My TL has been de_virginized
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 357
Likes: 9
From: Austin, TX
My TL has been de_virginized
Yep. It's her 1st accident since I got her. She was knocked-up from behind by a brawny SUV. The amazing thing is that my Inspire taillight only got a minor scratch on it even tho the surrounding area was pushed in pretty good. The bright side of this whole thing is that I will finally get my rear bumper repainted. Something I've been unsuccessfully trying the get the dealer to do because of the paint mismatch.
Just thought I'd share this momentous occasion. Here're a couple pics:
And while I'm snapping some pics of the damage, just thought I'd share some pics of my home-made eyelids. It looks like the Value Sport eyelids, except it has a slightly more aggresive angle and cost only around $10 to make (and no it isn't vinyl). It gives my TL a noticeably meaner look from the front:
Just thought I'd share this momentous occasion. Here're a couple pics:
And while I'm snapping some pics of the damage, just thought I'd share some pics of my home-made eyelids. It looks like the Value Sport eyelids, except it has a slightly more aggresive angle and cost only around $10 to make (and no it isn't vinyl). It gives my TL a noticeably meaner look from the front:
I'm also surprised that the Inspire tails held up.
Suzuka Master
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 8,974
Likes: 0
From: West Orange, NJ, USA
damn brother man..haven't seen u post in awhile...sorry to hear..that..mine's been devirginized the first month i got...so far i haven't had any other accidents...let's keep it that way..nice btw..not including damage..
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
From: Elk Grove Village, IL
Sorry about your TL. That's worse than what my sister did to my mom's.
On the positive side, I really like your eyelids. Also did you clear your headlights and paint the housing black, cause they look dope as hell?
On the positive side, I really like your eyelids. Also did you clear your headlights and paint the housing black, cause they look dope as hell?
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robb m.
robb m.
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 72,841
Likes: 660
From: ON
damn dude, that's crappy...looks like the SUV driver did at least try to avoid you...something most people don't do...
and your taillight staayed together, that's pretty cool
good luck with insurance etc...
and your taillight staayed together, that's pretty cool
good luck with insurance etc...
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 357
Likes: 9
From: Austin, TX
Thanks everyone for the kind words of support and encouragement. My car will be back better than before in no time.
As for the eyelids, I'll go ahead and reveal my secret. First off, go to Home Depot or Lowes and buy a couple strips of the commercial floor trim (see pic below). The strips are kinda rubbery and come in 48"x4" strips in various different colors and cost like 2 bucks a piece. Purchase the color that is most similar to your car color so that even if you get a rock chip, it won't be as noticeable.
Then trace out the pattern of your choice onto one of the strips. Cut it out using sharp scissors or an exacto knife. Test fit the pattern on the headlight to make sure it is what you want. Flip it over and trace the same pattern in reverse on the second strip for the other headlight. Using fine sandpaper, sand down the upper edges to round them off for a professional appearance. Apply 3M double-side tape to the back, paint, and then install. Heating the lids up a little will make and lids more flexible and easier to install. How long the lids last depend on how you paint them. I reccommend:
1) 1 coat of adhesion promoter (Bulldog, etc.)
2) 2-3 coats of auto primer with wet sanding between coats
3) 2-3 coats of color-matched auto paint mixed with flex agent.
4) 2-3 coats of epoxy clearcoat
As I said, you don't have to go this extreme with your painting, but doing so will make it last longer. Otherwise, just paint it with a can of spray paint and redo it when neccessary. It's cheap anyways.
Good luck, and let me know if you have any questions.
As for the eyelids, I'll go ahead and reveal my secret. First off, go to Home Depot or Lowes and buy a couple strips of the commercial floor trim (see pic below). The strips are kinda rubbery and come in 48"x4" strips in various different colors and cost like 2 bucks a piece. Purchase the color that is most similar to your car color so that even if you get a rock chip, it won't be as noticeable.
Then trace out the pattern of your choice onto one of the strips. Cut it out using sharp scissors or an exacto knife. Test fit the pattern on the headlight to make sure it is what you want. Flip it over and trace the same pattern in reverse on the second strip for the other headlight. Using fine sandpaper, sand down the upper edges to round them off for a professional appearance. Apply 3M double-side tape to the back, paint, and then install. Heating the lids up a little will make and lids more flexible and easier to install. How long the lids last depend on how you paint them. I reccommend:
1) 1 coat of adhesion promoter (Bulldog, etc.)
2) 2-3 coats of auto primer with wet sanding between coats
3) 2-3 coats of color-matched auto paint mixed with flex agent.
4) 2-3 coats of epoxy clearcoat
As I said, you don't have to go this extreme with your painting, but doing so will make it last longer. Otherwise, just paint it with a can of spray paint and redo it when neccessary. It's cheap anyways.
Good luck, and let me know if you have any questions.
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 1,694
Likes: 0
From: Dirty South
damn dude, sorry to hear that... you should bust up the tail light before the insurance tries to jip your ass... damn, looks like you need to paint the front bumper too... try to work out something w/the body shop, im sure they could get it done w/little or no money involved...Shyne