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Old 08-11-2013, 05:21 PM   #1
Nexson
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Post How to Properly Tint and Smoke Tails, Pics

Hello Everyone,

I have been doing some of these taillights lately from the hatchbacks. I don't own an sti but with work ethic and "skill" I am able to produce an OEM quality painted tail light lens. I wanted to post this up to help anyone else with their project, so please ask any questions. I have to ship these back out to MI and as soon as the owner gets them I will post the pictures up. He currently cannot drive his car, waiting on these!

The taillights are "redded" out and then lightly smoked. Everything is topped off with automotive clear out of a gun, not the spray cans. Then wetsanded and buffed.

Enjoy.










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Old 08-11-2013, 05:22 PM   #2
Nexson
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Old 08-11-2013, 06:57 PM   #3
intense98rt
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What product are you using for the red and the smoke?
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Old 08-11-2013, 06:59 PM   #4
Nexson
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Quote:
Originally Posted by intense98rt View Post
What product are you using for the red and the smoke?
I use red metalcast for the red tint and for the smoking process I mix in 5% black base into a clear base. Tint accordingly to preference.
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Old 08-11-2013, 07:37 PM   #5
JSS829
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Wish I didn't have to ship my lights to do this...I'll have to settle with vinyl for now.

Any chance you're in Texas?
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Old 08-11-2013, 07:41 PM   #6
Nexson
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In south Florida. Been thinking of picking up a pair of lights to do any exchange program. Works with the Acura tl grilles I paint. Problem is a new set of lights is over $300
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Old 08-11-2013, 08:18 PM   #7
TheRealGkz
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This is exactly what I've been wanting to do to my tail lights. Unfortunatly, I have no paint no-how and need my since it's my daily. :/
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Old 08-11-2013, 08:28 PM   #8
Smoke
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That looks great! Very professional looking.
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Old 08-11-2013, 10:26 PM   #9
Nexson
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Quote:
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That looks great! Very professional looking.
Thanks, These are another set I did without smoking.

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Old 08-11-2013, 10:31 PM   #10
zohh_amaze
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Wow, this looks fantastic! Keep it up dude
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Old 08-11-2013, 10:32 PM   #11
Nexson
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TheRealGkz View Post
This is exactly what I've been wanting to do to my tail lights. Unfortunatly, I have no paint no-how and need my since it's my daily. :/
If you find me a set of lights for under $300, I'll buy them.
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Old 08-11-2013, 11:02 PM   #12
Nexson
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Would these work? trying to get a set for the exchange program. 2008-2013 all the same?



http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hatchback-Ta...#ht_177wt_1355
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Old 08-12-2013, 12:12 AM   #13
BLUEBATOVERLAYS.COM
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love it!

B@t***8482;
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Old 08-12-2013, 12:56 AM   #14
TheRealGkz
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Nexson View Post
Would these work? trying to get a set for the exchange program. 2008-2013 all the same?



http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hatchback-Ta...#ht_177wt_1355
I believe those would work, they are all the same I think..
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Old 08-13-2013, 08:33 PM   #15
Nexson
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Going to get a set order this week and get this ball rolling.
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Old 08-14-2013, 07:05 PM   #16
Nexson
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Just made life easier for a lot of people. Bought a full set of lights so people won't be without their cars because the lights are out. Ill be taking the old stock lights back after the new set goes in.
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Old 08-14-2013, 07:25 PM   #17
Mr.IllBill
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Nexson View Post
Just made life easier for a lot of people. Bought a full set of lights so people won't be without their cars because the lights are out. Ill be taking the old stock lights back after the new set goes in.

Be careful putting trust into random people to send their tail lights back to you. You shouldn't do it unless you have some type of collateral.

Good luck.
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Old 08-14-2013, 08:12 PM   #18
Nexson
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr.IllBill View Post
Be careful putting trust into random people to send their tail lights back to you. You shouldn't do it unless you have some type of collateral.

Good luck.
I paid $215 for these lights. I charge labor + $215 and refund $215 once I get back their lights.
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Old 08-14-2013, 11:35 PM   #19
OMS1
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These are the best looking tail lights for the hatch I've ever seen. I've been bouncing back and forth between having a shop do vinyl overlays, attempting overlays myself, or painting them. If I have a little bit of rattlecan experience, do you think this is something I could tackle myself? Would it be possible for you to post a step by step on how you made these look so great? I understand the basic process, but, man, your work is outstanding.
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Old 08-15-2013, 05:30 PM   #20
Nexson
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Quote:
Originally Posted by OMS1 View Post
These are the best looking tail lights for the hatch I've ever seen. I've been bouncing back and forth between having a shop do vinyl overlays, attempting overlays myself, or painting them. If I have a little bit of rattlecan experience, do you think this is something I could tackle myself? Would it be possible for you to post a step by step on how you made these look so great? I understand the basic process, but, man, your work is outstanding.
This project is just another drop in the bucket. I have been doing custom and paint work for only about 8 years but really am blessed to have this talent. Follow me on instagram "nexson51"

As for DYI, the problem is the rattle cans will never give you the finish and longevity as the automotive grade products I use. The clear coat I use is thick and has the proper UV protection to be long lasting. I averaged it up and it will costs the normal DIYer about $65 in materials just to do it wrong.
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Old 08-15-2013, 05:31 PM   #21
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Customer sent me some pictures today, he was very happy. He will get some better looking ones tomorrow with a little bit higher quality and better angles but this was a quick shot to post up.
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Old 08-15-2013, 07:10 PM   #22
highbody
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They look amazing.. they remind me of Maserati tail lights
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Old 08-15-2013, 08:20 PM   #23
Nexson
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Yea, I rarely impress myself because I am so picky about my work being perfect but I am happy with these.
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Old 08-15-2013, 11:01 PM   #24
OMS1
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Could you PM me with a price? I know about the $215 deposit to get another set of tails to use temporarily, but let me know how you go about doing this. I'm very interested.
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Old 08-16-2013, 02:55 AM   #25
Mr.IllBill
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Nexson View Post
I paid $215 for these lights. I charge labor + $215 and refund $215 once I get back their lights.

Ah ha 1 step ahead, good system. Good work too, those tails with the light shade of tint are the best looking imo.
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