I can put them on the white car for some comparison pictures...


The tail lights are on but I have a bulb out

Here's a picture of the red tail lights on my white car...

[masagsxr]

Wow... great writeup!!! YODA-man!!!

[Mark_Dorman]

Thanks Mixxer...I'll finish it up tomorrow!

[mr.asian.m2]

mark..i bet you i know what you spend your time doing today. great job

[mrII]

This is great. I was wondering if i should save up for the 94+ tail lights or do this instead.
Waiting for the rest of the write up and the outcome, post pictures of the tail lights the MR2 when you are done please.

[Mark_Dorman]

^I definitely will...I'm headed down to oceanside today to help a buddy get his MR2 up and running. The paint needs time to dry so I'll probably clear coat tonight then you have to wait 48 hrs before wet sanding and polishing. I'll have it done by Wednesday or Thursday and will post plenty of pictures .

Thanks for all the positive responses everyone

[Mark_Dorman]

Updated...

Will post final pics this weekend!

[honda_bar]

good

[mrII]

Looks very good. I will be definitely be doing this.
I shake my head everytime i see some 94+ tail lights for sale for more than $250. Maybe it is me but $200-$250 (<-for really good shape) is reasonable. They are over priced for being used.
Don't get me wrong, i will buy a pair of 94+ when, if ever, the price goes down on them. But for now my tail lights will be getting de-ambered and i am going to save some $$$.

[Mark_Dorman]

Glad it was helpful...post some pictures when you're done.

***updated pictures***

[mr.asian.m2]

great write up mark. i think i will end up doing this for my other black mr2. it have the 94 tail light on there. but, the corner is orange. and painting them red will give the oem jdm look like on my white mr2. i was thinking about this awhile back. but, i didn't think the ligth will shine pass the paint?

you have a photo with it at night? just want to see how much light can get pass it.

[mr.asian.m2]

mark..where did you get the candy apple spray paint? i been looking for that. i try auto zone, walmart and pep boy. no luck

[Mark_Dorman]

You have to get it from a hobby shop. Like ones that sell little model and RC cars...

I'm doing the red on my 94's also...I'll edit the write up to include those once I finish. I'm taking a lot more time with them cause I want them to come out perfect

[trevs2]

Rev 3 lights look good tinted ,especially with the red corners




Or go the other option with clears?

[Mark_Dorman]

I think the red looks better. Like the look of the all red 94+'s on the black. Sweet!

[mrII]

Hey Mark, did you paint the corner triangle lenses too?

[Mark_Dorman]

Not on these ones but I did on my 94's for a better match. I've probably put in twice as much time doing my 94's than my 91's. They're also harder because of all the angles so...I'll post pics in the next couple weeks.

[magnesmurf]

where can you get hold of clear lenses for amber section of the 94+ tailights, as shown above in the pics?

[trevs2]

Originally Posted by magnesmurf

where can you get hold of clear lenses for amber section of the 94+ tailights, as shown above in the pics?

Contact this member, he does them for the rev 1/2 as well

Rev 3 CLEAR REAR CONVERSION.........