2004 Nissan Titan KC SE
After some serious thought, I decided to tint my headlights utilyzing VHT Nightshades. There have been numerous threads that indicated a mixed review of thoughts as it pertains to this mod. My decision comes as a result of me being hard head, cheap and an individual who loves to perform his own aftermarket modifications.
This thread will provide my honest opinion of the product and it's application, before and after photographs and detailed instructions. The photographs were taken before my clearcoat application. I will submit a photograph of them at a later time.
*My Honest Opinion*
If you are an avid "do it yourself individual", you will be able to perform this mod utilyzing some paitence and moderate hair pulling. I would indeed recommend this mod to others who have or are currently thinking about it.
*Step by Step Directions*
1. Remove your headlight assembly from your truck (four bolts total).
2. Completely clean your headlight assembly with any kind of non abrasive cleaner or hot sudsy water.
3. Fill a bowl or small bucket of water with sudsy water and a soft rag.
The sudsy water will assist your sandpaper with gliding across the surface of the headlight.
4. Start out by using a 320-500 grit sandpaper and wet sand the entire surface of the headlight. Ensure that you are sanding the headlight surface evenly.
5. Wipe down the headlight with your rag from time to time to remove the oxidation and clear coat that is removed during sanding. This process will more than likely run you an hour or so while sipping on your beverage and swearing your arm is going to fall off.
6. After approximately an hour, wash the headlight surface and let it air dry. The entire headlight surface should be hazy from your sanding.
7. Now utilyze 800-1000 grit sandpaper and wet sand the entire surface of the headlight. Ensure that you are sanding the headlight surface evenly.
8. Once this is complete, complete step six again.
9. This step is very important. If you do not complete this step, you will be sorely disappointed when you notice your nightshades run and crack. Completely wash the headlight surface with somekind of acetone or wax and grease remover. You must ensure that there is no kind of oily residue left on the headlight before you begin your tinting.
10. Shake your can of VHT nightshades tint vigoursly for approximately five minutes.
11. Lightly spray your headlight with the nightshades across the entire surface.
12. Time 10 minutes between each coat and for goodness sakes; please ensure these coats are very light. My headlight received 10 individual layers. If you do not adhere to this recommendation, you will be wet sanding these headlights down for an hour more and have to start all over (do you really have to ask).
13. Once you reach your tinting preference, allow as close to 24 hours curing time.
14. Lights spray your headlight with your choice of clearcoat. This will give your headlight that glossy look you had before your mod.
Goodluck and I hope this helps anyone who is genuinely interested. If you think that this thread warrants a sticky, make it easy for everyone to research.
After some serious thought, I decided to tint my headlights utilyzing VHT Nightshades. There have been numerous threads that indicated a mixed review of thoughts as it pertains to this mod. My decision comes as a result of me being hard head, cheap and an individual who loves to perform his own aftermarket modifications.
This thread will provide my honest opinion of the product and it's application, before and after photographs and detailed instructions. The photographs were taken before my clearcoat application. I will submit a photograph of them at a later time.
*My Honest Opinion*
If you are an avid "do it yourself individual", you will be able to perform this mod utilyzing some paitence and moderate hair pulling. I would indeed recommend this mod to others who have or are currently thinking about it.
*Step by Step Directions*
1. Remove your headlight assembly from your truck (four bolts total).
2. Completely clean your headlight assembly with any kind of non abrasive cleaner or hot sudsy water.
3. Fill a bowl or small bucket of water with sudsy water and a soft rag.
The sudsy water will assist your sandpaper with gliding across the surface of the headlight.
4. Start out by using a 320-500 grit sandpaper and wet sand the entire surface of the headlight. Ensure that you are sanding the headlight surface evenly.
5. Wipe down the headlight with your rag from time to time to remove the oxidation and clear coat that is removed during sanding. This process will more than likely run you an hour or so while sipping on your beverage and swearing your arm is going to fall off.
6. After approximately an hour, wash the headlight surface and let it air dry. The entire headlight surface should be hazy from your sanding.
7. Now utilyze 800-1000 grit sandpaper and wet sand the entire surface of the headlight. Ensure that you are sanding the headlight surface evenly.
8. Once this is complete, complete step six again.
9. This step is very important. If you do not complete this step, you will be sorely disappointed when you notice your nightshades run and crack. Completely wash the headlight surface with somekind of acetone or wax and grease remover. You must ensure that there is no kind of oily residue left on the headlight before you begin your tinting.
10. Shake your can of VHT nightshades tint vigoursly for approximately five minutes.
11. Lightly spray your headlight with the nightshades across the entire surface.
12. Time 10 minutes between each coat and for goodness sakes; please ensure these coats are very light. My headlight received 10 individual layers. If you do not adhere to this recommendation, you will be wet sanding these headlights down for an hour more and have to start all over (do you really have to ask).
13. Once you reach your tinting preference, allow as close to 24 hours curing time.
14. Lights spray your headlight with your choice of clearcoat. This will give your headlight that glossy look you had before your mod.
Goodluck and I hope this helps anyone who is genuinely interested. If you think that this thread warrants a sticky, make it easy for everyone to research.