Tail light refinishing

everlast · 09-13-2010, 12:51 AM

I think I'm getting pretty good at smoking and refinishing tail lights. If anyone wants me to do a set, give me some $ and your lights, and you can get something like this.. Newly refinished on the left, original (and dirty) on the right.

Vid of the finished taillight, and one before wetsanding:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zfz0zvfwaDA

Turn-around is about a week. I have one set of E30 lights that can be used temporarily while I have yours if need be.

I've also done clearcoat on headlamp lenses and fogs (which fills pits and makes the glass look like new) and side marker reflectors. I can tint red and smoked, or any combo of both.

No guarantees on anything (LOL). I'm just a dude who likes doing this for fun. My price reflects this. :p

PM me.

Ceeker · 09-13-2010, 07:00 AM

cudo's! that's a fantastic job for a hobby guy. great work! I'd be interested but I'm in Toronto.
what products did you use to do the job if I may ask and where can I find them?

thx.

oldskool3 · 09-13-2010, 07:31 PM

Looks awesome Jay! If I didn't hate my e30 for trying to kill me I would definitely get you to do my tails.

carjoe · 09-13-2010, 08:23 PM

Sick. Wanna do my headlights? I've considered depo's but really want to keep the amber corners...

zarbat007 · 09-13-2010, 08:55 PM

Looks great!
Did you use a rattle can clear? Careful as some rattle can clears have enough solvents in them to react with PC (polycarbonate) plastic covers.

I plan to spray clear on my headlights soon, been too lazy.

How did you tint the tails? VHT Shade?

everlast · 09-13-2010, 10:17 PM

Trade secrets. :p All readily available paints, instructions available all over the web for a variety of methods.

Joey, you can simply wet sand the lights with 2000 grit and plastic polish. I'd then cover them in laminate film. However, the E39 fogs are a great candidate for clear coat.

Ceeker · 10-08-2010, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by everlast

Trade secrets. :p All readily available paints, instructions available all over the web for a variety of methods.

Joey, you can simply wet sand the lights with 2000 grit and plastic polish. I'd then cover them in laminate film. However, the E39 fogs are a great candidate for clear coat.

How much for a set of e30 tails with the smoked finish polished?

carjoe · 09-13-2010, 10:25 PM

Frickin hell, I've wetsanded them twice so far. I may try again next Spring...

everlast · 09-13-2010, 10:31 PM

Did they turn out good when you did that? Honestly, let the paper do the work and 15 minutes you're done. Then let the polish do the work.

You can certainly swing by and I'll give it a shot for the price of a pizza.

zarbat007 · 09-13-2010, 10:49 PM

All those headlight re-newing systems/plastic polishing last a few months tops before headlights start hazing again.
If you spray 2 coats of urethane clearcoat on them, they will last a long time.

http://www.refinishnetwork.com/discu...eadlights.html

everlast · 09-14-2010, 12:13 AM

I wet sanded my E39 headlights and covered them in laminate, and they were spotless a year later.. Less invasive than clearcoating IMHO.

carjoe · 09-14-2010, 07:05 AM

Sounds to me like Zarbat just wants something to spray....Wanna do my bumper and lower headlight trim?

everlast · 09-14-2010, 10:27 AM

I think Zarbat should do a tech day in his garage and we'll all come watch. I'd be TOTALLY up for that.

carjoe · 09-14-2010, 10:55 AM

I'll host a tech day. We're working on my car though... :p

bmwconnect · 09-14-2010, 10:56 AM

Me two!