vellazarb

So I'm on staycation all week and decided it's a good time to start murdering out my TL. First DIY mod!!

I was pretty sure I wanted to go flat black to contrast with the NBP so I quickly popped off top grill from the hood, painted it, and put it back on as a bit of a test.

Looks good to me! Time to paint the rest!



Wanted to do it properly, so I had a friend come over and help me getting the bumper off (it was easier than I thought it'd be).



Thanks to some advice reading through these forums, I maked off the emblems with painters tape so I know where to put them back. Although, i might only put the A emblem back on, and leave 'ACRURA' and 'TL' off. Bit of a shaved look. I'll decide tomorrow.



Here's all the shine, about to get murdered!



Here it is after a couple coats. Going to do a few more and put it all back together tomorrow.



Hate to leave her like this overnight, but it'll be worth it in the end.





Will post pics tomorrow when it's all done!

anx1300c

iTrader: (2)

Looks good, but it's going to chip badly. Wrap is the way to go.

Italiano

Word,MURDER.....

vellazarb

I'm afraid the 3M film will make it too glossy. If it chips badly over the fall/winter, I will think of something else to do in the spring. Some way of protecting it without making it shiny.

Going to start putting it back together now. Pics soon!!

SharksBreath

iTrader: (33)

damn you went through a lot of trouble for that.

hope it turns out the way you want it.

350

iTrader: (4)

Looks good, I hope it holds up. Spray paint on the front of a car never seems to though, Plastidip might be better since you can do it really thick, no way for it to chip, only peel off. Leave the rear emblems off, looks way better without it, I wish the A didn't have holes under it or I'd leave that off too.

Steven Bell

iTrader: (2)

Nice work-enjoy your staycation!

crbnfbr

iTrader: (1)

Do not use 3M vinyl, especially Di Noc as it was only intended for indoor use. A WAY better choice would be Hexis HX30000 as it's durable for up to 10 years outdoors. Plus Hexis customer service is by far the best I've dealt with from any company. I've order from them just a few times, and I've received dozens of emails from the regional sales manager. Plus she sends me free catalogs, samples and swatch books.

SharksBreath

iTrader: (33)

disagree.

i'e had my front grill wrapped in 3m glossy black vinyl for 2+ years and it looks great today.

guitarplayer16

iTrader: (8)

disagree.

3M 1080 Scotchprint vinyl was made for automotive purposes.

crbnfbr

iTrader: (1)

My apologies you're completely right. I had totally forgotten about their 1080 Scotchprint.

Also for the OP you can always get a can of matte clear Plasti Dip, the product # is 11209-6. I don't about you're local Lowe's but mine stocks it.

vellazarb

Thanks for the tip!

Found it at Home Depot.

jwr0ng626

iTrader: (1)

wow you turned a 30 min job to 2 days worth. lol

are you dipping the actual grill part also?

vellazarb

I did do the actual grill too. Also tinted the reverse light cover and sidemarker lights.

But, my grandfather died so I need to put everything on hold and deal with this funeral stuff, hence it taking so long.

Pics of the completed project coming soon!

SharksBreath

iTrader: (33)

^I'm sorry about your loss.