How To: Tint Head/Tail Lights from PDX Grafix!

Turbo EJ · 02-12-2008, 02:10 AM

Disclaimer
The community here at 355nation.net urges you to please use caution and seek professional assistance when performing modifications to your vehicle. Before attempting any modification it is advised that you refer to your Colorado or Canyon service manual or contact a certified mechanic as not all GMT355 trucks are the same. The staff and the associated members are in no way responsible for any damages, injuries or other harm inflicted to your vehicle or yourself which may result in attempting these modifications. The posts and content presented on this site reflect in no way the views of 355nation.net or it’s ownership.

A 355nation (CCP) presented by
Turbo EJ

Project Name
How To: Tint Head/Tail Lights from PDX Grafix

Project Description
I had a few people send me a PM asking what the Headlight and Tail light tint looks like. I tinted a DRL and a tail light tonight with the smoke color film just to give you guys an idea. Also below you will find a quick write up on how to do it. I don't have time right now to install the lights to show how they are lit up but once I get some time I will.

Skill Level
Moderate

Project Vehicle
Make: Chevrolet
Model: Colorado
Year: 2006
Engine: 3.5L
Power windows: Yes
Sun Roof: No

Tool/Materials Needed
-Tint Material
-Application Fluid
-Razor Blade
-Lint Free Towels
-Squeegee
-Hair Dryer or heat gun

Project Time
1 hour

Project Cost
cost of tint

Headlights:

Tail Lights:

Step 1: Measure how much material is required to cover the item you are trying to cover and cut out what you need. Clean the item to be applied and then spay down the object with vinyl application fluid.

Step 2: Remove the liner from the back of the tint and also spray the application fluid onto the back of the tint to lubricate it and kept it from sticking.

Step 3: Put the tint onto the item you are going to cover.

Step 4: Spay the surface of the tint with the application fluid to lubricate it so the squeegee will glide smoothly over the surface.

Step 5: Next start with the flattest surface you can find and begin to squeegee the tint onto the item. Working as much fluid as you can out of the flat surfaces.

Once you get to the point where you are going around a curved item you will need to get your hair dryer and heat up the material. As you heat the material stretch it out around the edges and smooth it out with the squeegee. Don’t be afraid to stretch the vinyl, just try not to heat it too much.

Once you get the material stretched around all the edges, smooth it out with the squeegee and then go over it again with the hair dryer. This will form the material to the lens and help remove all moisture.

Trim away the excess material and you are done!

SOUTHBAYcanyon · 02-12-2008, 02:41 AM

looks cool

badazzmason · 02-12-2008, 02:43 AM

Nice write up,good job.

GtotheJay · 02-12-2008, 03:12 AM

looks good!!!

**brewer15650** · 02-12-2008, 09:48 AM

Looks good bro. Nice write up.

JVal · 02-12-2008, 09:53 AM

I'm curious to see the pics of it done. I'll wait.

2xtreme · 02-12-2008, 10:12 AM

Nice. Thanks for the write up. I'll give them a shot!!!

mc · 02-12-2008, 10:39 AM

I'm going to move this to the "How To" section.

Great write up, rep points added.

for20 · 02-12-2008, 12:10 PM

Nice write up.

Flatman · 02-12-2008, 12:15 PM

looks good....

rrcn · 02-12-2008, 12:22 PM

Now, how easily can you remove it?

for20 · 02-12-2008, 12:28 PM

Did you use 35% ???? Or something less.... ?

NWZQ8 · 02-12-2008, 01:03 PM

How well does it work on the writing on the lights. I was thinking about getting mine painted but maybe tinting is the way to go. Nice write up

Turbo EJ · 02-12-2008, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rrcn

Now, how easily can you remove it?

It can be moved the same way as any vinyl. Its not like window tint that will leave crap behind. All you gotta do is heat it up and peal it back. You can spary it down with vinyl remove to help get it off.

Quote:

Originally Posted by for20

Did you use 35% ???? Or something less.... ?

Its just a smoke film. Its not rated in % so have no idea how much light goes through.

Quote:

Originally Posted by NWZQ8

How well does it work on the writing on the lights. I was thinking about getting mine painted but maybe tinting is the way to go. Nice write up

It works well. The heat causes it to form around the writing. If you look close at the pic you can see.

BigBlue · 02-12-2008, 02:16 PM

Damn! nice work dude!

rrcn · 02-12-2008, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Turbo EJ

It can be moved the same way as any vinyl. Its not like window tint that will leave crap behind. All you gotta do is heat it up and peal it back. You can spary it down with vinyl remove to help get it off.

Very cool.

I may be interested in picking some up in the future.

for20 · 02-12-2008, 05:10 PM

Can I put it on my eye glasses since I'm too cheap to buy sunglasses ?

goleee33 · 02-12-2008, 05:11 PM

How much does it cost to order enough for the tail lights and 3rd brake light. You think its possible to be able to separate the bed lights from the brake light with the tint?

Turbo EJ · 02-12-2008, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by goleee33

How much does it cost to order enough for the tail lights and 3rd brake light. You think its possible to be able to separate the bed lights from the brake light with the tint?

You could prob do it with a 2'x2' sheet.

goleee33 · 02-12-2008, 05:36 PM

Do you sell it? Or is there a special plact to get it at?

02-12-2008, 02:10 AM	#1
Turbo EJ PDX Grafix Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Hillsboro, OR Posts: 3,479 Member's Picture Albums	How To: Tint Head/Tail Lights from PDX Grafix! Disclaimer The community here at 355nation.net urges you to please use caution and seek professional assistance when performing modifications to your vehicle. Before attempting any modification it is advised that you refer to your Colorado or Canyon service manual or contact a certified mechanic as not all GMT355 trucks are the same. The staff and the associated members are in no way responsible for any damages, injuries or other harm inflicted to your vehicle or yourself which may result in attempting these modifications. The posts and content presented on this site reflect in no way the views of 355nation.net or it’s ownership. A 355nation (CCP) presented by Turbo EJ Project Name How To: Tint Head/Tail Lights from PDX Grafix Project Description I had a few people send me a PM asking what the Headlight and Tail light tint looks like. I tinted a DRL and a tail light tonight with the smoke color film just to give you guys an idea. Also below you will find a quick write up on how to do it. I don't have time right now to install the lights to show how they are lit up but once I get some time I will. Skill Level Moderate Project Vehicle Make: Chevrolet Model: Colorado Year: 2006 Engine: 3.5L Power windows: Yes Sun Roof: No Tool/Materials Needed -Tint Material -Application Fluid -Razor Blade -Lint Free Towels -Squeegee -Hair Dryer or heat gun Project Time 1 hour Project Cost cost of tint Headlights: Tail Lights: Step 1: Measure how much material is required to cover the item you are trying to cover and cut out what you need. Clean the item to be applied and then spay down the object with vinyl application fluid. Step 2: Remove the liner from the back of the tint and also spray the application fluid onto the back of the tint to lubricate it and kept it from sticking. Step 3: Put the tint onto the item you are going to cover. Step 4: Spay the surface of the tint with the application fluid to lubricate it so the squeegee will glide smoothly over the surface. Step 5: Next start with the flattest surface you can find and begin to squeegee the tint onto the item. Working as much fluid as you can out of the flat surfaces. Once you get to the point where you are going around a curved item you will need to get your hair dryer and heat up the material. As you heat the material stretch it out around the edges and smooth it out with the squeegee. Don’t be afraid to stretch the vinyl, just try not to heat it too much. Once you get the material stretched around all the edges, smooth it out with the squeegee and then go over it again with the hair dryer. This will form the material to the lens and help remove all moisture. Trim away the excess material and you are done! __________________ .:PDXGRAFIX:. - .:355NATION DECALS:. - .:NWCOLORADOS:. Last edited by brewer15650; 06-15-2009 at 09:36 PM.

02-12-2008, 02:41 AM	#2
SOUTHBAYcanyon Nation Elite Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: torrance Posts: 2,280 Member's Picture Albums	Re: How to Tint Head/Tail Lights from PDX Grafix! looks cool __________________ Canyon Chase truck- R.I.P California 200 accident victims

02-12-2008, 02:43 AM	#3
badazzmason Nation Elite Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: the D,MI Posts: 2,463 Member's Picture Albums	Re: How to Tint Head/Tail Lights from PDX Grafix! Nice write up,good job.

02-12-2008, 03:12 AM	#4
GtotheJay Nation Advocate Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Waipahu, Hawaii Posts: 566 Member's Picture Albums	Re: How to Tint Head/Tail Lights from PDX Grafix! looks good!!! __________________ 2007 Pace Blue Colorado Xtreme Crew-Cab - Gone http://www.355nation.net/forum/image...ine=1199678730 Now driving...2007 Scion tC. Chevy Aprentice Auto Tech.

02-12-2008, 09:48 AM	#5
brewer15650 Quadruple O.G. Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Latrobe PA 15650 Posts: 4,737 Member's Picture Albums	Re: How to Tint Head/Tail Lights from PDX Grafix! Looks good bro. Nice write up. __________________ MY Album MY Cardomain Donate To The Nation SINSITY KUSTOMZ

02-12-2008, 09:53 AM	#6
JVal Site Graphics Team Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: The Yo, Ohio Posts: 7,857 Member's Picture Albums	Re: How to Tint Head/Tail Lights from PDX Grafix! I'm curious to see the pics of it done. I'll wait. __________________ Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather it is to skid in broadside, totally worn out and proclaiming, "WOW, WHAT A RIDE!!" R.I.P SC 11/16/90-10/26/09

02-12-2008, 10:12 AM	#7
2xtreme Nation Citizen Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 1,173 Member's Picture Albums	Re: How to Tint Head/Tail Lights from PDX Grafix! Nice. Thanks for the write up. I'll give them a shot!!!

02-12-2008, 10:39 AM	#8
mc New To The Nation Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 0	Re: How to Tint Head/Tail Lights from PDX Grafix! I'm going to move this to the "How To" section. Great write up, rep points added.

02-12-2008, 12:10 PM	#9
for20 Custom Title Garnered Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Edmonton, AB Posts: 4,285 Member's Picture Albums	Re: How-To: Tint Head/Tail Lights from PDX Grafix! Nice write up. __________________ Rate my Cardomain REST IN PEACE SC

02-12-2008, 12:15 PM	#10
Flatman Custom Title Garnered Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Tex-ass Posts: 5,074 Member's Picture Albums	Re: How-To: Tint Head/Tail Lights from PDX Grafix! looks good.... __________________

02-12-2008, 12:22 PM	#11
rrcn Custom Title Garnered Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: SoCal Posts: 4,445 Member's Picture Albums	Re: How-To: Tint Head/Tail Lights from PDX Grafix! Now, how easily can you remove it? __________________ My Cardomain -- SoCal355.com

02-12-2008, 12:28 PM	#12
for20 Custom Title Garnered Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Edmonton, AB Posts: 4,285 Member's Picture Albums	Re: How-To: Tint Head/Tail Lights from PDX Grafix! Did you use 35% ???? Or something less.... ? __________________ Rate my Cardomain REST IN PEACE SC

02-12-2008, 01:03 PM	#13
NWZQ8 Nation Advocate Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: NORTHWEST Posts: 500	Re: How-To: Tint Head/Tail Lights from PDX Grafix! How well does it work on the writing on the lights. I was thinking about getting mine painted but maybe tinting is the way to go. Nice write up __________________ K&N FIPK 2/3 drop

02-12-2008, 02:16 PM	#15
BigBlue Nation Citizen Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Portland Posts: 1,420	Re: How-To: Tint Head/Tail Lights from PDX Grafix! Damn! nice work dude! __________________

02-12-2008, 05:10 PM	#17
for20 Custom Title Garnered Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Edmonton, AB Posts: 4,285 Member's Picture Albums	Re: How-To: Tint Head/Tail Lights from PDX Grafix! Can I put it on my eye glasses since I'm too cheap to buy sunglasses ? __________________ Rate my Cardomain REST IN PEACE SC

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02-12-2008, 05:11 PM	#18
goleee33 Nation Advocate Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: OC Posts: 827 Member's Picture Albums	Re: How-To: Tint Head/Tail Lights from PDX Grafix! How much does it cost to order enough for the tail lights and 3rd brake light. You think its possible to be able to separate the bed lights from the brake light with the tint? __________________ 2007 Chevy Silverado Crew Cab VortecMax LT2 6.0L FTW

02-12-2008, 05:36 PM	#20
goleee33 Nation Advocate Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: OC Posts: 827 Member's Picture Albums	Re: How-To: Tint Head/Tail Lights from PDX Grafix! Do you sell it? Or is there a special plact to get it at? __________________ 2007 Chevy Silverado Crew Cab VortecMax LT2 6.0L FTW