Overlays vs Professional tint

kielbasa16 · 03-16-2010, 12:35 PM

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?

Mike · 03-16-2010, 02:42 PM

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.

fairladyZ34 · 03-16-2010, 02:48 PM

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

kielbasa16 · 03-16-2010, 03:57 PM

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.

AK370Z · 03-16-2010, 04:02 PM

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.

fatcat777 · 03-17-2010, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike

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?

Mike · 03-17-2010, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fatcat777

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.

fatcat777 · 03-17-2010, 08:51 PM

not to bad, now i just need to figure out the legal issues since it will be permanent.

Mike · 03-17-2010, 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fatcat777

not to bad, now i just need to figure out the legal issues since it will be permanent.

whatsup with your screen name? USAIR?

03-16-2010, 12:35 PM	#1 (permalink)
kielbasa16 Track Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: NY Posts: 770 Drives: 09 Blk Z Spt Rep Power: 17	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?

03-16-2010, 02:42 PM	#2 (permalink)
Mike The370Z.com Sponsor Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Loganville, GA Posts: 5,944 Drives: 370z Rep Power: 2186	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. __________________ NISSAN: 75 280Z / 86 300ZX GLL /87 Sentra SE / 03 350Z / 23 Z Porsche: 93 968 / 23 Macan GTS / 93 968

03-16-2010, 02:48 PM	#3 (permalink)
fairladyZ34 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Central NJ Posts: 1,577 Drives: 08 G37S Black M6 Rep Power: 19	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 __________________ From Z to G to BMW and back to a G! Nismo for life

03-16-2010, 04:02 PM	#5 (permalink)
AK370Z Administrator Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: NJ Posts: 9,930 Drives: 09 370Z MB Sports M6 Rep Power: 10	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. __________________ The370Z Signature Pictures ll Want to rock our forum decals on your car? Then click here! ll How to Embed YouTube Videos In a Post STOP! (Hammertime) ll Become a Premium Member Click HERE ll F.A.Q. Are You a Nissan Dealer? Click Here to Become A "Supporting Dealer" and Start Listing Your 370Zs In Our Inventory Section My Monterey Blue Z ll My Exhaust --> My Intake --> G3 Nissan's Official Response Regarding Oil Temp Issue: CLICK HERE Need a Set of Cheap Winter wheels /Tires? Then Visit The Banner Link Below and Place Your Order. You'll Help Keep The370Z Alive.

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03-16-2010, 03:57 PM	#4 (permalink)
kielbasa16 Track Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: NY Posts: 770 Drives: 09 Blk Z Spt Rep Power: 17	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.

03-17-2010, 08:51 PM	#8 (permalink)
fatcat777 Base Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Charlotte NC Posts: 220 Drives: BlackPersimmonSport Rep Power: 16	not to bad, now i just need to figure out the legal issues since it will be permanent.