Clean>Rice

i was wondering if anyone has tinted their tail lights on a base TL, not with precut film, but with DIY window tint (prob 20%). and, i am planning on cutting the slits out of for the white section of the tail light. (2007 3.2 TL Carbon Grey Pearl)

Much appreciated

TLAdvanced

iTrader: (4)

I don't believe it will work because it is not as plyable as vinyl, thus will not contour around the light.

CJ0920

I am probably going to attempt this. I had the precut one, and screwed up on the install so I threw it out. (it's a little harder than the front was) So I might try it out, since I traced the precut film before I installed it : )

TLin401

If you don't get the right film it is going to look terrible.

evanj5

you dont want to do it with window tint it will block to much light from coming through

evanj5

if you insist on using window tint just cut a big square, shrink the film with a hair dryer while laying it down with water and then cut just like the window tinters do.

After that peel, use some slip, and walla

Clean>Rice

well, it depends. i dont have to get like 5% window tint, i might use like 20 or 30% so light will still go through. also, couldnt i just remove it if it doesnt look good?

Tripnbeats

just so u know window tint is made specifically for glass. not for plastic its not going to stick nor will it conform. the glue will trash out the plastic even if u attempt it....but good luck.

Distorted Reality

I tried that method a few years ago, and had a local tint shop attempt to do it. It doesn't work very well. Mainly cause the corner of the tail lights its hard to mold the tint around the corner without it bubbling extremely bad, and having a bunch of creases around the corner of the tail lights. My suggestion is either get the rockblocker kit for it, or have it painted/ spraypainted whatever you prefer.

Clean>Rice

ok, sounds like a plan. but about how much does it cost to get it spray painted rather than rockblockered?

LacViet

IMO, get the rockblocker! I have on my car and I love it! One thing that rockblocker or any tint film has advantage over spray painted is that it can be remove any times in case you get ticket from the cop. Spray painted it and you stuck without having to sand it down which is much more trouble than just peel the film off.

Clean>Rice

thanks, but i have a quick question. since i have a 07 tl, is the film any different? like does it come with the two white slits un-tinted?

LacViet

I don't really know. You have to check with rockblocker.com for details. If they didn't have the pre-cut, then you can cut it yourself.

theklassic

You can do it, but you really shouldn't.

You'll need to shrink the film to the light (as mentioned above) before applying. But window film is thin and will be easily damaged on the outside of a car. After a few miles the wear will show completely.

Sorry to say, but this will be a waste of your time. My advice: stick with Lamin-X for this, its a PVC type overlay what will last much longer.


Collin

Tezzeey

tried it a while back ... no bueno... going around the curve is a bitch ... i had a couple of creases in it and just ripped it off

ecliptics

the tints black out your entire light so its not gona come with the white part of your light untinted.

check the black market for bluebatmobiles overlays.. he has made some custom ones for the TL-S taillamps where there are cutouts for it. not sure about the 07+base tl though

Tripnbeats

THE GLUE IS NOT MEANT FOR PLASTIC ON THE TINT GUYS, IT WONT STICK TO PLASTIC THE WAY IT STICKS TO GLASS. therefore it will never stick. first car wash will rip it off even if u get the corner creases out!

Coopeda

^ he's totally right. plastic tint on your tail lights is not a good idea. after time it will start peeling off on the sides. you should go with spraying them. i have it on mine. it won't have the shine that the tint will. its a flat color but you can always spray clear over it to get that look

Tripnbeats

thanks coop.... when u get industrial tint.... for store fronts or anything thats in bulk length, it comes with instructions that tell u very specific info..... this glue does not adhere to plastics....this material is not to be used on the outside of windows or to be installed where the elements can affect the product.

CJ0920

Yeah, I changed my mind on trying it out. I forgot about the plastic, it definitely wont stick to that. My suggestion would be to order a roll of vinyl overlay so incase you screw up you have enough to cut another piece. Im my case I will be doing that since the back is harder to do. I had a crease and just ripped it off, and didn't even bother with the other side. So maybe order a roll of the overlay and experiment with that.

Tripnbeats

yea but the vinyl overlay is too thick and looks like shit on 90% of the cars......better off getting it sprayed imo.....or get a thinner overlay and reeeeaaally spend time with it.

Blazing GT

why dont you just buy it on ebay?

Tripnbeats

toooooooo thick they are like 4mil thick..... u only really need 2....it wouldnt even crease or look "orange peely" if it were thinner and applied correctly

ballinfizzle89

iTrader: (6)

I kind of liked how rockblockers are really thick, easier to work with and shows less misperfections.

But yeah spraying ftw

Clean>Rice

how much would spraying cost compared to getting the Type-S tail lights instead?

ballinfizzle89

iTrader: (6)

Technically, you could just do it yourself