Nightshade Disaster

T

tamerunner

New member
I wanted to tint my lenses on the runner. I decided to start with the DRL, had them out and washed and everything, got cold feet. So I wanted to start with something smaller. Tried the puddle lenses in the bottom of the mirror. Turned out horrible. So I need new ones, can't find the part number. Looked on a few parts sites mentioned. Any help fella's? Next question, what else can I do besides nightshade since I suck at it?
 
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tamerunner said:
I wanted to tint my lenses on the runner. I decided to start with the DRL, had them out and washed and everything, got cold feet. So I wanted to start with something smaller. Tried the puddle lenses in the bottom of the mirror. Turned out horrible. So I need new ones, can't find the part number. Looked on a few parts sites mentioned. Any help fella's? Next question, what else can I do besides nightshade since I suck at it?
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Haven't used nightshades myself but have been researching. Those who rave about it have done one thing in common. Surface prep. Very thorough surface prep including wet sanding and compounding. What prepping did you do? For that matter, what was horrible about your results?

Others have used vinyl wraps with much success. I don't know how much curves the lights can have before it becomes too difficult to wrap. I used it on fairly flat lenses a couple of years ago and it was super easy to apply and squeegee. The vinyl available today is supposed to be much better than what I used. More durable, more flexible and easier to apply.

Good luck!
 
There are a few people on dipyourcar.com that have used one or two light coats of plastidip to darken the lenses. Not sure how it would work for you...
 
harper7 said:
Not cheap for new ones!
Mirror Lamp, Signal
R- 81730-52071 $112.14 msrp
L- 81740-52031 $112.14 msrp

About $80 a piece at Camelback Toyota online... Camelback Toyota Parts - Genuine OEM Parts - Free Shipping

and $84 a piece at Toyota of Dallas...Toyota Part Sales of Toyota of Dallas

Not easy to change either.You should be able to just wet sand them out back to original finish and most tint shops can tint them for you if you don't want to do it yourself.
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I think he meant the puddle lights!
 
these can be fixed!

wetsand them as much as you can, they should almost be clear again when you're done. reapply the VHT until they are your desired darkness.

at what point did you decide they were ruined? VHT does't look its best until you clear coat, then wax and polish.

this is the DIY I've always used. follow to the letter and you'll be happy!

How to Smoke Taillights - Nissan 350Z & 370Z Wiki
 
I used the Nightshades tint on my taillights and had to sand and buff the high parts off so they could be seen at night. I think they look a lot better than stock now.
 

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They just look like crap when lit up. Maybe it will help a little if I put led bulbs in.I want to do those but can't keep them straight and figure out which ones I need. I'll try what Jesse said.I did clear them and prep them correct. Honestly another problem I had was to get a nice even coat they are just black. Don't know why couldn't get it to come out smoother.
 
Jesse1983 said:
these can be fixed!

wetsand them as much as you can, they should almost be clear again when you're done. reapply the VHT until they are your desired darkness.

at what point did you decide they were ruined? VHT does't look its best until you clear coat, then wax and polish.

this is the DIY I've always used. follow to the letter and you'll be happy!

How to Smoke Taillights - Nissan 350Z & 370Z Wiki
Click to expand...

Go to Jesse's build thread and look at his results. He did a great job!
 
adam2562 said:
I think he meant the puddle lights!
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tamerunner said:
Ye it was the puddle lights
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Doh!!oh ,de poodle lamps! lol
I searched a couple of parts catalogs and most of the diagrams and the parts manual I have and it looks like those come with the outside mirror cover. They are #4 in the picture and are pretty cheap at $36.23, just have to match your color and with or without w/o signal lamp(turn signal). If you still really want new ones then call the parts dept and ask them to be sure.
SR5 Outside Mirror parts
 
Thanks harper. I might try to salvage them. Study a few more examples and how-tos. This is hard for me as I am usually pretty good at this stuff. If not thanks for the help in finding them. Might get a new set anyway.
 
on a side note... has anyone added the SR5/Limited mirrors with the puddle and turn signals lights in them on to a Trail? i wonder if all the wiring is there for it..
 
adam2562 said:
on a side note... has anyone added the SR5/Limited mirrors with the puddle and turn signals lights in them on to a Trail? i wonder if all the wiring is there for it..
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I'm pretty sure they didn't put them on the TE because if using the TE as intended, you usually hit stuff with the mirrors, hence the unpainted finish. I am off road quite a bit (no rock crawling) and I have hit lots of bushes and twigs with the mirrors.

Your question if they included the wiring for the additional lights - I would say probably not. Everything else about the wiring harness has been model and option specific. That is, no additional wiring or plugs for options has been found so far. If you have a base radio then the wiring does not include a plug for nav. If you don't have a heated windshield the wiring is not there for it either.
 
1engineer said:
I'm pretty sure they didn't put them on the TE because if using the TE as intended, you usually hit stuff with the mirrors, hence the unpainted finish. I am off road quite a bit (no rock crawling) and I have hit lots of bushes and twigs with the mirrors.

Your question if they included the wiring for the additional lights - I would say probably not. Everything else about the wiring harness has been model and option specific. That is, no additional wiring or plugs for options has been found so far. If you have a base radio then the wiring does not include a plug for nav. If you don't have a heated windshield the wiring is not there for it either.
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hmm from what you've said, you're probably right :cry: i was thinking it could be an easy direct swap... i liked having them on my previous Limited.. granted i may ruin them on the trails lol.. i just think its safer for lane switching and left turns since our front turn signals only face directly forward. thanks for the reply!!
 
Actually Harper, looking at the parts link you posted, the puddle lamps appear to be part of the mirror assembly - not the cover. If so, that will run $206.78 (each) for a mirror assembly with the turn signal.

Note: Just verified that the puddle lamps are not part of the mirror cover by checking my SR5 in the garage.
 
I sent some of mine to Jons Tinted Tails. Have had work done with him in the past and has excellent customer service. Prices are reasonable. Yes I bought an extra set of lights for no down time. His turnaround time is 1-2 days once lights are received.
 
That stuff is removable

Hey I used knight shades on my tail lights and ran it that way for almost a yea, then I removed it with a micro fiber rag and some paint thinner. Its removable as long as you dont spay it with clear coat!!!
 
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