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Smoking Rear Tail Lights

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Old Jun 7, 2012 | 02:36 AM
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My Ride: Silver 550i: Orion V2 - LCI Tail Lights - VRM 710 (Powder Coated Matt Black) - Magnaflow Cat Back Exhaust - Painted Brake Calipers (Red) - Painted Rear MTEC Kit (Black) - Window Tint (Windshield 70% - All other Windows 55% - Smoked Side Markers
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Is it possible to smoke my own tail lights that I have? If so can someone lead me to a place where I can receive information about it. Thank you.
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Old Jun 7, 2012 | 06:43 AM
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Originally Posted by TU2TLE
Is it possible to smoke my own tail lights that I have? If so can someone lead me to a place where I can receive information about it. Thank you.
http://www.rvinyl.com/Tail-Light-Tints-BMW.html

I just did this. looks good if you take your time and keep it wet (can't emphasize this enough). it's also removable if you wanna sell, or wind up violating some state vehicle law.

edit: I already had a heat gun, so that's what I used, not sure if a hair dryer would work, but I would recommend the heat gun. You can pick up one for pretty cheap.
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Old Jun 8, 2012 | 08:49 AM
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Where can I get tint just for the red part of the taillight leaving the white alone?
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Old Jun 8, 2012 | 08:54 AM
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Just be careful, in California tailights MUST be clearly visible as taillights at over 1000 ft - so tinting the tails any darker than smoke is inviting a visit from your local law enforcement
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Old Jun 8, 2012 | 09:44 AM
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Originally Posted by Blackwolffm
Where can I get tint just for the red part of the taillight leaving the white alone?
blackwolf, i dont know of anywhere that sells just a strip for the top, but lamin-x makes the whole cutout in red.
http://www.lamin-x.com/BMW-E60-M5-05...s-p/b217-1.htm

or you can just get some by the foot and cut it yourself
http://www.rvinyl.com/tail-light-tint-red-smoke.html
seems like the cheap way to go if you have a sharp utility knife, scissors, a blow drier/heatgun, and patience.
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Old Jun 8, 2012 | 11:29 AM
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I can vouch for what John pointed out below. I was pulled over and had to pay a fix-it ticket. The fine was $35 but more than that, it was PITA to wait over an hour to pay the fine in the long line at LA court house after getting it first checked off by the sheriff.

Originally Posted by pjinca
Just be careful, in California tailights MUST be clearly visible as taillights at over 1000 ft - so tinting the tails any darker than smoke is inviting a visit from your local law enforcement
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Old Jun 8, 2012 | 11:53 AM
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Originally Posted by leese8080
I can vouch for what John pointed out below. I was pulled over and had to pay a fix-it ticket. The fine was $35 but more than that, it was PITA to wait over an hour to pay the fine in the long line at LA court house after getting it first checked off by the sheriff.

I know Jason, that's why mine taillights are smoked instead of dark tinted - I don't like giving reasons to be pulled over. Who needs the hassle?
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Old Jun 8, 2012 | 03:23 PM
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:thumbsdown:
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Old Jun 10, 2012 | 04:22 AM
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took some photos this morning before washing the car.

here's what rvinyl's light smoke looks like. i'd venture to say this level is 50state legal. it only adds a subtle darkening, and is mostly noticeable on the clear/chrome sections. which is exactly what i was looking for (chrome--).

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Old Jun 10, 2012 | 04:13 PM
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Originally Posted by pjinca
Just be careful, in California tailights MUST be clearly visible as taillights at over 1000 ft - so tinting the tails any darker than smoke is inviting a visit from your local law enforcement
+1
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