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      05-08-2013, 03:43 PM   #1
dbs600
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Rear Lamp Tinting to Match 2013 Models

Has anyone tinted their 2009-2012 pre-facelift 7 Series rear lamps to match that of the 2013 models? I’m contemplating it, but definitely don’t want an aftermarket look (no darker than the 2013 lamps), and would like to know what the best practices / products are for the job. Thanks!
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      05-08-2013, 04:26 PM   #2
dbs600
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I'm thinking a spray would be better than a film and that removing and masking the lamps would be ideal...
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      05-09-2013, 01:09 AM   #3
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Think I found photos of what I'd like to achieve; possibly even little lighter:

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/386837...50li-sedan-4d/
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      08-03-2013, 01:51 AM   #4
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I'm scheduled to have mine tinted this week for $400, but with how particular I am, I'm having second thoughts.

What is the specific process like? I suppose a tinted clear coat is used to paint the lamps, as any other [plastic] body part would be painted. Any special instructions I should give my body shop? Anyone attempt to match the facelifted 2013 lamps? If so, how much tint did the trick? I do not want to overshoot it.

Will the finish scratch like that of a regular painted panel (will lattice swirl marks begin to show)? How about cracking, etc.? I'm concerned for longevity.

Last, anyone purchase the facelifted lamps for their pre-facelift car? How much did the parts cost? Is there any way to source the parts on the cheap? Can we do a "group buy"? Not sure how that would work / be coordinated, but I'd be down...

Thanks!
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      08-03-2013, 12:25 PM   #5
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I actually like the older design better
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      08-03-2013, 04:58 PM   #6
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^
Same here. I don't like the darker tint; the inner tubes stand out too much and don't flow with the rear.
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      08-03-2013, 08:00 PM   #7
dbs600
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FYI: http://www.7post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=872795
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      08-03-2013, 08:01 PM   #8
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Mine are tinted. Some pics I took today. I think they came out great.
I pic is with lights on, one is with the lights off......
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      08-03-2013, 09:14 PM   #9
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^
That's a really nice tint, how much did it cost? What's the % of the tint?
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      08-04-2013, 09:20 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 1_BAD_F01 View Post
Mine are tinted. Some pics I took today. I think they came out great.
Looks good. How much were they, where did you have them done, how long did it take and are they smooth to the touch?
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      08-04-2013, 11:53 AM   #11
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Sorry guys. When I said tinted, I meant spray tinted.
It was done by the shop that did the entire car (One Way Autosports) in Williamsburg,NY.
It took about 2 days and all I know is they used clear coat mixed with a lil black paint. It is very smooth to the touch as it is a clear coat so it flows with the car beautifully.
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      06-07-2014, 12:19 AM   #12
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Strange request:

Had my rear lamps and reflectors tinted (painted with tinted clear coat).

Work came out great, but, unfortunately, I regret the decision.

While not too dark, they came out darker than hoped.

Shop came as close as possible to the 2013+ lamps.

Would anyone with original lamps like to swap?

10 minutes from JFK Airport in Hewlett, NY.

Shops charge $300-500 to tint.

Free if we can swap.

Car currently at dealer, but will post pictures when available.

Thanks. :|

Last edited by dbs600; 06-07-2014 at 12:30 AM..
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      06-13-2014, 11:06 PM   #13
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Still don't have pictures, as car is still at dealer, and know I can have them redone, but no one in my area is interested in a swap? :|
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      06-24-2014, 05:20 PM   #14
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Link to post with pictures on Bimmerfest:

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...6&postcount=32

Tried to upload same here, but Bimmerpost wasn't accepting same.

Thoughts?
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      06-27-2014, 10:36 AM   #15
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since you guys are all local to me in NY ... I will recommend someone I used in the past .... it's been about 5+ years ... but hopefully he is still doing it.

Jon@ JonsTintedTails.com in Staten Island did some tinting for me on my 2007 Camry. I wanted a very light tint "black cherry" color ... his was sprayed and cleared ... in 3+ years never faded, dulled, etc.

hopefully he is still doing them. you need to remove the tails and drop off to him. takes about 2 days for turnaround. plan on driving something else in the mean time.
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      06-27-2014, 10:44 AM   #16
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Just found out that he moved to Randolph, NJ ... not sure if he's still doing the tinted tails ... but found an address for him, as the website no longer seems to be his (in japanese)

Jon DeSalvatore
1103 Sussex Turnpike
Randolph, NJ 07869
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      07-25-2014, 09:07 PM   #17
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The RVinyl smoke tint looks pretty close to the LCI. Problem is, I've tried twice now, and both times the stuff bubbled when left in the sun. I've been in contact with a pro vinyl shop to try it for me. If they can get it to stick, it will be $30 well spent on the kit.


Last edited by Mike_L; 07-26-2014 at 02:14 PM..
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