A technique I incorporate when installing taillights to give them a more realistic look is to place a piece of cigarette foil (or any thin foil) on the back of the taillight. Before gluing the taillight cut a piece of foil a bit smaller following the actual shape of the light. Attach it shiny side out so it acts like a reflector that is used on actual automotive lights. Once done they have a more realistic look since they are reflecting light through the lens.
Good point although if you put glue on the surface of the foil it may get on the inside of the taillight lens ruining the effect. Instead I use tacky glue since it dries clear. I place foil on inside of the taillight lens. Then sparingly apply glue on the edges of the foil. This will hold foil in place before you insert lens into the taillight housing. The slight pattern on the cigarette foil adds to the effect better than tin foil.
Mod Podge (or Micro Crystal Clear) also really helps with the old promo-based kits' molded-in chrome headlights. I even built up layers of the latter on an old-tool AMT VW Rabbit which both had those *and* had them set in about 1-scale-inch bezels when they're set flush on a real round-light Rabbit/Golf I.
Thanks! Haha Nice, it's worth it as it has a lot of uses and lasts for a long time. I think I bought mine like 8 years ago now, and still working good. 👍
Another tip - before putting it in, go around the edge of the lens with a black Sharpie. On sealed-beam headlights there's an airgap between the light unit and bezel (to allow for adjustment) which looks black from a distance while on modern composite headlights there's almost always an actual black gasket.
I always put some Bare metal foil behind the plastic piece!Gives it more depth,too!combined with your tec..great!But the modge podge makes the detail kind of blurry!
Sounds like quite a few people use the foil behind the lights. If the mod podge is blurry, you could try to thin it out or use less or more till you find what works for you. If you're not happy with the turnout, peal it off. 👍
A technique I incorporate when installing taillights to give them a more realistic look is to place a piece of cigarette foil (or any thin foil) on the back of the taillight. Before gluing the taillight cut a piece of foil a bit smaller following the actual shape of the light. Attach it shiny side out so it acts like a reflector that is used on actual automotive lights. Once done they have a more realistic look since they are reflecting light through the lens.
That's a good tip but don't you want to put the glue on the side of the foil to glue it in to place? We used to paint it silver when we were kids
Good point although if you put glue on the surface of the foil it may get on the inside of the taillight lens ruining the effect. Instead I use tacky glue since it dries clear. I place foil on inside of the taillight lens. Then sparingly apply glue on the edges of the foil. This will hold foil in place before you insert lens into the taillight housing. The slight pattern on the cigarette foil adds to the effect better than tin foil.
I think this will work well with gauges, with or without decals. I gotta try it! Thanks for sharing
Thanks! And I think You are right, it would work well for gauges. 👍
Yes great idea,,I've been using this method and love it
Thanks! And that's awesome! I really like the end results also. 👍
Great tip! Big difference in appearance!😎👍
Thanks!
I put the Mod PODGE TO GLUE THEM IN PLACE JUST PUT A LITTLE IN SIDE the hole that is the tail light and headlight
Great tips...
Thank you 👍
Kool tips Thank You
Thank you 👍
Thanks great tip. Ill remember this one for sure.
Thank you! 👍
Thank u for sharing keep on building great tip I am going try it
Thanks!👍
As a mainly wingy thing guy, I’ve used it to make small windows.
HPI guy would love it ! I believe he uses this in his videos! He just mops it on and Walla! Great for all your clear parts! 🤔🫡👍🏻🇺🇸
He uses floor polish
@@nismojukerich2994 yep for his clear coat over paint and decals ! Floor polish Dont work for adhesive! 🤔🫠
Nice tip, thanks for showing!
Thank you!
Great use of a good product. Thanks for the info video!
Thank you 👍
This is a great tip! Thanks for sharing!!
Thanks!
Peel it off like a scab! Hahhahahahaha!!! 🤣 great tutorial, I’m going to have to give it a try!
Thanks! 👍
Great tip,thanks.
Thank you!
Great tip thank you
Thanks!
Great tips ❤
Thanks!
Thanks for the tip Dan👍
Thank You!
@@DanDModels
I just sub to ya, I thought I was.
Madge Padge !!! 😂😂 very cool tips brother
Cool, I'll try this out. Thanks
Great video 👍🏿
Thanks!
Mod Podge (or Micro Crystal Clear) also really helps with the old promo-based kits' molded-in chrome headlights. I even built up layers of the latter on an old-tool AMT VW Rabbit which both had those *and* had them set in about 1-scale-inch bezels when they're set flush on a real round-light Rabbit/Golf I.
I'm gonna go buy some Modge Podge Tonite just Thanx for the tip
Thanks! Haha Nice, it's worth it as it has a lot of uses and lasts for a long time. I think I bought mine like 8 years ago now, and still working good. 👍
Great tip Dan! Just found you and subd. Great content. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks!👍
Another tip - before putting it in, go around the edge of the lens with a black Sharpie. On sealed-beam headlights there's an airgap between the light unit and bezel (to allow for adjustment) which looks black from a distance while on modern composite headlights there's almost always an actual black gasket.
Great tip! Thanks!
Thank you!👍
Just found your channel and I subbed you sir I will be doing that because that definitely definitely looks awesome
Thank you!👍
I came for the techniques & stayed for the mod podge pronunciation hahahaha
Taillights: Tamiya clear Red….. simple n done!
If you like using Tamiya clear red, than "....." use Tamiya clear red.
I always put some Bare metal foil behind the plastic piece!Gives it more depth,too!combined with your tec..great!But the modge podge makes the detail kind of blurry!
Sounds like quite a few people use the foil behind the lights. If the mod podge is blurry, you could try to thin it out or use less or more till you find what works for you. If you're not happy with the turnout, peal it off. 👍
Madge Padge! Lol!!! Dan where did you find all these wonderful kits!! Love your work
Great tip thanks for sharing so what for mod pod do you use there is so many different ones
I use the gloss lustre. Thanks 👍
I tell ya what the testors amber turn signal and brake light red are a perfect match, looks better then the real thing
Good to know, I don't know that I have tried them. 👍
Where do you buy that stuff?
I got it from Hobby Lobby, but I am sure you can find it at quite a few places and on-line.
@@DanDModels Thanks, I'll look for it the next time I'm there. Great tip!
Walmart, any craft store
Taillights: Forgot to detail the ridges in chrome! Oopsi!
Mage page?
Headlights: Testors cement for clear parts. Simple n done! Why do you make things so difficult for yourself????
If you prefer using Testors cement for clear parts and it is working well for you, Great keep using it.
I'll never pronounce mod podge the normal way, ever again...
You sound like a Wisconsinite, I bet you say "you's guys"
Great tip. Thanks.
Thank you! 👍