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I now dub these...

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by Phantom_X-SP, Nov 6, 2009.

  1. Nov 6, 2009 at 10:48 AM
    #1
    Phantom_X-SP

    Phantom_X-SP [OP] Rude Boy |><|

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    High Point, NC
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    08 DC Black Sand Pearl X-SP
    ..."Phantom Tails" (hey...it works:p)

    They took a little longer than I anticipated but I'm satisfied with the result. I used one coat of the Pactra window tint and 5 coats of clear. Only one coat of tint since I didn't want it too dark.

    Here's a quick rundown of what I did:

    This is what they looked like painted (pre sanded). You can see the "orange peel" effect in the clear

    [​IMG]

    I then lightly wet sanded with 1000grit then did more with the 2000 grit. The goal here is to get rid of the orange peel look. The tails will look really cloudy when you get finished with this step. Here's a pic of it should look like:

    [​IMG]

    I then used a rubbing compound and rubbed the heck out of them (I used Turtle Wax Premium rubbing compound FWIW). You'll start to see the shine come back when you remove the compound. Next I applied the wax and watched the shine really take shape. For reference, here's a pic of a finished taillight next to one with just the rubbing compound:

    [​IMG]

    And the finished product on the truck:

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    UPDATE:

    Quick update since I've recieved couple of PM's about this. The only prep I did to the taillights prior to painting was to spray some windex on the lights and clean them off with a wet cloth. The key is that they are completly clean. I did no sanding prior to painting.
     
  2. Nov 6, 2009 at 10:52 AM
    #2
    Zombie Runner

    Zombie Runner Are these black helicopters for me?

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    Kevin
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    oil change...
    that looks pretty legit to me!!!
    I need to redo mine bad

    so sand
    rubbing compound
    wax
    paint
    clear
    in that order?
     
  3. Nov 6, 2009 at 10:55 AM
    #3
    derekabraham

    derekabraham Living vicariously through everybody

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    TW'S Hippy Liberal
    Portland, OR
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    Stick on hood scoop from Autozone.
    That looks good!!
     
  4. Nov 6, 2009 at 10:55 AM
    #4
    ThreeMan

    ThreeMan Opinions Vary...

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    08 4x4 V6 TRD DCLB
    King Remote Resi Suspension - Total Chaos UCAs - Full Katzkin Leather - Leer Camper Shell - Custom Projector Halo Headlights - HID Fogs - Eagle Eye LED tail lights - Rigid Industries LED Light Bar Mounted in Bumper - Wade In-channel Vent Visors - K&N Filter - 20% on the fronts - Dakar Progressive Leafs - Fuel Beast Wheels wrapped in Hankook Dynapro ATMs - 4 Tie Down Mod - Pop N Lock - Billet Grille - Weathertech Mats - LED Map and Dome Lights - Optima Yellow Top - Redline Elite Hood Struts - Tunes: Eclipse 7100 HU - Eclipse IPC-106 Interface - Audison LRX 5.1K - Hertz Mille MLK2 Components - JL 13TW5 - JL cables and wires - Fully Deadened with SDS products - Metra dash kit - Custom Sub Box and Amp Rack - Still Under Construction.
    Looks nice.

    Order...

    Tint
    Clear
    Sand
    Polish
    Wax
     
  5. Nov 6, 2009 at 10:57 AM
    #5
    dunkhi

    dunkhi CSULB socal

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    Craig Sirois
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    Toytec Coilover kit. Bilstein's 5100. Alcoa Wheels. General Tires. Magnaflow Cat-back. BLHM. Yellow fogs. 13TW5 jl sub. Stewart Decals.
    wow yummy
     
  6. Nov 6, 2009 at 11:05 AM
    #6
    ramjm_2000

    ramjm_2000 Well-Known Member

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    Nice and well done.
     
  7. Nov 6, 2009 at 11:07 AM
    #7
    Phantom_X-SP

    Phantom_X-SP [OP] Rude Boy |><|

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    Thanks guys!

    Three man has the order right:thumbsup:
     
  8. Nov 6, 2009 at 11:08 AM
    #8
    Zombie Runner

    Zombie Runner Are these black helicopters for me?

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    oil change...
    alright thanks. when i did mine the first time i did it out of order...I know what im doing this weekend!!!:cool:
     
  9. Nov 6, 2009 at 11:09 AM
    #9
    Rudbwoy7s

    Rudbwoy7s Well-Known Member

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    3" Revtek suspension lift, 17" Black and silver American Eagle Alloy wheels, 285/70 Nitto Terra Grapplers, Flowmaster 40 series muffler, sockmonkey brake light cover, Maglight mod, Viper alarm, Smith & Wesson hitch receiver cover
    nice. did they get noticebly dimmer @ night?
     
  10. Nov 6, 2009 at 11:12 AM
    #10
    Viet2100

    Viet2100 Well-Known Member

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    Nice! When I used to use that stuff, one coat didn't do anything for me.
     
  11. Nov 6, 2009 at 11:13 AM
    #11
    phynyx38

    phynyx38 Believe

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    Looks good I want to do mine :)
     
  12. Nov 6, 2009 at 1:12 PM
    #12
    Phantom_X-SP

    Phantom_X-SP [OP] Rude Boy |><|

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    Haven't seen them at night yet but I can only imagine it would have to be somewhat dimmer. It's not much tint so I don't think it'll make a big difference.
     
  13. Nov 6, 2009 at 2:01 PM
    #13
    pataco

    pataco Well-Known Member

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    very nice work.to each there own.not my taste for sure.good way to get rear ended imo.
     
  14. Nov 6, 2009 at 2:09 PM
    #14
    Gunga

    Gunga Well-Known Member

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    I agree. I guess I'm too old to get the concept of darkening the taillights. Is this legal or don't you care?
     
  15. Nov 6, 2009 at 2:12 PM
    #15
    rossk35

    rossk35 Do Work Son!

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    How? They aren't that much darker then stock. It's a ver suddle tint he put on.
     
  16. Nov 6, 2009 at 2:18 PM
    #16
    pataco

    pataco Well-Known Member

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    well ive seen SOME that r dark.and being a commercial truck driver that is a bad mix for sure.any alteration to the color of lights isnt a good idea.its hard to tell how dark yours r but i just dont think it a great idea.just my 2cents
     
  17. Nov 6, 2009 at 2:59 PM
    #17
    Phantom_X-SP

    Phantom_X-SP [OP] Rude Boy |><|

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    I see your concern and the same was mine when I initially thought about doing this. The difference with mine is the tint is really light (only one coat applied) and it didn't make but a subtle difference in the appearance. The red in the housing is still plenty visibly. Mine are about the same shade as these stock Chevy Trailblazer tail lights:

    [​IMG]
    I figure if an auto manufacturer is putting a similar shade tail light on thousands of their vehicles then I should be ok :anonymous:
     
  18. Nov 6, 2009 at 3:46 PM
    #18
    uood8

    uood8 If You Search...You Shall Find.

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    Pretty much stock
    I think we should meet up so you can help with mine :)
     
  19. Nov 6, 2009 at 3:58 PM
    #19
    socaltaco2

    socaltaco2 Active Member

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    EXCELLENT JOB:headbang:
     
  20. Nov 6, 2009 at 4:04 PM
    #20
    mwild

    mwild I CANT SPELL SO DONT BITCH

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    Matt
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    Cat-Back, weather techs, ipod and sisuis Old 04 Taco: 5100s At all 4 corners set at 2.5", Toyotec AAL, Gibson cat-back, Deck plate mod, 20% Tint on fronts, 10" Kicker Comp sub, Sirius radio, Bud Built Skid, Pro Comp 8069 Wheels
    were do you get the tint spray
     

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