Leaderboard

I always prefer an understated look with cars, lots of chrome just doesn't do it for me. What has always really stood out to me on my S-type is the rear lamps, they just look a bit, cheap, maybe even chintzy. What I've always liked is the STR units, I've only ever seen them in photos but they have that dark look to them. However, I'm not prepared to pay the sort of prices they seem to go for when that money could be used to make my car go/stop/handle better. What I needed was a cheapskates alternative, and I think I've found it. I got a pair of spare standard tail lamp units off a scrap car and went about trying to figure out the best way to tint them slightly darker. I hate the completely black look and peeling paint or film just looks rubbish so I needed a subtle, durable solution. I figured getting rid of some of the chrome inside the unit was the way, after all it is this you can see through the lens and is what gives the lamps that light, shiny look. The problem is that the lens is heat-bonded on to the main part of the unit. Drastic action was required. The problem with cutting ABS plastic is that it melts so easily. I started off with a slow speed to try to avoid this but it still melted, and clogged. I ended up on the highest speed and melted it purposely. Once I'd been all the way round the lens prised off, be careful though as the plastic is brittle. The lamp unit is made up of three major parts as seen here. It's that part in the lower left corner that I'm going to make black. I'd considered paint but then there's the risk of runs and it not sticking properly. On the back of this part there was some chrome missing, and joy, it was black! All I needed to do was remove all the chrome.. Enter a bottle of poundshop bicycle cleaner. This stuff will take the anodising off aluminium and the skin off your hands, in fact I'm not sure it's bicycle cleaner at all. I applied it to the part and stuck it in a carrier bag to stay wet and get to work on that chrome. Had I had more, or was able to go get it today, I would have emptied a couple of bottles or so into a pan and submerged the part in it, it's only £1 a litre after all and probably still fine to use on my bike afterwards. After repeated sprayings and baggings the chrome just rubbed off with a rag. Some bits were a little awkward, mould lines and some acute corners needed a bit more elbow grease. Here's a freshly de-chromed one compared to the standard finish. Here it is sat in the main part of the unit. None of the reflectors have been touched and the operation of the lamps will not be affected in any way. I've now glued the lenses back on both units with 2 part epoxy resin. The house will still stink of it in the morning. Whilst the seam is of course visible it will only be when the boot is open, no big deal to me. These are my first set and I'm sure improvements can be made and incorporated into the next pair. Tune in tomorrow for pictures of the completed units in the car and comparisons with the standard ones.

I get what you guys are saying. Please don't think I'm planning to "boy racer" her up. That is not the plan. (Although I have seen an s type on air and "stanced" that looked mean as a mean thing). I have attached pics below of a lowered S type R. This is the exact look I want to arrive at, other than mines not white. This is tasteful and keeps the big cats original classy look. But anyway, like you all said, this is completely down to personal preference ☺️ After reading the discussion I linked to above, I am confident that the issue with the rear tyre and dodgy high-speed handling is the same as the gentleman in that thread. Kwikfit, I'll be seeing you soon!!

I fitted the lamps. I think they look quite good... ..compared to the standard ones. Here's a picture of the car with one of each, unfortunately there's a water droplet on the camera lens over the original lamp. I did consider leaving chrome on just the bevelled edge around the clear section of lens to give a little detail. However removing the chrome as I did made that tricky, maybe I'll try it with another pair.