I don't know if anyone else has done this, but I decided to try something different instead of buying the clear sidemarkers. I like the clear ones, but on a black car I just thought it wasn't the best solution not to mention the $110. I wanted to paint the sidemarkers black to match the car, but still wanted to retain the lighting capability. I ordered a special coating that is black, but transparent. It worked great. It makes the lights look black, but when the light is turned on, it shines through the coating. The coating is called VHT Nite Shades and cost $22 shipped. Here are a few pictures (I did both front and back sidemarkers)...

 

~ very nice ... yet another unique idea ... looks great with a black car ...

 

That looks very cool.

I went-a-lookin' and noticed that everyone who sells it also added a disclaimer about it not being steet-legal or "for off-road use only".

Watch for the smokies!

I would like to see that in different colors!

http://www.hobbylinc.com/htm/tes/tes1605.htm

 

Yeah I knew it technically isn't legal, but I'll take my chances. I think it is safer than painting them all black since you can still see them very well at night. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think the clear ones actually are not legal in the US either?

 

Well, it seems to be a moot point. The US DOT is allowing the import of cars with clear sidemarkers as OEM equipment.

And I've seen some Hyundai's with them and they're made right down the road from me.

If they are illegal, it will be pretty tough to enforce!

P.S. I have the clear sidemarkers on the front!

 

i smoked out my sidemarkers also.. but i used a special spray tint. it is very transparent but looks black when no light is on and only costs 10$ a can. i did this to all of my lights! i do not think this is legal but no problems so far.. knock on wood! i was even pulled over last week and the officer said nothing about them. so i guess they must not really care.

 

I never bothered anyone with blacked out lights as long as they function properly when activated, but it is officer discretion when comes to equipment violations. So good luck, I like the idea, but for me, I would only do the side markers. Thanks for the info