Effect Of NightShade On Light Output

[SyntheticShield]

There was a thread here where I expressed some concern about the light output of taillights having been done with NightShade. Well I found a comparison tonight that I thought might be interesting for some here. Its all on a GTO but we can work with that.

First, the demonstration of the light output:
Darken GTO tail lights and Stainless Works Catback at idle on a 2005 gto. - Video

Here is the comparison pics (before and after):
LS1GTO.com Forums - VHT Nightshades on Tail lights.

To me there is more light output than I expected to be honest. I expected it to be really subdued more.

At any rate, I thought some might find this useful.

 

[TurboKent]

I had mine done by smokinlights. They look really good and you can still see them for the most part. They are however alot harder to see during the day, especially if the sun is shinning directly on them.

 

[IndeedSS]

I had mine done by smokinlights. They look really good and you can still see them for the most part. They are however alot harder to see during the day, especially if the sun is shinning directly on them.

Your findings are what we saw an example of at a local chapter BBQ. It was a Nightshades job that made brake light detection very difficult even standing behind the car.

 

[wrfdff4]

Legal?

 

[SyntheticShield]

I believe someone in the other thread said it was illegal in all states. I have no reason to dispute that, but what I dont understand is why something like Nightshade is sold if it is illegal.

 

[BackInBlack]

^^^ "Offroad and show use only" I think is the reason. Light covers are indeed illegal, and the owner can be held legally responsible in the event of an accident.

 

[SyntheticShield]

Oh well, it does look good, but I dont want to risk the legal liability of doing the work.

 

[N3p]

Talking about brake lights (not reverse lights or turn signals), would it still be "legal" to get them since we have a 3rd brake light?

 

[SyntheticShield]

My guess would be no.

 

[Flip]

The problem with nightshade is it alway to dark... I used it once & never will again...A light tint looks good..

 

[GP GT GUY]

o did mine and they are pretty dark but u can see my brakes no problem... but i guess i tinted altezzas so there wasnt any plastic between the light and the glass to diffuse the light

 

[Flip]

Heres tinted altezzas

 

[N3p]

Looks good, I'm doing mine tomorow I'll post pics up when I get it done.

 

[SyntheticShield]

I dont think the issue is night time. I think the problem would be during the day.

N3p I would love it if you could do before and afters. Daytime light output then what it looks like during the same time of day with the nightshade. Just some good before and after comparisons of daytime and night time.

 

[N3p]

I dont think the issue is night time. I think the problem would be during the day.

N3p I would love it if you could do before and afters. Daytime light output then what it looks like during the same time of day with the nightshade. Just some good before and after comparisons of daytime and night time.

I would do that but I ran into a little problem. My dad won't let me do it because he doesn't want me being held responsible in an accident or getting pulled over and getting another ticket. I'm trying to talk him into it though I just need some proof that they'll still be easy to see.

 

[SyntheticShield]

LOL. I see he has the same concerns that I do then. I would probably do the same with my own.

 

[Vundabar]

I did mine the same way Flip does his. I will take some daytime shots for you with the lights on and post them.

The light output is barely effected at all even during the day with the sun shining on them. I followed my wife the other day and could see the lights the whole time

Here's an after with no lights on close up

and far away. again, no lights on

before tint

 

[SyntheticShield]

I will definitely be looking forward to the daytime pics. They do look good though.

 

[Toasty]

and far away. again, no lights on

before tint

i think the problem that the po-po might have a problem with your tinted tails is that the reflectors are not visible... i think perhaps one coat or maybe two max of tint would still let the reflectors be visible.

 

[SyntheticShield]

Really? Is that the way the law is written? They have to see the reflectors? Im just asking because I would figure the light output would be the thing they would be watching out for.