PDA

View Full Version : DIY Sidemarker Tint



Twisted-X
09-11-2010, 06:50 AM
Buy some VHT. I got the combo with the clear.
http://i654.photobucket.com/albums/uu261/jimmyspiffy1986/VHT%20Niteshades/Niteshades.jpg

Start by removing your sidemarkers using whatever method works for you.

The way I got mine out without mucking them up:
Rears:
Lay on the ground under the back of the car and, reaching up to the sidemarker, remove the bulb socket from the marker (it turns CCW). Then find the tab of the sidemarker:
http://i654.photobucket.com/albums/uu261/jimmyspiffy1986/VHT%20Niteshades/SidemarkerClip.jpg
and compress it while pushing out on the marker at the same time.

The fronts are similar, except to reach the back of the sidemarker you will need to remove a couple of the wheel liner clips and reach in behind the wheel liner itself to the sidemarker.
http://i654.photobucket.com/albums/uu261/jimmyspiffy1986/VHT%20Niteshades/Clip.jpg

Once you have them out, find a suitable cardboard box and writing utensil. Set the sidemarker face down on the box and draw the outline.
http://i654.photobucket.com/albums/uu261/jimmyspiffy1986/VHT%20Niteshades/Masking1.jpg

Next whip out your Xacto knife and start cutting about 1/8th inch inside the outline you just drew.
http://i654.photobucket.com/albums/uu261/jimmyspiffy1986/VHT%20Niteshades/Masking2.jpg

When you're done, the sidemarker should fit flush to the box like so.
http://i654.photobucket.com/albums/uu261/jimmyspiffy1986/VHT%20Niteshades/Masking3.jpg

Next take some rubbing alcohol and a soft rag and clean the top of the side marker well.
http://i654.photobucket.com/albums/uu261/jimmyspiffy1986/VHT%20Niteshades/Preperation.jpg

Take your can of Nite-shades and start shaking it for about a minute to get it mixed up.
Next, grab something suitable to test on. I used an old CD case. You can set the spray nozzle vertically or horizontally, just play with it until you have a feel for how it'll work.
http://i654.photobucket.com/albums/uu261/jimmyspiffy1986/VHT%20Niteshades/Testing.jpg

Before you start spraying (and between every coat you do) turn the can upside down and spray until it comes out clear to clean the nozzle. Don't forget to shake the can for a bit between coats also.

Now grab your cardboard box/sidemarker and set it up so you can spray it with the can as vertical as possible. Hold the can 8 to 10 inches from the marker and spray in a sweeping motion. Between each coat, Its a good idea to take the sidemarker outside in the sun to get a feel for the darkness. Hold it up so the sun shines through the back.

Three coats worked well for me.
http://i654.photobucket.com/albums/uu261/jimmyspiffy1986/VHT%20Niteshades/TintedSidemarkers.jpg

When I was happy with the darkness, I put a coat of clear on in the same fashion.



Recommendations:

Don't spray with can angled toward the ground. The can I had seemed to want to "spit" when used in this manner (yes, the valve was clean).

Do this in a low dust, low wind environment.

Wait 24 hours before re-installing the markers.

3dkahuna
09-18-2010, 08:54 AM
I personally would have bought aftermarket ones on eBay instead of spraying the factory ones. Those run $59.23 a piece to replace.

Twisted-X
09-18-2010, 11:05 AM
I bought the aftermarket clear (w/black backing) and didn't like the look at all on my '05 NHBP. They look okay at night, but in the sun the outer plastic makes them look like a hazy white.
So I did this, and I love it!

civictype_r04
09-19-2010, 06:16 PM
Looks good dude!!!

username011
09-19-2010, 10:30 PM
Dont you just hate these dang side markers? They suck, I painted mine and my bumper is still ugly with them..Im going to just shave them! I need to repaint my bumpers anyway!

brian1414
01-23-2013, 11:49 AM
is there a way to 'un-paint' these back to the original condition??

Waldo129
01-23-2013, 12:09 PM
is there a way to 'un-paint' these back to the original condition??

lacquer thinner!!! :vag: