Custom Etched Dragon and Cherry Blossom Taillights for the 1990 Miata

Customizing the Iconic 1990 Miata

The 1990 Mazda Miata is a legendary sports car known for its fun-to-drive characteristics and iconic popup headlights. As one of the most popular roadsters of all time, the first generation MX-5 Miata has an enthusiastic community of owners who love personalizing their vehicles.

The Appeal of the 1990 Miata

Part of what makes the 1990 Miata so customizable is its simple, lightweight rear-wheel drive platform. Weighing just over 2,000 pounds, the NA Miata responds well to modifications and allows drivers to put their personal stamp on the vehicle. The car's classic roadster styling also inspires creative customizations that suit the Miata's fun personality.

Custom Taillights for a Unique Look

One area where 1990 Miata owners like to customize is the taillights. The stock units are simple and understated, leading many drivers to install custom taillights that make a bold styling statement. Custom lights come in a wide range of shapes, colors, and designs to create a truly personalized rear end.

Dragon and Cherry Blossom Etched Taillights

An eye-catching custom taillight design that has become popular in the Miata community features etched dragon and cherry blossom graphics. These build on classic Japanese iconography to give the roadster an artsy, tuner-inspired look.

The process starts with a set of aftermarket clear lens taillights, which provide a smooth surface for applying the custom graphics. Using a masking technique, the dragon and cherry blossom design gets carefully etched into the clear lenses with intricately detailed lines.

A Complex Process Requiring Skill and Precision

Creating these etched Miata taillights requires specialized skills and tools. The etching process itself needs to be closely monitored to cut into the lens at just the right intensity and depth. Too light, and the design won't pop visually; too deep, and light transmission and integrity could be impacted.

Skill and precision are also required when applying the masking for the design. The masks provide barriers during etching so that only the intended graphic gets etched. Getting clean lines and accurately aligning the tiny details of the blossoms and dragon scales takes patience and an attention to detail.

Adding Tint for Visual Impact

After etching, the lenses get treated with a semi-transparent tint to highlight the artwork. The tint darkens the surrounding areas while allowing the etched graphics to shine through brightly when the lights are on. This creates beautiful shadowing and contrast for maximum visual effect.

The tint also serves a functional purpose by avoiding fully opaque blocked-out areas. This ensures the taillights still transmit adequate light for safety while making the stylish statement of the etch work stand out when lit at night.

Showstopping Custom Taillights

For 1990 Miata owners looking to put their own stamp on the iconic sportscar, these dragon and cherry blossom etched taillights make a stunning statement. Combining artistry and performance, they transform a common area into a custom showpiece.

The tailored etched design stands out from the crowd while accentuating the Miata’s lively personality. Along with attention-grabbing style, they retain full road visibility by artfully balancing form and function. For owners seeking to showcase their creativity, they deliver an enticing blend of Japanese culture, illumination, and individuality through thoughtful customization.

FAQs

What are some popular designs for custom 1990 Miata taillights?

Dragon and cherry blossom etches are a popular design. Owners also customize their Miata taillights with images like rising suns, stylized Japanese waves, samurai, and calligraphy artwork.

Where can I buy these dragon etched Miata cherry blossom taillights?

Specialized Miata and Mazda tuner shops offer these custom etched taillight sets. You can also sometimes find used sets for sale on Miata owner forums and groups.

How much do these etched 1990 Miata dragon taillights cost?

Expect to invest $300-500 for a full custom set. The price varies depending on factors like design complexity. There are more budget-friendly options too like taillight tints.

Is the etching and tinting road-legal?

As long as a shop uses road-safe materials and doesn't etch too deep into the lenses, these artistically etched and tinted lights meet road regulations. Their customized look offers style without compromising safety.