These are not my taillights but I am pretty sure the tint is on the exterior. I'm just curious if there is any mixture of chemicals that I could use that wouldn't also eat away at the plastic. I'm 99% sure the standard alcohol, goof off, xylene, etc. won't work so hoping someone has some other ideas. TIA!

 

try lacquer thinner will remove paint, i dont think it will ruin the plastic but you can try it like in a small corner, good luck

 

lacquer thinner destroys plastic. Makes it smear. If you have tinted tails, you have them for life.

 

Thanks for the idea. My biggest concern is of course the plastic getting that foggy look as opposed to clear.

Whoops, just saw Keith's reply. That sucks maing!

 

u can use a steamer to get the tint off, and i believe i seen at lowes or Home depot a spray at will eat away at the paint and not the plastic, kinda like ladies nail polish, then you just gotta do alot of wiping with a towel to get it off,

 

Depends on the tint really. I'm use to professional shop style where they use a little black mixed with clear coat. Good luck ever getting that off without jacking up the plastic.

 

^I'll have to ask how it was done. This is for Brett and unfortunately he is overseas. I think the car came like this so he might not know how it was done. If I had to guess I'd say some sort of rattlecan, but I'm not positive. Maybe Ryon or Jake know since they've seen his car more recently.

 

I had same question before, there is no way to compleately untint them if they were painted with automotive paint and then cleared. It bonds with plastic.

 

i used goof off with some elbow grease and it worked for me

 

A lot of those goof whatever products even state they damage many plastics. Leaves a smearing effect. If it's really frest tint(spray can stuff), and maybe one coat. It might come off. But man it's going to be a challenge keeping that plastic perfect. I really would avoid any chemical and try fine wetsanding and polishing. Even then it might not come off or do damage to the light.

 

Thanks for the info. I am accustomed to chemicals and that smearing/fogging effect to plastics as I used to work in a company with heavy production units in retail plastic packages.

I do have a little recipe that is basically 99% xylene + 1% alcohol with a touch of that goof off orange in the mix that worked pretty well. The problem was letting the mixture sit long enough to eat the adhesive/top layer without literally scouring the plastic underneath.

 

I've taken spray tint off lights before. (who hasnt?)

you *may* be able to use acetone free nail polish remover to soften the paint up for removal. I have had mixed success with this as it will soften the plastic if left on for extended periods.

I would feel comfortable using a cotton swab and acetone free nail polish remover for about 5 minutes per light, then clean with alcohol (Jamesons).

Now here is where it gets fun!

after that use some high-grit wet sand paper (3000 or above) and go nuts! being gentle of course.

Then you'll have to finish up with something like this:

http://www.autogeek.net/plastik-lens-cleaning.html

 

^I think I've seen someone use that product on the Speed channel, like Trucks or the classic car show. It can be a pita, but with good results.

 

well thats how to do it... its a tltal PITA and plan on spending a few hours on it. I dont have a 12v drill or i'd have that headlight kit.

If you want to, i'll go halvsies with you on the kit so I can work on my headlights.

 

I'll let you borrow my drill and you can pay it all? Seriously though, this isn't for me or I'd think aboot it.