DIY - All Red Taillights

[Stephen]

FIgured as much. thanks

[Danny]

Yes.

[Stephen]

Would less coats be slightly less tint?

[Jand3rson]

I think we did like 2 or 3 coats, I'd do at least 2, 3 just for good measure.

[Stephen]

Mine with Model Masters transparent black:

That's roughly what id be going for.

Just one coat?

[Jand3rson]

For the love of god... DO NOT FOLLOW THAT WRITE UP. He uses model clear coat.

I don't know how many dozens of times this has been said in this thread. So I'll say it again, so everyone gets it.

DO NOT USE TOY PLASTIC MODEL CLEAR COAT.

YOU MUST USE AUTOMOTIVE GRADE CLEAR COAT.

Plastic model clear coat is NOT formulated to withstand UV exposure and exposure to the elements. It will oxidize and fade within a month of being subjected to sunlight and outdoor elements. And another thing that he does wrong is he only clear coats the amber part that was painted. While this might not be "wrong", don't be half-assed! Clear coat the entire surface of the lense! This will allow you to (if you so desire) to wetsand, polish and wax the whole lense, making them look brand new!

Do shit right the first time, or don't bother doing it at all.

[deutschman]

http://e30.bmwdiy.info/red-tails/index.html

[Jand3rson]

Wet sand and polish them. They will brighten up. Just don't sand too much. I'd start with 600 grit and work your way up to 1200-1500, then polish.

We did that to mine because the clear orange peeled really bad in a few spots. Highly reccomended, even if they come out glossy after clearing them. It will make them even glossier, and look brand new. Mine still look amazing after over 2 years. I also wax them every time I wax the car.

[ChaseN]

Alright, well I'll try that Monday. Thanks Nitro.

[AndrewBird]

Wet sand and polish them. They will brighten up. Just don't sand too much. I'd start with 600 grit and work your way up to 1200-1500, then polish.

[ChaseN]

So I just did this to my M3, and well, it all looked great...until I clear coated it. The clear coat dried really dull - is there a way to shine them back up? I used duplicolor metalcast red, with duplicolor clear coat over top. Should I wet sand the clear off and re-clear it with a better product?

[Uber E30]

Wont look "tits" for long if you dont have an automotive grade clearcoat over it. Does look good though, I neve liked not adding at least one coat over the backup light. Almost looks out of place now.

They were cleared by a local body shop with automotive clear. They will look like that for a long time hopefully.

I was going for the MHW look and they left the reverse light clear... i think it makes them really pop.

[Danny]

Curt's taillights are sex.

[Van Westervelt]

Wont look "tits" for long if you dont have an automotive grade clearcoat over it. Does look good though, I neve liked not adding at least one coat over the backup light. Almost looks out of place now.

[CorvallisBMW]

^ now those looks fucking tits