Tail smoking project, clear coat dilemmas

[Truckguy24]

 

[Carolinaboy]

Can't wait!

Just letting you, and anyone else know, the Harley DIY lights was a SUCCESS! Sealing them up as we speak, tomorrow i'll install and make photographical documentations, and have my write up posted.

Can't wait to see the write-up post a link in here so we know

 

[che22879]

yeah I need to get this done!

 

[Carolinaboy]

Darren if you had to guess, how many coats of VHT did you use? I want to do this to mine of my few days off this summer

 

[DarrenWS6]

Darren if you had to guess, how many coats of VHT did you use? I want to do this to mine of my few days off this summer

About 8, literally. 5 the first time, sanded it mostly off, and re-did them . But on a a serious note, this is 3 light layers. I haven't messed with the light too much lately, but I dont know if this project will be followed out. There's a guy on the other site that bought a already smoked set of tails and he wanted me to Harley paint them. He never seen the lights he just had them shipped to me. When I sent him the photos, his opinion was they are a little too dark for his preferences, so I may be able to hold onto them and just do some minor VHT work to my current tails and ship him them in return .

 

[Carolinaboy]

So those you pictured there are 3 light coats? If so then that is perfect plenty of light output but cuts down on that nasty OEM Cherry Red. I like it. How many coats of clear did you use? I was thinking about picking up a set of Stockers and riding with those for a day or two and get them professionally cleared

 

[DarrenWS6]

So those you pictured there are 3 light coats? If so then that is perfect plenty of light output but cuts down on that nasty OEM Cherry Red. I like it. How many coats of clear did you use? I was thinking about picking up a set of Stockers and riding with those for a day or two and get them professionally cleared

Yes, 3 light layers. This set I just recently got appears to be paint mixed with clear because it is super even and looks incredible, VHT leaves dark lines which are difficult to sand out.

Going with shop clear is easier since their clear doesn't need sanding, but but some time & effort with Dupli Color Acrylic Enamel and you can get just as good reslts for much less.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b135/ws6_guy2/Triton%20II%202009/Modifications/DSC07440.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b135/ws6_guy2/Triton%20II%202009/Modifications/DSC07446.jpg

 

[DarrenWS6]

I'm trying to figure out how to get a good smoke look with the Harley'd style tails. I have a spare set i'm going to ship to someone and i'm trying to VHT the inside, but with no real good luck. Its staying and bonding, but its orange peeled to hell, looks awful. Sanding is difficult too. I want to invest in a painters gun & get black paint & clear and do it the right way. There is a crap load of paint projects I could do with it. I'll have to look into it. Anyways here are some photos. Only did spot treatings and removed it with thinner after I was done with the sanding.

I guess my point is, I smoked the inside of the lens, but am having trouble removing orange peel. I'll keep trying till I find a way, if not, i'll be smoking the outside. The buyer has been real patient with me which has been great.

Lens off lamp.

On lamp.

Displays the orange peeling.

Removed and re-sprayed in another area.

 

[Carolinaboy]

so why are you niteshading the inside?

 

[DarrenWS6]

so why are you niteshading the inside?

Preventing clear coating, more durable for exterior. And I never tried it yet, so why not ay?

If it didn't orange peel and require shit tons of wet sanding, It could look pretty good.