Blackout Kits Or VHT Niteshade??

**fastfirebird2002** · 12-01-2007, 09:14 PM

I was wondering what would be a better approach I liked the blacked out look for the tailights and have had the avs blackout covers for my tailights but I lost one the other day at about 130mph lol and I saw a picture with someone that had used the VHT Niteshade ( I hope thats right) and it looked really good so i have been debating what would be the better choice when I go to redo the blackout look

**Speedy_Gonzales** · 12-01-2007, 10:35 PM

I will probally black out my turn sigs and side markers next spring w/ VHT

**Troy C.** · 12-04-2007, 07:42 AM

Use the VHT nighshades, it works great. You have to use some 2000 wetsand paper, to scuff the lights. Then use some cleaning prep, then spray. Let dry for 3 hours, then scuff again with 2000, then buff to a perfect shine. I use this on all my cars and it looks great.

**aquickbird** · 12-18-2007, 11:49 AM

I just got rolled out in cali for em....

Had to take off the spray.
So if your looking to take it off.....acetone works great!

**Mike's TA** · 12-20-2007, 10:14 AM

That sucks that you had to remove it. I have to figure out something for my inspection, but here is mine.

I used 1800 to scuff the lights. Wash and let dry. Used VHT as directed. Used 1800 to ligthly scuff the VHT then sprayed clear 2000 then final clear. Then I used Turtle wax Carnuba cleaner, Polish, then hard shell wax all applied with a 6 inch buffer.

Here is the result.
Pics with a camera phone.

**Mike's TA** · 12-20-2007, 06:24 PM

Oops. I just realized that I used 1200 for the scuffing and 2000 for final. Sorry!!

**EVL LS1** · 12-21-2007, 08:51 PM

looks good. on my truck's taillights i used vht only after cleaning/degreasing the taillights.. no problems in 2 yrs and going.. i have an extra pair of taillights and sprayed them a few weeks ago with some clear coat/ black PPG. turned out awesome all i had to do is wetsand 1000, 2000, then buff it out. just haven't made time to do it yet since the vht looks fine for now. also did the 3rd brake light

**99TransAmUCF** · 02-25-2008, 11:43 AM

Mike - it looks awesome - I can't believe how well it matches the rest of the body.

My trans am (new user - pics to follow) is blue - the shade of blue that yours almost looks like in the top photo - I wonder if there's anyway to get that shade of paint or if it will be close enough to not matter after waxing.

**EVL LS1** · 02-25-2008, 03:04 PM

i can tint the taillights to match the car too =)

**Mike's TA** · 02-25-2008, 05:15 PM

Thanx for the coments.

I've heard of people mixing black in with clear to do the same thing VHT does. I don't see why you wouldn't be able to do a different color. I don't know how it would look though. The honeycomb may still show with the lights off. If it doesn't work out, you can always change it back.

**EVL LS1** · 02-26-2008, 12:16 PM

yeah clear + some black holds up great and has more of a shine than vht esp over time.
unless you clear over vht but not sure how well that stands up over time

**Mike's TA** · 02-26-2008, 03:13 PM

I guess i'll have to see how mine holds up. I did three coats of clear on top of the VHT with light wetsanding between each coat. Then I did two coats of polish and two of wax.

**claytonr** · 02-29-2008, 10:01 AM

where is the best place to get the VHT and all that stuff... Mike yours look awesome.. mine is black on black so it would really make mine look good.. i know there is alot of posts about it but if you could p.m. me exactly what to do i would appreciate it... im new to all that stuff!! thanx

**StuntmanMike** · 02-29-2008, 01:56 PM

I hate blackouts.

I used to have a set on my black Grand Cherokee years ago. They were great, till I backed into somone at night because my damn reverse lights were so dim.

Blackout look dated anyway, and why put them on a 'Bird? The Pontiac tails look awesome. It's one of my favorite things about my car.