How to make headlights/taillights real?

I've been looking at the pictures in the Skyline wallpaper thread. The headlights on the R34 and the taillights of the R33 looks super realistic! I want to know how you guys do that!!! Please, I want to know:flash:

I found this tips page on tamiya's site. But their tips for lights is just not the same!

Here's the tamiya link (http://www.tamiya.com/english/howto/car1/howto_car1.htm)

the tail lights are painted with Tamiya Clear red and orange. You paint thr body silver where the lights go. Or you can bare metal the body where the light goes for a even better look

Bare metal foil is the way to go there.

I've been think about another step to take... but I haven't figured it all out yet. Let me draw some pics and get back to this...

edit: don't do it the way that Tamiya page says. That looks like crap! :p

OK, so the clear paint goes on the body or the lens piece?
The tamiya way has the whole lens looking red. What I want is to look as there's a clear layer from the surface of the lens to the body.

Like the turn signals on this R33:
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/attachment.php?s=&postid=123978

On that kit, you paint the recess in the body silver (or use foil) and paint the backside of the clear part "clear orange."

Originally posted by turbos86
OK, so the clear paint goes on the body or the lens piece?
The tamiya way has the whole lens looking red. What I want is to look as there's a clear layer from the surface of the lens to the body.



You paint the inside of the lens with the clear red or orange and the body is done with the silver

OK!
Thanks guys:D

Originally posted by turbos86
OK, so the clear paint goes on the body or the lens piece?
The tamiya way has the whole lens looking red. What I want is to look as there's a clear layer from the surface of the lens to the body.

Like the turn signals on this R33:
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/attachment.php?s=&postid=123978
Aww what the hell! :D

Paint the body part of the light silver or BMF and the inside of the lense clear orange or red. :p:p:silly2:

Third time's a charm! :p

Third time's a charm! :p

Third time's a charm! :p

LOL! :silly2:

I think I lacquered that one with the lenses in place!

The reason is two fold.
1. It stops the lacquer filling the hole and making the lenses a tight fit!
2. You get a really good shine as you polish the lense along with the rest of the body, and everyone on AF says your lights look really shiny!:D