Opening up 2010-13 tail lights - Cut? Heat? Some other method?

I've been thinking of getting a nice set of new or gently used 2010-2013 tail lights (the squared off ones) to put on my 2009 Tundra. But, since I've gone for the dechromed and blacked out look, I noticed there's still one glaring spot of chrome - the lower portion of the tail lights. (I'm going to get headlights, probably Morimoto, that already already have blacked out casings, so it's just the tail lights I need to work on, there's not much in aftermarket, and what is, might be of questionable quality).

Thought it would look good to open up the tail lights paint the NON-REFLECTIVE portions of the inner parts (the chrome-looking parts) in satin black paint. That way, I keep it legal, since the light output is not being reduced. If I put vinyl tint or VHT nightshades or paint on the outside or inside of lens itself, it will reduce light output, which I don't want to do (even though it looks cool), but it could get me a ticket, and if I ever have to pass an inspection, that would probably prevent me from passing.

If I "were" to tint the tail lights, I saw a nice tasteful approach here, on this forum, on a 2010-2013 Tundra tail light, that's not too dark, and can be peeled off if needed, but is still a vinyl tinted lens nonetheless: https://www.tundras.com/threads/diy-tinted-tail-lights.485/page-3#post-954090

So far I have found a couple of methods of opening the lens to allow me to paint the non-reflective chrome areas:

1. Cut open with a Dremel, paint the non-reflective areas and then reseal with clear epoxy (JB Weld brand). You need a steady hand or it can look bad. I found a thread on TacomaWorld where someone not only opened up a set of Taco tail lights to paint the non-reflective surfaces black, but also reconfigured the functionality of the LEDs. That's way more than I would do, and he spent more time going over the wiring aspect than cutting open and resealing the tail light, but here it is if anyone is interested: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2nd-gen-tail-light-btlm-led-retrofit.512623/
   
   Also found this video on YouTube, a bit more "quick and dirty" and I think he painted too much - he painted his reflectors too, on some aftermarket LED tail lights, but it shows how he cut and resealed the tail lights.
   https://youtu.be/fEYhCZH_Eb0
   
   
   
2. Heat the seam to open it. Someone suggested heating the seams with a soldering iron. Someone else suggested putting the tail lights in the oven for 5 minute intervals until they can be separated, but I worry they might get too soft and melt or get deformed. People do it with headlights, but I think those are able to withstand higher temperatures. Maybe using a heat gun or hairdryer on the seams and then slowly and gently prying apart with a thin flat blade screwdriver or razor blade?

I don't own a Dremel, soldering iron or heat gun, but would be willing to buy one. And maybe a bunch of junky old Tundra tail lights for cheap to practice on, maybe ones that are scratched or cracked or have broken mounting tabs. Then buy a nice set of gently used or brand new OE 2010-2013 Tundra tail lights once I feel confident I can open them, paint the non-reflective areas and reseal so that they won't leak, get condensation or look like cr@p.

Has anyone done this to Tundra tail lights, in particular any second gen Tundra tail lights, and especially any 2010-2013 tail lights? I'd love to know how it went and/or to see any pictures. I searched, but didn't find anything. Or, if you did this on another vehicle, I'd still be interested in the methods you used and any pics of how they turned out. Or any other ideas? Pros and cons to methods mentioned? Thanks!

 

I wonder if I should have posted this in the "Lighting" forum instead of the "2nd Gen" Forum? If you think so, could a moderator please move this? Thanks!

 

Trying to open the 2nd Gen tail lights is no easy task and really not worth the frustration. I am dechromed and blacked out and no issues with the chrome in the tail lights.

 

D@mn! Not what I wanted to hear, lol! Did you open up a set of second gen tail lights? If so, what method did you use and how did it go? You mentioned you dechromed and blacked out your truck, did you leave the tail lights alone? I read your reply, but wasn't sure if it meant that everything BUT the tail lights was dechromed (because they are such a hassle to open up), or you dechromed the tail lights, but it was a lot of work and frustration.

I just ordered some 2010-13 style OE tail lights on eBay (the more squared profile design). One is brand new, the other is used but in excellent condition. They should arrive soon. My plan was to install them as-is for now, and then practice opening up my original 2009 tail lights (if I ruin them, no big deal at that point). First, I'll try using a heat gun and a razor and if that doesn't work, then a Dremel to cut them open, black out the non-reflective areas and then reseal with clear epoxy. If it works out successfully, I'll temporarily re-install the 2009 tail lights back on my Tundra while I do the same treatment to the new 2010-13 style tail lights. Then I can either sell the original 2009 tail lights or keep them as spares. If I totally destroy the 2009 tail lights, I won't even attempt opening my new tail lights.

Another, much easier option is to get some light vinyl tint to cover the lower portion of the tail lights (the turn signal and reverse lights) to minimize the chrome effect. But, that will reduce the light output and be a potential infraction that I could get a ticket for, and right now my truck is 100% legal. I was hoping to keep it that way. But with everything else blacked out and dechromed, or soon to be, that chrome section in the tail lights really bothers me.

 

Everything on my truck is done but the tail lights. One of the headlight retrofitters tried the tail lights and it was a complete disaster because of the way that they are molded together. They make a very light vinyl that people use, but most dont even touch them due to state laws and moron drivers. That's why most of us go brighter with leds and not darker lenses.

 

If a headlight retrofitter had trouble with opening up the tail lights, I can just imagine how much trouble I would have. Probably not worth trying to heat them open. Cutting them open sounds like a more crude method that could lead to damage or messy looking results which I wasn't looking forward to trying. And I really didn't want to use tint on the outside of the lens because it would reduce light output and be a reason for a cop to give me a ticket or to fail an inspection. Painting the non-reflective areas on the inside of the tail light would have created the dechromed/darker look while keeping it legal. Too bad it's so hard to do.

I definitely want bright, visible tail lights when they need to be seen. I've ordered the GTR LED bulbs from Headlight Revolution - all of them: the brake light/running lights, super bright reverse lights, turn signals with resistors to prevent hyperflash and the center highmount brake light and cargo lights. Should go nicely with my Morimoto LED headlights and foglights, both of which come with blacked out housings. The only bit of chrome left will be that hulking chunk of chrome in the lower portions of the tail lights. Would be nice to tone it down without the use of vinyl tint on the exterior of the plastic lens.

 

Give it some time and that little bit of chrome won't bother you.

 

I don't know... we'll see. When everything else is blacked out, that blob of chrome in the tail lights really jumps out and bothers the OCD in me. Not much selection in aftermarket tail lights for 2nd gen Tundras and what's out there, I don't like.