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Overlays vs Professional tint

I want to slightly darken all my tail-lights and soon to be installed fog light. I am trying to decide between overlays (which I dont know too much about, application

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Old 03-16-2010, 11:35 AM   #1 (permalink)
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Default Overlays vs Professional tint

I want to slightly darken all my tail-lights and soon to be installed fog light. I am trying to decide between overlays (which I dont know too much about, application and so forth) or actually getting them professionally tinted with paint. I would like some impartial input as to the better method. I understand one is permanent and the other isnt. Has anybody gone one way and wished theyd done the other?
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Old 03-16-2010, 01:42 PM   #2 (permalink)
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I tried overlays on my 350z. I didn't like the look, they looked cheap. On the 370 and my corvette, I went with professional paint job and they look awesome, and the parking lights are still visible in daylight.

Correctly done, painted looks like they came from the factory that way.
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Old 03-16-2010, 01:48 PM   #3 (permalink)
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professional tinting will prob look best. or you can use VHT nite shades spray tint and try it yourself. i found a really good DIY from a 350z forum. How to Smoke Taillights - Nissan 350Z & 370Z Wiki
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Old 03-16-2010, 02:57 PM   #4 (permalink)
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Thanks guys, I am beginning to lean towards the pro job. Mike your tails look great, similar to the darkness I would be interested in for my black Z. The black handles are also something I would like to do.
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Old 03-16-2010, 03:02 PM   #5 (permalink)
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Even though I DO NOT have experience in any of them but I'm gonna vote for spray tint. The reason is that sometimes with overlays, the taillight or headlight lenses crack due to different consistency of the plastic (over long period of time)

Keep us posted.
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Old 03-17-2010, 05:44 PM   #6 (permalink)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike View Post
I tried overlays on my 350z. I didn't like the look, they looked cheap. On the 370 and my corvette, I went with professional paint job and they look awesome, and the parking lights are still visible in daylight.

Correctly done, painted looks like they came from the factory that way.
That or maybe a little darker is exactly what i'm wanting on mine. I was debating getting overlays only because i'm not sure of the legality and we have yearly inspections here. how much does a pro paint job run?
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Old 03-17-2010, 05:59 PM   #7 (permalink)
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Originally Posted by fatcat777 View Post
That or maybe a little darker is exactly what i'm wanting on mine. I was debating getting overlays only because i'm not sure of the legality and we have yearly inspections here. how much does a pro paint job run?
It was 390 total to get the tail lights and door handles done, and that included removing and reinstalling everything. The shop may have given me a price break though, as I do a lot of work with them, and had just spent 8000 on a paint job the summer before.
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Old 03-17-2010, 07:51 PM   #8 (permalink)
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not to bad, now i just need to figure out the legal issues since it will be permanent.
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Old 03-17-2010, 08:13 PM   #9 (permalink)
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not to bad, now i just need to figure out the legal issues since it will be permanent.
whatsup with your screen name? USAIR?
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