Tinted headlights
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 215
Likes: 3
From: KC
Tinted headlights
Just wanted to share a recent project (experiment)
Recently bought my 996 and while the weather was nice I performed the #1 project I had planned on trying. Slightly tinting the surround of the headlights and the turn signals. The turn signals were tinted with a thick plastic when I bought the car, but didn't like the application.
So I removed the headlights from the car, removed the plastic tint from the signals, cleaned up the lenses and masked off the headlight and driving lights. The sprayed with a 'tint' paint. My thought was to slightly tint the surround. Give the signals an extra coat if needed. And then spray with a clear coat.
Here are the results. I ended up with 2 coats. No extra on the signals. Signals are nice and bright when used.
The POC worked, but the spray paint spit a little and the spray pattern is so-so. I'll probably respray them in the spring with the black EOM color mixed with clear to achieve the same transparent look that the tint paint provided, but with the control of a professional spray gun.
Thoughts?
Jim
Recently bought my 996 and while the weather was nice I performed the #1 project I had planned on trying. Slightly tinting the surround of the headlights and the turn signals. The turn signals were tinted with a thick plastic when I bought the car, but didn't like the application.
So I removed the headlights from the car, removed the plastic tint from the signals, cleaned up the lenses and masked off the headlight and driving lights. The sprayed with a 'tint' paint. My thought was to slightly tint the surround. Give the signals an extra coat if needed. And then spray with a clear coat.
Here are the results. I ended up with 2 coats. No extra on the signals. Signals are nice and bright when used.
The POC worked, but the spray paint spit a little and the spray pattern is so-so. I'll probably respray them in the spring with the black EOM color mixed with clear to achieve the same transparent look that the tint paint provided, but with the control of a professional spray gun.
Thoughts?
Jim
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 215
Likes: 3
From: KC
It is interesting that the tint is slightly blueish. I recently sprayed a spoiler with black OEM paint and was curious to see if I thinned it, would it also be blueish. Sure enough it was. Very similar.
If you try this, clean the lens real good. Also practice spraying on some something else to get a feel of the spray pattern. Cardboard will work.
The nice thing is if you don't like it, just wet sand with 600, 1500. Then polish with high speed wool buffer & 3M polish.
Poseur
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 17,745
Likes: 301
From: Santa Barbara, CA
For a bunch of guys who claim that the "headlights don't matter" you are obsessed with how they look. Any tint will result in less bright lighting at night. In fact, application of that stuff violates US DOT lighting standards.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 21,539
Likes: 195
From: IA
I kinda like it.
Poseur
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 17,745
Likes: 301
From: Santa Barbara, CA
My only concern is that in today's economy, the authorities are looking for any opportunity to ticket (income!) and when you alter lighting it becomes a safety issue. Trust me, your turn signals are now darker than before. (I personally like that look, but it's not me you have to talk your way through!)
Trending Topics
Pro
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 580
Likes: 2
From: San Diego, CA
I wouldn't worry about it. I don't think a cop would ever even notice, unless he's a 996 aficionado and has a big bug up his butt going out looking to be a d*ck.
There's so many ricers runnin around So Cal with their coffee can exhausts and blacked out rear lights and headlights, and I don't see them in the fixit-ticket lines.
I like the look! I'm with Dave, it has to be on the right color car for it to look right. And you have that color, 15psi!
There's so many ricers runnin around So Cal with their coffee can exhausts and blacked out rear lights and headlights, and I don't see them in the fixit-ticket lines.
I like the look! I'm with Dave, it has to be on the right color car for it to look right. And you have that color, 15psi!
Rennlist Stories
The Best Porsche Posts for Porsche Enthusiasts
Stunning Porsche 356A Super GT Speedster Auction Fails to Meet Reserve
Verdad Gallardo
Every Era of 911 Owner Explained in One Sentence
Verdad Gallardo
Thinking of Buying a Porsche? Do These 10 Things First
Joe Kucinski
Pixar Pals Turned Into 1-of-1 Porsches!
Michael S. Palmer
Theon Goes Full Carbon Fiber With Stunning New Build
Verdad Gallardo
Genius Porsche-Themed Gifts That'll Make Any Dad or Grad Smile
Joe Kucinski
10 Used Porsches Are Selling for Way Too Cheap
Joe Kucinski
Tuner Is Converting Porsche 911s Into Shooting Brakes
Verdad Gallardo
This Coachbuilt Creation Is A Modern Take on the Legendary Porsche 917
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 215
Likes: 3
From: KC
Not really obsessed about lights- but I am obsessed about cars.
This was a "what if". You might notice that the headlight and fog/driving lights are not covered at all. I masked them off. So they are as bright as ever. I was concerned about the brightness of the signal, I want people to know I'm turning. I checked it agains the stock one as I sprayed coats. Virtually no difference- was surprised how bright they are. The concept was to put on as little tint as possible and see through it. I didn't want black covers.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 215
Likes: 3
From: KC
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 215
Likes: 3
From: KC
I painted and clear coated the Taco. With all the angles it is fun to have good coverage, and not have runs on the clear. Over the weekend, I wet sanded it and will spray one more clearcoat. Looked nice.