Author Topic: Anyone smoke the tailights DIY? (Read 11391 times)

AL GReeNeRy · « **Reply #30 on:** February 10, 2007, 01:12:36 AM »

i believe i used the 24x24 one but i ordered it before i got my e30 to use on another car. on the e30, i prbably used half the roll (not too sure) but i also did the turn signals and sidemarkers. i still got some of thetemplates i used, ill try to upload em soon

AL GReeNeRy · « **Reply #31 on:** February 11, 2007, 04:31:32 AM »

found a couple templates. the back has a grid pattern for easy measurements. the front turn signal is easy to do. however i did the tail lights a little differently than i had remembered. instead of 3 strips, i did 6.

there is a small line that separates the turn signal portion of the tail light from the rest of it. i used that to separate the strips. the main strip for the tail light is 6x40 squares

doucy2 · « **Reply #32 on:** February 11, 2007, 08:10:18 AM »

Anyone wanna link me to some spray tint. I have an extra taillight (with a busted corner), I can experiment on it.)

FL318is · « **Reply #33 on:** February 11, 2007, 09:07:07 AM »

Thanks for the grid. I also checked a local Advance but no night shade.

doucy2 · « **Reply #34 on:** February 11, 2007, 10:43:12 AM »

yea they got it on ebay tho lol

you guys dare me to try it out?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/VHT-Nite-Shades-Lens-Paint-Spray-Smoked-Taillights-Lite_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ6755QQihZ019QQitemZ290082227347QQrdZ1

FL318is · « **Reply #35 on:** February 11, 2007, 05:30:09 PM »

Quote from: doucy2;19294

yea they got it on ebay tho lol

you guys dare me to try it out?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/VHT-Nite-Shades-Lens-Paint-Spray-Smoked-Taillights-Lite_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ6755QQihZ019QQitemZ290082227347QQrdZ1

I so dare you! BTW, thanks for the shirts. Wearing mine and reppin'

Alpine003 · « **Reply #36 on:** February 11, 2007, 07:43:59 PM »

Quote from: doucy2;19294

yea they got it on ebay tho lol

you guys dare me to try it out?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/VHT-Nite-Shades-Lens-Paint-Spray-Smoked-Taillights-Lite_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ6755QQihZ019QQitemZ290082227347QQrdZ1

I would rather you try the Japanese brand if you're going to be ordering something online and spending that much anyways.

The problem I have with VHT nightshades is that the tint color is way too dark. You can only spray on 1 or 2 very thin coats before it starts looking too dark ("gts" style) and ghetto. Not much room for error or to build on a nice coat. Some of the Japanese ones seems to have a lighter tint mixture allowing you to put on a few coats without it getting too dark.

Maybe this? http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/JDM-tint-smoke-spray-paint-for-tail-head-lights-corner_W0QQitemZ260084240419QQihZ016QQcategoryZ6755QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Another problem that I had with the earlier VHT nightshades(not sure if they changed the formulation or not) is that it wasn't UV resistant. The sun's rays would eventually wear down the tint and make it lighter over time.

I've had 2 separate cans with the same problem so I know it wasn't a specific batch.

gundy318 · « **Reply #37 on:** March 13, 2007, 07:17:29 PM »

I bought some niteshade and sprayed it on today with a couple clear coats on top. I have little painting experience and i'm worried i went a little too dark but so far it looks good. i'll put up some pictures once it's reassembled if anyone's interested.

doucy2 · « **Reply #38 on:** March 13, 2007, 08:22:29 PM »

Quote from: gundy318;21242

I bought some niteshade and sprayed it on today with a couple clear coats on top. I have little painting experience and i'm worried i went a little too dark but so far it looks good. i'll put up some pictures once it's reassembled if anyone's interested.

yup, i def wanna see some. i will be tinting my tail on my new e30 (if i ever get it), i gave up on my 318i (too many nickels and dime issues), but still will be my DD.

gundy318 · « **Reply #39 on:** March 13, 2007, 09:39:56 PM »

Here's a teaser. They wont be this dark in the daytime outside of my garage. I'll take some more tomorrow to show what they'll actually look like.

They still light up nicely atleast.

Alpine003 · « **Reply #40 on:** March 13, 2007, 10:13:28 PM »

I was never really impressed with off the shelf rattle can clear except the Duplicolor Wheel paint clear but that formulation isn't compatible with some paints and the few that I've tried weren't exactly clear.

I discovered a good alternative today and tried it with good results. It is Krylon Triple Thick Clear Coat. It dries fast and it shines better than the regular Duplicolor Clear Automotive paint.

If you want that professional "OEM look", I would still have a professional at a body shop shoot it with clear though.

Just thought I'd throw that in since this thread came back.