Black Taillight Mod for 2020 Sport/OR?

Has anyone tried to do this? Since it's got the clear housing it looks like you could get it to look like the Pro by opening it up and painting it. I know there's extensive information on black headlight mods but I haven't seen one for taillights.

 

Like this minus all the LED's

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/1000-led-tail-light-build.510939/

 

I'd buy OEM taillights from the year you like. I would not want to reduce visibility, thus increasing chances of getting hit.

 

Yeah pretty much though I wouldn't try to black out as much as MESO did, only enough to match the 2020 Pro tails:

Definitely don't want to reduce visibility but I'm thinking of just blacking out the same parts that are blacked out on the 2020 pros. Would also like to do a MESO stage 1 taillight which should help with visibility. Do you think that's still a bad idea?

 

You should still get the Stage 1 tail lights regardless. They are in stock from his dealers

 

Not sure what that reply was about, your plan won’t affect visibility at all if you only do the inner trim areas of the tail light. Though honestly you could pick up a set of Depo Pros and sell your OEM. Would probably come close to breaking even

 

Yup ! I get a set of Depo under 200 bucks and selling my OEM’s.

 

I'm in the minority, but just don't think black and red taillights look better than all red.

 

I’m with you bro, I actually like the all red clean look! Looks the best in my IM0. Yes, I have the depo pro’s but I do fancy the all RED OEM look better . I would be in heaven if Toyota finally got smart and made a full LED taillight (red) . Not fan of the ridgeline but was behind one other day and the taillights look clean! Full LED and 100% red.

 

I've got all oem lights (exterior) there's a little chrome but blends in with the silver. I'm with you, not a fan of the new black and red.

 

Any gotcha,I thought you were talking about making the whole lense dark, I've seen it before, it's stupid. But if you're just painting the parts that don't reflect or light up, I think you'd be fine, unless you get hit but a lawyer

 

The 2019 or taillights are blacked out as well.

 

I have a 2020 OR - swapped out the stock tails for the OEM "all red" version, and MESO Stage 1. Also prefer the all red look to the newer Pro tails.

 

I'm actually with you guys; I think the 19' and earlier Sport/OR/SR5 tails that are red with a bit of black look the best. What does those go for second hand and what do the 2020s sell for?

 

I paid $150 for my "all red" tails locally (Denver). Have seen them range anywhere from $100 to $200 depending on condition.

 

I just learned that to open these guys up you have to cut through them and not simply melt them:

"Warning: this is not your average retrofit..this requires CUTTING open the tail lights. They are plastic welded together from the factory..so an Oven just won't cut it." (from https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/3rd-gen-btlm-led-retrofit.467712/)

Should've known @MESO would've already done this.

Guess I'll keep an eye out for some OEM red/black tails.