DIY - All Red Taillights

[Spec]

Duplicolor Metalcast, two coats of clearcoat, then two coats of enamel over everything:

[damith]

Pepboys and autozone should have the metalcast paint, .

Auto Zone is the place to go for Duplicolor. I agree. BTW Hon@BMW, u have a GREAT looking bronzit.

[bmp]

Hon2bmw, why is your tail lights so glossy while the other ones look so dull. Is that just the light affecting the picture or did you do something to those lights?

[Hon2BMW]

Went to Home Depot, Autozone, Kragen and could not find any testors paint. Everyone says to go to a hobby/model store. What about the paint places that sell only paint? you guys think they would have the testors? Where did all of you get yours? thnx in advance.

Pepboys and autozone should have the metalcast paint, whether its in red is the question. Micheal's should have transparent red krylon stained glass paint, just ask them for it.

BOTH of those are MUCH better than the testors paint. Testors paint is meant for plastic models that where never meant to see water or the elements unless its to put on decals. I've been building models and spray painting parts for full size cars since I was 8, and I would never put model paint on a full size car, its just asking for trouble.

[FL318is]

And here is yet another link.

http://www.m42club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3629

[Raxe]

Found mine at Michaels, the craft store.

[One21Two]

Where to get??

Went to Home Depot, Autozone, Kragen and could not find any testors paint. Everyone says to go to a hobby/model store. What about the paint places that sell only paint? you guys think they would have the testors? Where did all of you get yours? thnx in advance.

[Hon2BMW]

Got any pics?

[Dave]

I've had bad experiences with testors and tamiya model paints in the past, they work fine for plastic models, but just aren't tuff enough to be exposed to the elements for very long.

I actually just did mine and used the red color from duplicolors metal cast line. The paints are meant to go over a chrome base, so they're all transparent colors. its meant for engine parts and trim so I figured it would probably hold up better, beautiful finish as well with no clear coat. I'll post pics later.

Got any pics?

[Hon2BMW]

I've had bad experiences with testors and tamiya model paints in the past, they work fine for plastic models, but just aren't tuff enough to be exposed to the elements for very long.

I actually just did mine and used the red color from duplicolors metal cast line. The paints are meant to go over a chrome base, so they're all transparent colors. its meant for engine parts and trim so I figured it would probably hold up better, beautiful finish as well with no clear coat. I'll post pics later.

[norcal325]

And then you're left with an obviously noticeable line where the vinyl is applied, not to mention a ridge between the height difference of the vinyl, where dirt and grime will collect and eventually get underneath. No thanks, I'll stick to painting. :up:

actually no. ive had it on there for at least 6 months. (i would know, im doing it) there isnt anything noticeable about it. and no there is no dirt anywhere in on or around to give an unwanted look. height difference? lol its paper thin
but at the same time, just throwing it out there

[Jand3rson]

you guys should just do what i did, clear red (or any other color) vinyl. works perfect AND can come off to be stock again.

And then you're left with an obviously noticeable line where the vinyl is applied, not to mention a ridge between the height difference of the vinyl, where dirt and grime will collect and eventually get underneath. No thanks, I'll stick to painting. :up:

[norcal325]

you guys should just do what i did, clear red (or any other color) vinyl. works perfect AND can come off to be stock again.

[Mastrcruse]

I have been following Mr. Andersons proceedure and they have come out fantastic. I am getting them automotive cleared this weekend so they hopefully last long.

My passenger came out as an A++ but my driver side, which was the geniune pig, came out alittle hazy and I have alittle bit of dripping on the edge. So can I just wetsand this to make it look clear like my passenger or do I have to redo it?

Mr. Anderson's DIY FTW!!

[e34john]

Mine looks like crap already. Did it in early March. Clear coat isn't really flaking and its still really smooth but the lenses are always ashy looking. I think I got the clear coat on too thick and theres millions of tiny cracks in it. It looks fine when I wet them so Im going to try some plastic polish or some kind of gloss wax because using a scotchbrite pad didn't really help.