Well as some of you know I was attempting to paint the chrome parts of my altezza lenses body color. I was successful in opening and painting the inner (trunk) lenses; but ended up breaking the clear outer lens on one of the outer pieces and I had a problem sealing the other outer lens. The trunk pieces were very easy to do. The outer pieces were the complete opposite. The only hard parts about it really were being careful not to melt the chrome painted plastic while trying to open them and not cracking the thin clear outer lenses. The altezza tails are so cheaply made that the backs of the lenses actually get so soft you can warp it with just the pressure from your fingers. It gets pliable well before the silicone softens up enough to pull them apart. I used the oven method to warm them up and then a heat gun to soften the area of which I was working with. If anyone is interested in painting there lenses I'd be more than happy to show you pics, give you a list of tools/materials needed and explain exactly what to do but I do not recommend it. Oh well I'm a little disappointed but maybe I'll pick up a used set and try the outers again. I guess for now I'll have to stick with the red/clear set. I just wanted to share this info with those of you who are considering or are attempting to do this project.


Please no flames as I too do not like the look of the altezzas and picked up this project in the hopes of making the ugly altezzas into decent looking tails.

 

where you been man?? long time no see!

post up some pics,

Ant

 

Hey Ant
I've been real busy. I'm working on setting up a webpage with some pics right now so I'll post when it's done.

 

Did you consider the new Black Chrome Altezza's?

Erik

 

Yes but I really wanted them to be body color. Plus I started this project long before the black chrome ones were available.

 

I remember when you started them. I am saying instead of buying and possibly destroying another set of clears...did you consider the Black chrome ones. I guess you did. Good luck with the next set.

Erik

 

Here is the rough draft of my How2. I didn't get to finish it but you get the idea. http://hometown.aol.com/ravq/Altezza.html

 

link not working

im going to paint the outside for mine

 

Sorry it's an AOL thing. Give it some time.

 

i wouldnt paint the outside.....will scratch really easy....but do what u want jus tmy opinion

 

ohh man.....thats like 170 bucks u tossed out right there! - try to see if u can get the lenses custom or sumthing

 

sorry man i was hoping this was going to be a happy story

 

Yup all in the effort to be unique.

 

at least it was worth a shot... thats what i figured about mine.. maybe find a used set on ebay or something? or sell your inside ones to someone with altezzas, im sure someone wouldnt mind having just the insides blacked out

 

Ya I actually tried putting just the inner ones on and it looked to weird. I'm still gonna give it another shot as soon as I find some used lenses.

 

Who makes black chrome altezzas for the max?

 

I believe the same manufacturer that makes the regular chrome ones. You can get them here and on eBay from time to time.
http://www.altezzalighting.com/index2.html

 

hey ravq
I bought primer
I put it on my altezzas now waiting for them to dry
how long should I wait before I put on the real paint on?
and after the real paint, how long should I wait till I put the clear coat on?
and after the clear coat, how long should I wait till I can install it?

 

I would wait overnight between steps, but you should be ok to paint after a few hours as long as you use thin coats. Same with installing them wait until they are good and dry so you won't have to come back and repaint them.

 

i'm going to put alot of layers for the real paint...
so it looks rich
should I put alot of clear coat too?

 

Definitely it will help keep them from fading so soon. It won't prevent it it will just slow the inevitable.

 

I am sooo bummed. I planned on doing this too. Very soon, actually (as soon as the SC is installed). What a bummer to hear it's hard to do. I still have to do it though. Not an option. Could you please e-mail me Rav w/ your tips and how-tos and "don't-dos". Thanks a million.

ptatohed@netzero.net

 

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