[Agon5757]

I'm new to the forum. Here's a pic of my 2010 equinox

 

[NY_Joe]

I'm new to the forum. Here's a pic of my 2010 equinox

Welcome aboard.

One question...how are those taillights even legal? They are BLACK.

 

[gearhead]

Welcome aboard.

One question...how are those taillights even legal? They are BLACK.

Yes,welcome.

NY Joe, there are black out kits for all kinds of vehicles, been available for a long time.
As long as the light is visible from "X" feet when you press the brake pedal, they're OK in most areas.

 

[RIT333]

I always wondered why people thought it was "cool" to make the rear of their car less visable, and cut down their front vision by tinting their lights. I really think it should be illegal. I'd be pretty p-o'ed if I hit a car that had it's taillights tinted.

IMHO

 

[Superboy95]

Love the rims - details?

 

[NoobNox]

Love the rims - details?

Looks like the stock 17" wheels that were powder coated..

 

[Superboy95]

Looks like the stock 17" wheels that were powder coated..

Sorry, noob question.

How much does something like that cost?

 

[SuperMat64]

i wonder why he didnt paint the windows chrome trim black as well...

for me it's too much black... the rims are nice but i dont like the black tail lights.

 

[NoobNox]

Sorry, noob question.

How much does something like that cost?

I have no idea, you'll have to ask Agon5757.

 

[Dave25]

Welcome to the boards. Not a fan of flat finished tinted tails. I also prefer the reverse lights be clear still. I still like it though.

Wheels look good. Im wondering if they are just painted rather than powder coated. Its hard to tell off the bat, but over time it will be more apparent.

 

[KANWAR]

agreed, the flat look of the tailights doesn't go with the rest of his 'look'. And the chrome around the windows will have to go as well.

 

[Agon5757]

I bought this light black out kit from auto zone for around 15 bucks. As far as i know, they're legal. I hope...
The rims are stock but I found this chrome black out kit from autozone for 16.
and i also painted the chevy emblems black. just Primer, gloss and clearcoat.

 

[KANWAR]

I bought this light black out kit from auto zone for around 15 bucks. As far as i know, they're legal. I hope...
The rims are stock but I found this chrome black out kit from autozone for 16.
and i also painted the chevy emblems black. just Primer, gloss and clearcoat.

how about painting the calipers a contrasting color? like red/or bright silver?

 

[RIT333]

how about painting the calipers a contrasting color? like red/or bright silver?

My stock calipers ARE "bright" silver.

 

[KANWAR]

My stock calipers ARE "bright" silver.

wow really! ya thanks, we all do, mean more of a chrome look, with more of a glossy finish for more pop.

 

[cottonseed]

how about painting the calipers a contrasting color? like red/or bright silver?

When its time for me to change my pads im going to paint mine gold

 

[Denali AWD]

I bought this light black out kit from auto zone for around 15 bucks. As far as i know, they're legal. I hope...
The rims are stock but I found this chrome black out kit from autozone for 16.
and i also painted the chevy emblems black. just Primer, gloss and clearcoat.

Just so you know, blackout kits are illegal in every state. If you read the packaging you will find the words "For off road use only", " Before installing check local laws", or some disclaimer to that effect.

The Feds set the requirements for tail and brake light visibility and the automakers are required to abide by that requirement. When you add a tinted cover or spray tint to a stock light assembly, it reduces the distance that it can be seen. Just because it can be seen from X number of feet is irrelevant. It has to have a certain brightness from X number of feet that the stock assemblies meet.

That being said, enforcement of the laws concerning blackouts is an entirely different matter. You may never have an issue or you could have one tomorrow. It's a crapshoot. Unless you add higher intensity bulbs to offset the tint or aftermarket LED assemblies (none available for the Nox or Terrain yet that i'm aware of) it becomes a safety issue as it reduces the amount of time the guy behind you has to react to the brake lights. This is especially bad in bright daylight. If someone rear ends you it could become a major issue with an insurance claim.

To me it's a little like saying to a passing cop "hey look at my lights, pull me over". I hope you don't have any issues but just be aware it could happen.

 

[reako]

Just so you know, blackout kits are illegal in every state. If you read the packaging you will find the words "For off road use only", " Before installing check local laws", or some disclaimer to that effect.

The Feds set the requirements for tail and brake light visibility and the automakers are required to abide by that requirement. When you add a tinted cover or spray tint to a stock light assembly, it reduces the distance that it can be seen. Just because it can be seen from X number of feet is irrelevant. It has to have a certain brightness from X number of feet that the stock assemblies meet.

That being said, enforcement of the laws concerning blackouts is an entirely different matter. You may never have an issue or you could have one tomorrow. It's a crapshoot. Unless you add higher intensity bulbs to offset the tint or aftermarket LED assemblies (none available for the Nox or Terrain yet that i'm aware of) it becomes a safety issue as it reduces the amount of time the guy behind you has to react to the brake lights. This is especially bad in bright daylight. If someone rear ends you it could become a major issue with an insurance claim.

To me it's a little like saying to a passing cop "hey look at my lights, pull me over". I hope you don't have any issues but just be aware it could happen.

Yeah, I completely agree. There often lies a delicate balance between modifications to the car and their subsequent effects on road safety.

Turning left into my subdivision the other day (in my other car, completely stock), the car behind me was partially blinded by the sun and did not see my brake lights or turn signal until it was too late. Instead of rear ending me or ditching it, the young driver hit an oncoming car, knocking it into the ditch and spinning her own car 180 degrees. All airbags deployed and everyone was ok, but just an example on how important it is for other drivers to be able to see your car in all conditions/circumstances.

The best thing you could do is find a set of blackout covers which are designed with 'cut-outs' where the bulbs illuminate. I have seen other tail light mods in the past where the owner removed/disassembled the tail lights and added a smoked/blacked out paint finish to some areas of the light assembly. It's a bit more complicated but I have seen good results using this method.

Either way just do your best to stay visible/safe for the benefits of all drivers on the road, and keep having fun modifying your vehicle, it looks great!!

 

[godcore74]

the wheels look good. i am planning on doing that wit my Terrain.
did you use the Dupli-Color "Shadow" Black Chrome kit? i saw a demo of it and it looked pretty easy.
i might have an in with my job to do powder coating or anodizing.

 

[equiNOX]

Welcome to the boards. Not a fan of flat finished tinted tails. I also prefer the reverse lights be clear still. I still like it though.

Wheels look good. Im wondering if they are just painted rather than powder coated. Its hard to tell off the bat, but over time it will be more apparent.

here is a shot of mine