General Tech / How To's / Installations Technical discussions about the USDM 2008+ WRX and WRX STi.

tinting the ugly 2008 tails

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Old 02-08-2008, 10:29 AM
  #16  
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Anyone know where to grab the Oracal transparent vinyl? I've called everywhere in the san jose area and no one seems to stock it.
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Old 02-08-2008, 11:23 AM
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I'll be seeing Vince; Again; in a couple of weeks to Tint the New Legacy. :Fingers Crossed:
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Old 02-10-2008, 11:26 PM
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hi guys...

if you cant find it locally. give them a call http://lamin-x.com/showcase_smoke.php

-vincent
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Old 03-09-2008, 05:50 PM
  #19  
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Originally Posted by skaunit
Ok, I did search the subject, however I'm sure there are going to be many people interested in this specifically for the new WRX.

I am vaguely familiar with the concept of tinting or blacking out tails, however I wanted to get some input and start a discussion.

First off, has anyone heard anything by chance of any aftermarket tails coming out? I know they are usually poor quality compared to OEM, but just curious.

Also, what do you guys think the best method/products for would be for something like this? I have heard of people using vinyl/film to tint, but the standard is usually to get the spray designed specifically for the purpose. So a good question is can anyone recommend any specific product/brand?

My girlfriend [co-owner of the car] isn't 100% sure she wants to modify the only set of tail-lights we have, especially considering they are most likely going to be quite expensive for at least a year or 2 [most likely only brand new from dealership]. She's not entirely opposed to it thought, mainly because here in san jose, we must see at least 2 or 3 cars a day that have blacked out tails. [I know that doesn't make it legal... but ilegal and enforced are 2 different things]

Also, I dont think we want to BLACK them out, just smoked... we have a dark gery metallic hatch, so smoking them will look hot im sure.

any suggestions or opinions are welcome... i know some people think its a stupid idea to do anything to your tails, but anything is better than the bright-*** stock clear tail lights.

Anybody got pics?
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Old 03-09-2008, 06:04 PM
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i think the easiest would be to get a tint. i got mine for my 02 off ebay. i dont know if they would already have precuts for an 08 or not. but i took it to a tint shop and got them put on for 60. and i think the kit was 30 with shipping and handling. the kit came with both rear lights, and the two front side markers as well.

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Old 03-09-2008, 06:06 PM
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what level tint is that?
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Old 03-09-2008, 06:15 PM
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not sure...its whatever came with the kit. im guessing its equal to a 5% window tint..cant see the different light patterns when your just driving during the day. but when your back-up/turn signals are on they show up clear as day and your running lights look completly normal at night as well. ive had them on my car in the Sacramento area for about 3 months now and have had no problems with them
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Old 01-22-2009, 03:26 PM
  #23  
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bringing this back from the dead!

here is my 08 with red vinyl overlays, i paid $60 total, $20 for the vinyl (a 4'x1' piece) and $40 for install.




here is a more recent shot of my car since i cut out the centers of the tail lights (looks much better this way imho)

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Old 07-05-2009, 04:58 PM
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Originally Posted by beedee
Wow that looks really good! Now I'm thinking about getting this done. any better pics of it?
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Old 07-05-2009, 11:38 PM
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here are various taillight overlays, images are not mine.



light tint overlay very subtle looking



more from bluebat's gallery
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Old 07-05-2009, 11:41 PM
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stit108c.jpg?t=1246862459
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Old 08-01-2009, 01:54 PM
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I know bluebatmobile has been doing tail light overlays for the longest time with the latest gen celicas.

Anyways I've painted my own tails. Did a good clean, adhesion promoter, red paint, clear. Still need to reclean and polish it.

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Old 09-03-2009, 03:30 PM
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has anyone got the vinyl overlays and took it out of the car?!

my worrie is that they have to heat the vinyl to shape on the tail lights... the guy from the autoshop told me it can 'melt'
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Old 09-04-2009, 03:08 PM
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Im definately gonna have them red out. Anyone know a good place that can do them cheap?
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