Hi All, I currently own a 2014 grigio titanio spider which i purchased because it was available and am waiting for an allocation for a 2015. My first choice of color would be white because i like the look of blacked out lights with it, otherwise i would go with red. My question is will blacking out the lights negatively impact the trade value? Would the dealer request or prefer the car returned to stock? I know i can purchase aftermarket lights from Novitec for about $ 6,300.00 and that does not include installation labor costs and than reinstall the stock lights down the road. However, thst is a costly option i would not do. Painting the stock lights would be permanant and i would be stuck with the trade value consequences. What would you do?
Many will differ with me but in my opinion blacked-out tail lights are a ghetto-affectation. But hey, that is what makes baseball. If you like them go ahead and get them. But you may find that it is a lot cheaper and nicer looking to do a thin spray on the interior of your lens to give a "suggestion" of a tone in keeping with your beautiful grigio titanio color. You can start with a light coat, and reapply until you get the tone you like. This worked beautifully on my wife's Silverstone F430.
I wonder if someone rear-ends someone with "non standard" tail lights if they ever successfully argue (somehow) that the modified tail lights somehow "diminished" their ability to see the brake lights? Would an insurance company balk at modified tail lights? I know darkened tail lights have been around for awhile so maybe there's no issues with them, but sometimes I wonder...
I've just starting poking around for info on this topic. Not sure about the accuracy of the following (see quoted text below), but it's enough to make me look into it further before I'd do anything to my tail lights. Yeah, my kids think I'm a PITA. LOL "Yes, they are illegal everywhere in the US because they are an unauthorized modification to a federally mandated safety system. Enforcement varies but if you are involved in a rear end collision where somebody has run into the back of your car and you have smoked tail lights, you will have to pay instead of the person behind paying, and your insurance will not cover it because of your illegal modification. EDIT - it is illegal in every state even if you were to install bulbs to make the output identical. The lights require certification, a process that is impractical for any individual. The police are not the problem; the lawyers are."
Funny comment, but so true. I couldn't agree more. Relish the beauty and artistry of what rolled out of Maranello. Protect it .
Don't, it looks really cheap. Black lights are like wagon sized wheels and spoilers the size of surfboards. Unless you plan on starring in one of those Fast and Furious movies, don't.
Apparently in the minority (on this thread), I painted the rear tail and side lights, and did a few other things to make the car "mine". I have to admit I don't spend $300,000 + on a "toy" wondering what others think or will pay for it. I drive prmarily within Californa and have never been stopped but can get such a ticket fixed easily. The only thing I believe you need to consider is the fact the "turn signal" is very difficult to see so you need to be careful. You could try "wrapping" the lights which I have done on other cars, so if you change your mind you could simply remove the wrap. I just took a picture of the rear of my car for you. Best Image Unavailable, Please Login
Of course, one can do as they wish with their own property, but I think it is unfortunate. These are not just cars. They are part of a great legacy and glorious history. It is a privilege to own one. I personally believe the effort should be placed on maintaining factory specifications. If you must alter your car for personal taste, please make it a reversible process. Hopefully the next owner will want to return the car back to its original beauty.
I did a google search and a bunch of stuff popped up (as you can imagine). some information seems to say it's illegal or will cause legal problems. Others say if the brake lights are visible 500 feet (some say 1000 feet) then darkened tail lights are okay. I'm thoroughly confused Since there doesn't seem to be a simple answer I suppose it would be prudent to check with the DMV and/or state police and maybe even your car insurance company just to make sure they don't have something buried in the policy about modifications to safety-related equipment. https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20130512202038AArvkPY https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20130823211100AAyerZZ
What is not reversable? I visited the factory of many "marques'". I have no idea what "factory specifications" mean? Don't you believe the "factory" will do anything for you for a price? I have seen every color variant (never saw a yellow or blue F-1). I truly enjoy and respect what makes a Ferrari unique, but every one is "personalized". I do not mean to sound contrary, just pointing out the "slippery slope". Best
I like the darkened look on a white 458 as I plan to tint mine, but I would leave the white reverse light untouched. You can also darken it to varying degrees. I never understand the "look like everyone else" point of view but everyone has their opinion. Look into reversible tinting options as I will. If the factory started offering this option I guess It would make it better for some?
Forgetting the question of personal preference, this kind of modification will definitely affect your resale value.
I nearly rear ended a guy today, high sun and I was in dark sunglasses. I could barely make out his blacked out turn signal and it was after I'd already had to hit my brakes hard. He was driving some mitsubishi or something. I might have hit him and not caused enough damage to even involve the insurance. Your 458 gets rear ended though, that's another story.
I wouldnt black out any cars lights. Big safety issues like already mentioned above. A light smoke that makes the red more of a bordeaux tone would look pretty awesome though if not hone too dark
Lots of good advice here. I never thought about the safety issues and potential of my insurance company not taking a claim because lights were not legal. For me, my best option would be to use tint film to darken/smoke the lights within the legal limits as others have suggested. I would be covered by insurance and the tints can easily be removed down the road when trading the car in.
Joining the underdogs in this conversation, but I love how the painted taillights came out on my car. I would do it again in a heartbeat. Image Unavailable, Please Login
Everyone has an opinion (as everyone has a lower body orifice that expels waste) But wanting "approval" is another matter. This is a great forum to get "information", ranging from options to safety issues. The only opinion that matters is the one who pays the bill. Best
