If I were to buy a pair of tail lights online, is there a good way to distinguish if they're aftermarket or OEM once I get them? I want the 2012+ tinted style, and I'm not going to risk baking mine to attempt to do it evenly on the inside... I'd just feel more comfortable with OEM.

 

Its really hard to distinguish oem from aftermarket because of the pictures they put up.
But you can always tell good quality from the sharp edges on aftermarket and lightness of them.
There is a spray you can spray your lights and they will look very nice look it up. Just tape your car with newspapers and stuff.

 

I was completely unaware that they made aftermarket taillights for our Maximas. Must be a new thing.

Any how. The OEM have "Stanley" written on it with other wording as well.

Hope this helps. Good luck

 

To be honest I'm not sure they do. I know there are a few different aftermarket headlights, but I always assume there are aftermarket parts for everything. Found the ones I want for $85/each shipped on eBay. Once I get them I'll try to verify if they are OEM or not. Almost seems too cheap to be, compared to what other sellers are asking.

 

This could be true but yeah just look out for the Stanley writing when you do get them

 

According to KMoney for those who may be wondering since I was myself....you can't actually make the tails anyway, but you can cut the silicon open in this case.

 

correct the Maxima tails dont bake open, they need to be cut open with a dremel and welded shut.

 

Dan have you worked much magic on our tails yet with your lighting etc? If so this is an awesome thread to show off on! I'd like to see for sure

 

I know Dan has been doing the sequential tails... I dream about having those one day

 

What is this spray u speak of? Has anyone done this?

 

VHT makes one called Nightshades and I myself used Rustoleum Lens Tint....4 coats and plenty of clearcoat....then sanding and buffing!

 

Which clear coat did u purchase and what grade sand paper?

Do you have pics?

 

I used a Rustoleum clearcoat and as for the sandpaper you'll want 1000,1500,2000,2500,3000 grit sandpaper. I hit it with all of these, then rubbing compound, then plast x.

 

 

Well my tail lights should arrive tomorrow... We'll see how they look. Definitely not as dark as your self-tinted lights, which are quite nice. My maxima is winter frost so super dark wouldn't look as nice as the stock smoked look I think