I've spent a few days searching now and have come up with nothing. I'm pretty frustrated that it appears that no one makes them for the later 5th gen. I've always liked blacked out tail lights, and when I ended getting a black vehicle, I immediately thought about that being the first "upgrade" since it should be so easy and relatively inexpensive. I've even been thinking about tinting the headlights some as well. I know one option is the VHT Niteshade, but I've seen very mixed reviews on it and I really don't have that kind of time right now anyway. I was hoping I could order a couple of pieces of plastic and just pop them on. Does anyone know where I might be able to find something? If the plastic snap or tape on aren't available, what is the second best option? I really want to do it. I saw a dark grey 5th gen drive by the other day that had the taillights darkened and it looked really sharp. Please help! Thanks.

 

Why people want to diminish their headlight output is beyond me. Personally, I like to see what's in front of me at night. Since no one makes taillight covers, your choices are niteshade or smoke vinyl overlays.

 

Any idea which holds up better, Niteshade or vinyl? Also, is one easier than the other?

 

Niteshade involves prep. Sanding, etc. But will last longer than a vinyl overlay. Vinyl would be a bit easier I assume, since it just sticks to the lens. Like putting on a decal.

 

Okay, thanks. Do you know how well either of them hold up to fading from the sun?

 

Never seen niteshade fade. Don't know about vinyl overlays.

 

After poking around on the forum more, I'm coming to the conclusion that I really want a "Blacktop Edition"! I found this thread and a black bezel would be much preferred to a tint. Niteshade on the tail lights, black bezel head lights, cover or replace the "chrome" strip on the back bumper, and black wheels, and I would have a pretty sharp looking ride! That stupid strip on the back bumper is the most annoying thing. Black van with no accents other than that. It stands out like a sore thumb.
Anyway, tail lights should be pretty easy. Vinyl on the rims would work. Can't/don't want to pay nearly $400 for a set of black bezel headlights, so I may open the existing and paint them. The strip on the bumper might be the trickiest, since it has a good chance of getting beat up due to location. Ideas for that would be appreciated.

 

If you Niteshade the tails, sand/clean them very well, tint them, then sand again with some 800 paper, then hit them with some automotive clearcoat. I've been doing this for years, never had a set fade out in 10+yrs.
People who just spray them with Niteshades end up with faded or hazy lights in a year or so.

The strip on the bumper, sand/scuff/clean very well, spray with auto paint and clear, should hold up fine.

 

Thanks for the tips. Not sure when I'll get to it once I convince the wife to let me, but I'm excited to do it.