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Tinted Tails Write-Up

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Old Mar 14, 2004 | 06:19 PM
  #1  
skiboarder72's Avatar
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Tinted Tails Write-Up

Ok here are the instructions on how to do the tinted tails mod that I have done to my car. Its quite simple and cheap and I think it looks unique especially for us poor 95-96ers.

Here are the supplies you will need:

~7oz. Can of Nite Shades Tail Light Paint
~Dish Soap
~Water
~Masking Tape
~Newspaper
~Steady Hands
~Cotton Towel
~Paper Towel

1. Wash rear of car with normal carwash/water
2. Mix water and dishsoap together and wash the tail lights really well (this will remove all the contaminates and wax and whatever else is on there)
3. Rinse Of Rear of Car and taillights
4. Dry Very Well with cotton towel (make sure no lint is on the tails)
5. Mask Area with masking tape and newspaper
6. Shake can of Nite Shades for about a minute
7. Keep the can about a foot away from the outside of the taillights while painting, start on the newspaper and make quick strokes across the taillights. (if you start painting while the can is aimed at the tails it will come out too fast and start to run)
8. Make several VERY light coats.
9. Wait 10-15 min and spray another light coat
10. Repeat until you are happy (usually 3-4 coats, but remember it dries darker, takes about 8 hours to fully dry)
11. Take off masking Tape and Newspaper
12. Let dry for a few hours

I did this all without taking out the taillights, it would probably be easier to paint with them out but it is not necessary for good results. I used 3 coats on my taillights. I bought the paint from Modern Performance and it was 13$ including shipping. I could not find the paint locally, but they may carry it at some performance shops. The lights are still quite bright at night, slightly darker during the day. If you do put too much paint on the lights in a certain spot and its starts to run just VERY LIGHTLY dab the paper towel over the spot to soak up some of the extra. Then apply another very light coat to that area to cover it up. It will cover up after several layers so take your time. If you really mess up, this stuff just comes off with Nail Polish remover. It doesn't even cloud the tails. Some people also clear coat the tint (for protection and shine) but I haven't had any problems with just the tint on there. This will also make the tint permanent which I don't wanna do quite yet. Here are some pictures of my lights:





Here is a night picture with 3 coats on:



~Josh~
Old Mar 14, 2004 | 06:24 PM
  #2  
R5a7B's Avatar
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From: Boston, MA
Thanks Josh, you did a great job with these. The writeup will be helpful if I decide to do mine.

-Rich
Old Mar 14, 2004 | 06:25 PM
  #3  
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I highly suggest clearcoating the tint. If you don't, chances are the weather will take it over and make it look horrible...plus the clear coat adds a nice glossiness to it I had used this tint w/ clear and lasted for 3 years and no signs of weathering
Old Mar 14, 2004 | 06:28 PM
  #4  
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I will add to the How To's tomaro, so you can add the spay clear coat thing to your post.
Old Jun 18, 2004 | 02:26 PM
  #5  
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Thanks alot for writing this, very good instructions...I also did it and i think it looks great!
Old Jun 18, 2004 | 03:31 PM
  #6  
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Takes less than 30 minuts to dry. Takes 6hrs to fully cure. I was hoping you had good instructions telling how to take off the lights not how to use tape on a car. Also why didn't you tint the bottom lights? It would look 10x better if they had SOME tint on them.
Old Jun 18, 2004 | 03:51 PM
  #7  
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coooooooooo
Old Jun 18, 2004 | 04:05 PM
  #8  
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it looks good for a black car. i did that on my old G20. too bad my maxima is burgundy now...
Old Jun 18, 2004 | 06:18 PM
  #9  
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Anyone trying this make sure you tape off the ENTIRE rear of the car. Cover it all with newspaper. Back window, doors, quarter panels. If you don't you'll notice a rought texture on the car.
Old Jun 18, 2004 | 06:48 PM
  #10  
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From: NJ
probably a stuipd question but...

what about the reverse light?

also, i would think just taking out the taillight completely like BigD said and doing it calmly at a desk, sitting down, would give u optimum results (less chances of dripping, and more even/consistent coats)...the project's gonna take u more than a few hours, might as well do it the best way possible (altho urs look REALLY good)

i tinted mine as well, with the VHT, pics on my page (took me about 8-10 coats tho ~ 1.5 spray bottles, i dont even remember, not including the clearcoat)
Old Jun 19, 2004 | 06:52 AM
  #11  
skiboarder72's Avatar
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looks good, way to bring up a really old post, i need to update those pictures hehe
Old Jun 19, 2004 | 05:44 PM
  #12  
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nice work josh, hows my old car treating you?? FYI i just picked up a GTP, wanna race lol...
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