MY07 Tinted Taillights

[Arith]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I know smoked taillights is a love it or hate mod, so I'm glad it's been positive so far. Although I'm awaiting the negatives to roll in any time now....

I would have preferred the tint to have cut-outs for the signal and backup area to give it a bit more definition, like I had in my MY05 GT, but I was happy to take what was available.

the previous owner of my car had tinted taillights on it before

Interesting. Did you manage to find out what they used to tint it with? Film? Paint? Was it removed by you after you took over the car?

Tint film does the trick best as it is still glossy. I have tint spray, but it makes a flat result, so I haven't used it.

Depends. There's the product called 'Nightshade' or something like that which does not have the gloss in it so you have to add a layer or clear coat laquer as a finisher. But if you use the transparent window tint for model vehicles, that has a nice shine to it. But I find tint film easier to apply and remove. Especially the removing part!

What film did you use?

It's been so long ago I can't remember, and I can't find the receipt either. I'm hoping it's more readily available, and with any luck with cut-outs. Sorry YamYam!

I also have been looking for a clear indicator bulb (well that silver finish when the bulb is not lit) As I dont like the amber appearance of the tail light (which is actually clear, but you can see the amber of the OEM bulb. They dont seem to make those silver coated bulbs in a large wedge fitting (that the Lib uses) instead of bayonet (Falcodore)

LOL! I was facing the exact same dilemma a year ago! Then I found a place in America that makes them in the wedge style. Here's a picture of one:



They had them both for the signal lights and the brake lights. I wasn't sure when I would ever order from them again or if they would still be in business if I needed replacements, so I ordered like x10 pairs. Used x4 pairs and gave x2 pairs away to friends. Look great but oh so pricey! But these days LED's serve this purpose anyway.

are these a legal mod?

I think the rules says you need a reflective part that will shine when hit by a light. Since I don't have any reflectors to replace the ones I tinted, this mod is technically illegal (that's why you see cars that have smoked taillights from the factory will have a red reflective strip in the lower bumper somewhere).

[Jimmy S]

the previous owner of my car had tinted taillights on it before

Interesting. Did you manage to find out what they used to tint it with? Film? Paint? Was it removed by you after you took over the car?

I believe they are on Chris's car now!?

I believe they just have tint on them?

[Arith]

Golly, that's quite black!

[Sentinel]

Now that IS black...

Interestingly, comparing the two cars, looking at Jim's, the most obvious but subtle (if that makes sense) mod is painting the chrome strip below the lights. Makes a big difference.

The above car is definitely too dark and Jim's is just on the border of being too dark (for me that is).

But as I said before, it suits Jim's stealthy car for sure.

[gtspec]

i can see a reverse cam hehehe

agree with sentinel, paint the chrome strips black

[Jimmy S]

heheh go the reverse cam! so neatly colour coded by Subaru!

As I mentioned before, they aren't on the car anymore, and I think they suit Chris's silver Liberty a lot better!

I will definitely have a crack at getting mine to look like Jim has done his if I do end up having a go!

[gtspec]

As I mentioned before, they aren't on the car anymore, and I think they suit Chris's silver Liberty a lot better!

do you happen to have a pic of the dark lights on a silver liberty

[UrbanGTB]

Not my thing but the tint certainly looks to be much better than the spray tint! Nice work

[Jimmy S]

As I mentioned before, they aren't on the car anymore, and I think they suit Chris's silver Liberty a lot better!

do you happen to have a pic of the dark lights on a silver liberty

Nah I don't... but Chris may be happy to post one?

[markii]

Looks the goods mr jim..
Just wondering how did you apply the tint?

For those needing to install tint or vinyl and are worrying about bubbles and imperfections.

Get a Felt Edge Squeegee.


Water Spray Bottle.


Dishwasher Detergent.


*Using Tail light For Example*

1. Put a reasonable ratio of detergent + Water in Spray Bottle.
2. Clean area which you are tinting.
3. Apply Soap Solution (don't be a tight ass and apply a lot)...
4. Remove tint from backing paper and apply to the Tail Light
5. Get squeegee and apply pressure and work from the center of the tail light to its edges to remove the water.
6. When completed, leave for 24h so it settles and is completely dry.

Good thing about this method is if you havn't applied it on well, you can just lift up the tint because its still going to be wet.

Also i have tried vinyl tint lube and its just not the same as soapy water..
The tint still sticks, when you don't want it to

If there are any bubbles just pop them with a pin and squeegee them down.

Then your taillights or whatever needs tinting will look as good as Jim's

markii

[3rspecb]

I also have been looking for a clear indicator bulb (well that silver finish when the bulb is not lit) As I dont like the amber appearance of the tail light (which is actually clear, but you can see the amber of the OEM bulb.
They dont seem to make those silver coated bulbs in a large wedge fitting (that the Lib uses) instead of bayonet (Falcodore)

Try Autobarn. A couple of years back, I purchased Philips silver vision indicator bulbs FRT & RR for my MY06 3rspecb sedan & MY06 Mazda 6 hatch from them.

[SLY60L]

SO where did you end up getting the tint from mate? I bought a film tint from ebay in america for my old car, but man it was a pain in the ass to fit and when i finally got it looking half decent i couldnt get it to stretch to the edges proerly and then the otherside started to peel back so i got the shits and took it off...

My new car though, i used nightshades on, did approx 3 coats and then put a clear over the top... The lights look propper black, but at night time when the driving lights are on you can see the red / amber / white lights through the tint... Thats on a vn commodore though, the lights arent especially smooth like a liberty but i cant see spray tint turning out as good as yours did on smooth lights...

[MY07GT]

I always wanted to tint the rear lights like my last car, but i think tinting the rear lights will be overkill. As long as you spray the chrome bit black, then the red and white breaks up the full black knight rider look.... unless thats what you are after.

Hot overall otherwise Jim. You know i love your work!

Phil.

[EchoNoise]

Well I've tinted mine, thanks for the tint Jim!

It's a silver sedan, but it looks bloody good.

First time I put it on, worked really good, second light, I stuffed up the angle

Fixed it right up, and looks really good, I'll post some pics up soon.

[hin249]

Well I've tinted mine, thanks for the tint Jim!

It's a silver sedan, but it looks bloody good.

First time I put it on, worked really good, second light, I stuffed up the angle

Fixed it right up, and looks really good, I'll post some pics up soon.

looking forward of the result on a "silver" car!!! lol