Painting turn signal lens

[OverdueBill]

I am installing front turn signals on the rear of my 2001 I/S in order to have two more running lights.  I have read the info on the old tech board and have the correct red paint.  My question is do I paint the inside of the lens to protect the paint from the weather, or do I paint the outside to get the red to cover the amber?  I think I'm making this harder than it needs to be.  Thanks for any advice.  Bill

[DFragn]

Definitely paint the inside of the lens.
It will prevent weathering and conceal brush strokes if a brush is used.

I'm not familiar with the "special" paint, but too heavy might diminish bulb brightness through the lens, but not heavy enough may look pinkish or something like that.

Have you seen these inexpensive red lens replacements?
Generally this method is much more visible in daylight.

2-screw lenses: ??? Lost my link

1-screw lenses: Select Red Drop Down Menu
http://www.motoshop.net/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=CA_CTS-0020&Category_Code=CLEAR_ALTERNATIVES&Store_Code=AIM

[flash2002]

I use red stain for models, I think it was testors. This stuff is tranparent, I just poured a bit in yellow lens, swoosh it around and then empty the rest . Let it dry upside down on two sticks . It looks like the original lens.

[Spirited-6]

I used Testors spray enamel #1605 Transparent Candy Apple Red. Bought at a Hobby Store for $4.00. Looks like OEM and can not tell they have been painted. Two light coats will do.

[N0tac0p]

i did what spirited 6 did.  look great

[OverdueBill]

The Testors red spray is what I have.  I'll just painter tape the outside of the lens and give the inside a couple sprays.  Drying in between coats.  Thanks for the help.  Bill

[CajunRider]

Whether you paint inside or outside won't matter.  Either way, the light originates from the bulb and will go through both the red paint and the orange lense.  The end effect will be the same. 

The only difference you may notice is when looking at the lense in daylight while the light is NOT on.  In this case, painting the inside of the lense will give it a more "factory" look. 

[John Schmidt]

You'll find that with two coats inside it will be difficult to tell the lens was ever amber. Clean the lens good with some alcohol first before spraying.

[Tx Bohemian]

Years ago I've done this on a Yamaha and it turned out surprisingly good.  Don't remember the brand spray paint I use but the color was "Crimson red".

Once I get the signal lights back on the '99 I just bought I plan to install a "Back-off" module and will be painting the lenses also.  Good information here.

Did ya'll know that Harley offers a rear lighting "kit" that is a plug and play type for their bikes.  It comes with red lenses and everything!! No figuring/guess work on the wiring, painting of lenses, etc...  (must be nice!)  Kinda wish all bikes would have that.  Pretty sure it's a tad bit more expensive though.

[G-Man]

I would also give the inside of the base a spray of white high gloss paint.  This will brighten up the lights for daylight riding.  My experience with "playing" with different configurations yeilded rear running lights that are difficult to see on bright sunny days.

[Tundra]

I used Testors spray enamel #1605 Transparent Candy Apple Red. Bought at a Hobby Store for $4.00. Looks like OEM and can not tell they have been painted. Two light coats will do.

Thanks for posting with the stock #.  I went and bought some tonight and painted my clear lenses red. I've attempted this over the years with different "transparent" paints. I was using the wrong stuff, It always looked a little cheesy, just not right, a little pinkish. Testors Candy Apple Red is the ticket, This looks great

[blackcat]

on my trip to inzane this year i followed JoeValkIS for several hundred miles. he has red painted turn signals ( I dont know which process he used). i found them much harder to see at times during the day, sometimes not noticable enough to catch my attention     


i am not saying they dont look better than amber, but it dosent seem as safe  JMHO 

[MP]

May not be as safe, but if used as running lights, they need to be red.  Since OEM is turn only on the rear, they can be amber.
MP

[OverdueBill]

Yep, I knew there was more to this than just a couple shots of red to make it work.  I found in my "shop talk" notes that the Sylvania 2397 bulb from Autozone replaces the 1157 bulb and is brighter.  So this may help with the brightness problem caused by painting.  More comments?  I have these lens taped and cleaned and ready to paint.  Just lots of great info coming in about the project.  Thanks, bill

[Farther]

If you don't want to go the paint route, here is another alternative: http://www.kuryakyn.com/index.cfm/go/Home.ProductDetail/catID/16/scID/113/IMID/733

[OverdueBill]

I have those bezels on my VTX, and they look good.  I may do that yet.  Well, two coats of the testors candy apple turned them red.  I got some 3496 bulbs to go in them.  Someone on the old tech boards said that the plastic will melt from the bulb heat.  Several people have done this mod and I haven't heard of bad results.  This will be a winter install when I take her all apart.  Thanks for all the great replies.