After all my searching I came up with limited information leaving me to fend for myself, lol so I decided to make history and do a quick write up on the application, installation, preparation, emancipation proclimation of VHT Nite Shades. And for those who search for Night Shades boom this is now included in that search.
N' Joy.
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 1-2 hours application. (A lot of downtime waiting for it to dry.) + 6 Hours for final dry.
Tools needed:
(2) Cans VHT Nite-Shade (summit racing)
** Note: 2 Cans are recommended so that you dont run out in mid project, however you may not need the 2nd can, the amount used varys per application. In situation, I used both to the last drop. I'd say play it safe for the extra $10. **
(1) 3m Scuff Pad (advance auto)
(1) Can Clear Coat (BIG_MIKE Suggests Duplicolor Truck/SUV Clear Coat, the generic crap I used started to fade in about a year, so apply generous coats and use quality stuff! Let me know if you've used anything you'd recommend for long lasting shine.) ... lol I sounded like a bad infomercial.
(1) Windex / Similar Product
(1) Microfiber (recommended but not mandatory)
Steps:
1) Remove parts to be blacked out.
2) Clean all parts with windex and microfiber.
3) Scuff with 3M Scuff pad to prep surface.
4) Wipe excess dust with microfiber.
5) Place 2-piece items side by side, (ie taillights, passenger side corners... etc.)
6) Spray even short bursts across both items as if they were one item to ensure even coating.
7) Wait until the Nite Shades becomes tacky and repeat until desired darkness is reached ( I used about 6, but coat thickness varies, so dont use that as a gauge.)
8) Upon completion of Nite Shades wait about 30 minutes for it to semi-dry, then begin to apply clear coat spray.
*Note: When I applied the first coat, I lost most gloss of the nite shades, dont be discouraged, wait til tacky and apply again, repeat until shine is restored.*
9) Wait roughly 6 hours before putting parts back in their original place on vehicle.
10) Drool at your finished job and await mass compliments.
FINISHED PRODUCT:
[This shot shows that the stockers still show through in the right lighting, but can also seem BLACK as well.]
Hope this helps everyone. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. Or if you think I should change something in this write-up let me know, just drop me a PM.
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Update [6/05/07]: My tails started to orange peel on the top sections where the sun hits the most. So after a little over a year this stuff starts to go in direct sunlight and all day outdoor exposure. Maybe a better clear coat would help next time around. I'll be repainting them again soon.