HOW-TO Custom Tint Your Maxima tail lights!

Post by **lightsout** » Wed Aug 20, 2008 8:36 am

**this method will not fade and will last longer if you lay clear film over the lens after everything is dry

1. remove tail lights by pulling back the trunk liner after removing the retaining clips and tail light housing nuts on the inside of trunk. You may have to push your lenses out from inside the trunk with your hand b/c of the weather seal on the back side of the lense. If you get the black weather seal gew on your hands, you can use acetone to remove it.

2. clean tail lights with windex and a microfiber towel(not a paper towel).

3. tape off area u wish to tint and not tint. ie: i didn't want to tint the backup light, so i covered it with tape and cut out the circle with an exacto-knife and a protractor. tape off entire lens to prevent a "dusty" over spray, but leave the area over the blinker bare so you can anodize the clear to a new RED.

4. clean the area that is going to be painted with windex and a microfiber towel again before painting, then spray the Dupli-Color METALCAST Paint over the blinker area. Allow 5-7 mins before removing tape surrounding the blinker(DO NOT TOUCH THE LENS). Be sure to leave the tape that is covering the backup light on the lense.

5. immediately spray the Pactra Racing Finish RC249 Window tint spray(found at your local hobby shop for RC Toys) on to the lens so it is able to adhere to the Dupli-Color Red and the lense.

6. allow 30-45 mins for lens to dry, then use your exacto-knife to pull up the edge of the tape that covers the backup light. Peal off tape to reveal this:

7. reinstall lens' into your Maxima and enjoy.

Modified by lightsout at 3:23 PM 8/20/2008

Modified by lightsout at 3:04 PM 8/24/2008
Modified by lightsout at 6:22 PM 10/6/2009

Post by **maxhopper** » Wed Aug 20, 2008 1:18 pm

Nice write up. Added to the how-to list.

Would you like a custom title under your user name?

Post by **lightsout** » Wed Aug 20, 2008 1:22 pm

how do i add to the How-To list??

i would love a custom title under my user name. Do i need to email you some of my idea's?

BTW...i just tinted the spoiler LED strip, and the rear side marker lights...it looooks sooo stealth and sleeeeek!!

Post by **jltibbs** » Wed Aug 20, 2008 4:16 pm

Just choose the name you want and email it to Scott (maxhopper97).

That looks amazing. I cheated. I use Film. Not that cheap ebay crap either. I buy strips of the film and cut to fit.

Job well done.

Post by **Daddygonz** » Thu Aug 21, 2008 2:38 am

NICE JOB, LOOK GREAT! I also did film our I35 and G35.

Post by **MinisterofDOOM** » Thu Aug 21, 2008 3:04 am

Nice job. I can't believe how clean the line around the backup light turned out.

I definitely like the clean seamless look of the paint compared to film.

One question, though:Why do your tails light up such a sharp almost-pink instead of red? Is it the paint you used or the lamps?

Post by **lightsout** » Thu Aug 21, 2008 6:22 pm

it's VERY red in person, but i used my camera phone, the EnV, and the pics are out of 'true' color and grainy too.

how does this title sound? Rep'n SoSoCal

Post by **ZGadson** » Fri Aug 22, 2008 4:13 am

Where could I get film tint? Autozone?

Honestly, I like the paint better (nice job, Lightsout), but the idea that the film tint is removable makes me more comfortable with that instead.

Post by **Daddygonz** » Fri Aug 22, 2008 1:04 pm

Hey ZGadson. I still have the templates for my tail light. If you want a set send me an email with your address and I will send you some precut for your taillights. Shoot me an email at [email protected].

Post by **ZGadson** » Sat Aug 23, 2008 3:33 am

Daddygonz wrote:Hey ZGadson. I still have the templates for my tail light. If you want a set send me an email with your address and I will send you some precut for your taillights. Shoot me an email at [email protected].

Email Sent!

Post by **sixteenXnine** » Sat Aug 23, 2008 4:13 am

I sent one too.

Post by **jltibbs** » Sat Aug 23, 2008 12:35 pm

ZGadson wrote:Where could I get film tint? Auto Zone?

Lamin-x is where I get my film. I bought bulk film and cut to fit because it's easier and usually less expensive. I do not have pics of my Q yet, but here are some pics of my Maxima.

Post by **lightsout** » Sun Aug 24, 2008 8:36 am

ZGadson wrote:Where could I get film tint? Autozone?

Honestly, I like the paint better (nice job, Lightsout), but the idea that the film tint is removable makes me more comfortable with that instead.

totally understand b/c if i get pulled over for the lights, then i've got to swap out my entire lens, but i'm just gonna get a second pair and tint them a little less :-)

Post by **DevonD** » Sun Aug 24, 2008 11:26 am

how good of a cover up job do you think it would do on the orange rear signals on a 4th gen Max? I would use the film but I went to a tint shop and the guy there said It would wrinkle because it goes around the contour of the corner and it just wouldnt work? So do you think this method would hide the orange?

Post by **lightsout** » Sun Aug 24, 2008 12:01 pm

i believe it would, but you may have to put it on thicker than you like. try going with the same brand of tint spray named above, but go with a lighter shade. check with your local hobby shop/RC Toy shop for the tint spray options. if you wish to spray over the orange with the METALCAST paint from duplicolor first test it on a glass jar or a hard plastic jar to ensure the brands don't work against eachother

Post by **D_roc** » Sun Aug 24, 2008 12:29 pm

wow nice work bro thinking about doing it my self but me+spray paint = disaster

Post by **DevonD** » Tue Aug 26, 2008 7:53 am

Ok well I can find the dupli-color without any problems but i went in to a hobby shop and they had no idea what I was talking about for the tint/ spray stuff. They thought it might be a laquer or something? what should I be looking or asking for?

Post by **D_roc** » Tue Aug 26, 2008 9:10 am

due just go to a local place where they customize cars like do tint, install car audio ect, they sell a can for like $8

Post by **lightsout** » Wed Aug 27, 2008 7:34 am

if you don't want to go thru the all the steps above, just have a tint shop do your lenses...but if you want the tint spray get it here:

http://www.testors.com/catalog...=1243

get 2 so you have extra for your spoiler light and sidemarkers

Post by **jltibbs** » Wed Aug 27, 2008 4:14 pm

DevonD wrote:how good of a cover up job do you think it would do on the orange rear signals on a 4th gen Max? I would use the film but I went to a tint shop and the guy there said It would wrinkle because it goes around the contour of the corner and it just wouldn't work? So do you think this method would hide the orange?

Um, dude, look two posts above your OP. There's a pic of my 4th gen with Lamin-X film, which is quite a bit thicker. It does fine. If you're ever in the middle TN area, have some Lamin-X on you so my tint guy can hook you up. He can do it.

Post by **ZGadson** » Thu Aug 28, 2008 12:14 pm

ZGadson wrote:
Email Sent!

Did you happen to mail them yet?

Post by **Daddygonz** » Thu Aug 28, 2008 2:35 pm

ZGadson. I finished cutting your overlays. There will be four pieces for the tails and four pieces for your side markers and instructions. I will send it out tomorrow and send you a confirmation number.

Post by **ZGadson** » Fri Aug 29, 2008 3:42 am

Daddygonz wrote:ZGadson. I finished cutting your overlays. There will be four pieces for the tails and four pieces for your side markers and instructions. I will send it out tomorrow and send you a confirmation number.

Wow! Thanks, man! I appreciate that a lot!

-Zach

Post by **Daddygonz** » Sat Aug 30, 2008 5:45 pm

ZGadson wrote:
Wow! Thanks, man! I appreciate that a lot!

-Zach

Hey Zach, Here is the USPS confirmation number0307 1790 0005 4982 6607

Post by **ZGadson** » Wed Sep 03, 2008 10:04 am

Got them in the mail today! Thanks again! I really appreciate it! I'll post picts when I get them installed.

Post by **naladude911** » Thu Sep 04, 2008 2:35 am

off to the hobby shop. i already have metalcast. How about my amber sidemarkers?

Post by **ZGadson** » Wed Sep 10, 2008 4:08 am

Got around to installing mine the other day. Looks really nice on my black car. I like that the side markers are "stealth." Sorry about pict quality...

And thanks again for the tint, Ramon!

Post by **bigdaddydog21** » Wed Sep 10, 2008 8:30 am

i have a 91 maxima and i want the lights tinted but i dnt knw how plz send info http://www.myspace.com/bigdaddydog21

Post by **sixteenXnine** » Wed Sep 10, 2008 8:47 am

Don't know how? Read this thread!

Jeebus.

Post by **Daddygonz** » Wed Sep 10, 2008 2:51 pm

Looks good Z. I wish my I35 was black like our G. I am working on some overlays for the front lights and fogs. I'll let you know when I finish.

HOW-TO Custom Tint Your Maxima tail lights!

HOW-TO Custom Tint Your Maxima tail lights!

Re: HOW-TO Custom Tint Your Maxima tail lights! (lightsout)

Re: HOW-TO Custom Tint Your Maxima tail lights! (maxhopper97)

Re: HOW-TO Custom Tint Your Maxima tail lights! (lightsout)

Re: HOW-TO Custom Tint Your Maxima tail lights! (lightsout)

Re: HOW-TO Custom Tint Your Maxima tail lights! (lightsout)

Re: HOW-TO Custom Tint Your Maxima tail lights! (MinisterofDOOM)

Re: HOW-TO Custom Tint Your Maxima tail lights! (lightsout)

Re: HOW-TO Custom Tint Your Maxima tail lights! (ZGadson)

Re: HOW-TO Custom Tint Your Maxima tail lights! (Daddygonz)

Re: HOW-TO Custom Tint Your Maxima tail lights!

Re: HOW-TO Custom Tint Your Maxima tail lights! (ZGadson)

Re: HOW-TO Custom Tint Your Maxima tail lights! (ZGadson)

Re: HOW-TO Custom Tint Your Maxima tail lights! (lightsout)

Re: HOW-TO Custom Tint Your Maxima tail lights! (DevonD)

Re: HOW-TO Custom Tint Your Maxima tail lights! (lightsout)

Re: HOW-TO Custom Tint Your Maxima tail lights! (lightsout)

Re: HOW-TO Custom Tint Your Maxima tail lights! (DevonD)

Re: HOW-TO Custom Tint Your Maxima tail lights! (D_roc)

Re: HOW-TO Custom Tint Your Maxima tail lights! (DevonD)

Re: HOW-TO Custom Tint Your Maxima tail lights! (ZGadson)

Re: HOW-TO Custom Tint Your Maxima tail lights! (ZGadson)

Re: HOW-TO Custom Tint Your Maxima tail lights! (Daddygonz)

Re: HOW-TO Custom Tint Your Maxima tail lights! (ZGadson)

Re: HOW-TO Custom Tint Your Maxima tail lights! (Daddygonz)

Re: HOW-TO Custom Tint Your Maxima tail lights! (Daddygonz)

Re: HOW-TO Custom Tint Your Maxima tail lights! (D_roc)

Re: HOW-TO Custom Tint Your Maxima tail lights! (ZGadson)

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