Finally a guide for you that have my tC Full Smoke Taillight Overlays :). All you really need is a bit of time and most of all, patience.

1. Tools of the trade: hairdryer, squeegy or credit card, soft cloth.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y42/BlueBatmobile2005/Guide%20to%20applying%20my%20Vinyl%20Overlays/g1.jpg

2. Peel the backing off the overlay and dip it in a bucket of soap and water. Just a squirt of dishwashing liquid will do the trick! Or you can spray the surface of the taillight with soap and water.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y42/BlueBatmobile2005/Guide%20to%20applying%20my%20Vinyl%20Overlays/g2.jpg

3. Position overlay on surface. Move around to desired position.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y42/BlueBatmobile2005/Guide%20to%20applying%20my%20Vinyl%20Overlays/g3.jpg

4. Work the water and bubbles from the middle outward with your squeegy wrapped in soft cloth.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y42/BlueBatmobile2005/Guide%20to%20applying%20my%20Vinyl%20Overlays/g4.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y42/BlueBatmobile2005/Guide%20to%20applying%20my%20Vinyl%20Overlays/g6.jpg

5. Here's where some people have problems due to the curvature of the top portion of the taillight. What you want to do here is stretch the overlay little by little and apply heat with your hairdryer and pressure with your squeegy, or work your thumb or index finger over the vinyl.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y42/BlueBatmobile2005/Guide%20to%20applying%20my%20Vinyl%20Overlays/g7.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y42/BlueBatmobile2005/Guide%20to%20applying%20my%20Vinyl%20Overlays/g8.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y42/BlueBatmobile2005/Guide%20to%20applying%20my%20Vinyl%20Overlays/g9.jpg

6. tada!

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y42/BlueBatmobile2005/Guide%20to%20applying%20my%20Vinyl%20Overlays/g11.jpg

7. trim excess vinyl with a razor blade.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y42/BlueBatmobile2005/Guide%20to%20applying%20my%20Vinyl%20Overlays/g12.jpg

I hope this helps! I've been meaning to create a thread like this for some time now. Now you have it :). The results are well worth the effort :wink:

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y42/BlueBatmobile2005/Guide%20to%20applying%20my%20Vinyl%20Overlays/g10.jpg

Bat™

sweet. ive always wanted these overlays but didnt know how to install. i will def be buying a pair within the next two weeks from you.

:wink: Email me to order.

Bat™

Yay! You'll be making lots more people happy with this Bat! =]

You know it. We did this a while back. I'm glad I finally got this up for the masses :).

Bat™

Lol wish i would have had this a day ago :( messed up on a pair i got for my bday....Anyways great info! Maybe ill try it again sometime....

just curious, why soapy water?

just curious, why soapy water?im guessing so it's a little more slippery so the overlay can move more easily?

yes. The soapy water allows you to position and move the overlay around prior to sqrrgying it :).

Bat™

hehe... anyone that needs help in the bay area... :P

great stuff bat! :)

i'm from the bay area, u help me do it?

hehe... anyone that needs help in the bay area... :P

great stuff bat! :)

I can send my bay area customers to you for the install. You can make a couple bucks on top of it :).

Bat™

Damn, I scratched lens while using the razor blade!
Guys, use of a heat gun/hair dryer is a must. Can't do it w/ou that source of heat,. But Here is what I have in mind, I mean a pictures of what it will look like when I finish the overlay. I am cutting a piece of tint for the top portion of the TYC light.
http://www.musicbynima.com/dscf00050.jpg

Damn, I scratched lens while using the razor blade! Yes, be careful when using blades on our lens. They seem to be very soft. Use as little pressure as you can when cutting/trimming the overlays. I have a small line from trimming my eyelids..

and I thought I was up late.

Bat™

hahaha, can't sleep ha?

haha... i'm still up too.. body's saying it's only 12am... (just flew back in from o'ahu today... err... yesterday...)

but yeah Bat... i've gotten a bit of practicing in now.. i think i'm almost as good as you! :P i dunno... might get in on the overlay business too and give you some competition... :P... j/k andy.. :)

i'm from the bay area, u help me do it?
yup, yup... sure! just lemme know

so where in the bay area are u in squall?

n e one wanna come help do mine :D when i get them

Hmm..I need to start practicing. Then I'll be able to do San Diego Installs. =]

so where in the bay area are u in squall?
south bay, san jose :)
Hmm..I need to start practicing. Then I'll be able to do San Diego Installs. =]
uhh.. i think andy has that area covered fine.. :P hehehe... i guess you can help :)

that's like 45mins away from me. which is pretty far.

so where in the bay area are u in squall?
south bay, san jose :)
Hmm..I need to start practicing. Then I'll be able to do San Diego Installs. =]
uhh.. i think andy has that area covered fine.. :P hehehe... i guess you can help :)Well, yeah.. I'll just help out.

that's like 45mins away from me. which is pretty far.
:eyebrow:.... far? i guess... :P but i drive around alot.

i went down to carmel just this afternoon for something.... i spent less time there then it took driving there...
and hahaha... and then can't forget the drive back home.... :lol:

maybe borrow my buddy's heat gun and we can meet up halfway somewhere.. or even at his shop. allen (ichibansf) comes down pretty often and he's up in SF too.

hmmm, halfway,that i can do.

http://www.musicbynima.com/dscf00050.jpg

photochopped exhaust? or real deal?

looks real to me.

Bat™

can we make this a sticky?
bat. do you put the overlay down and stick the bottom half first (whole thing below the trun signal)? then do the top part?

the problem i had last time is that i was doing the right taillight and i worked from the outside in (right to left) which was working great until it started bunching up, thats when i used the heat gun to streach it which worked ok but then it would make other areas bunch up. this is what messed it all up.
thanks

and question how dark is the tint you guys use? is like 15%? or what?

no well it's not tint material.... it's viynl.

it's either a dark or middle grey i believe (6/10 and 3/10 (lighter) is what Bat has down)... pics located in the link in Bat's sig.

[Watching]

ya, its viynl, tint would not hold up. i have the 3/10.

any help?

can we make this a sticky?
bat. do you put the overlay down and stick the bottom half first (whole thing below the trun signal)? then do the top part?

the problem i had last time is that i was doing the right taillight and i worked from the outside in (right to left) which was working great until it started bunching up, thats when i used the heat gun to streach it which worked ok but then it would make other areas bunch up. this is what messed it all up.
thanksYes, work the bottom section first. Then work your way up to tyhe top :). Good Luck!

Bat™

thank you, i'll try it this weekend. last time i started at the top and it went well until i got to the bottom.

i dont know if any body else has seen the new tycs in ebay, but they look good especially with the black over lay on it already on them. has anybody bought these.

hey i forgot to tell you that they want about 350 for them, dou think they are worth it ?

I like Overlayed TYC's :).

Bat™

stick-ayed!

so let me make sure i got this right before i attempt it this sunday.
1. wet it and put the whole thing on the taillight
2. do you completly stick on the lower half? then start from the right and go left for the turn signal? like in pic. 7 and 8.
so the last part you do is the top corner by the trunk lid?

and heat gun.. stretch out during process using fingers/squeegee. :)

cool. i used a heat gun last time and that made it shrink a little (really helped in some spots) so would it be better to use a heat gun or hair dryer? and did i get everything else right?

hmm... adjustable heat gun would be the best but not necessary.. and a hair dryer is sufficient. :)

stick-ayed!

Thanks!

Bat™

well my heat gun has a high and low setting, i'll use those along with my blow dryer and see what happens. thanks for the help.

Good Luck! Cant wait for the pics :wink:

Bat™

well ____. this time the right one truned out ok but the left one looks like ____. i think i'm gonna find someone local and have them do it again.

well flip. this time the right one truned out ok but the left one looks like poop. i think i'm gonna find someone local and have them do it again.

:nails: this makes me wonder if i should do them myself.

question, if i did them and it turned out messed up, can i take them off and still be able to reuse them?

Most of the time the creases can be worked out. You just have to pull the crease apart, and redo it. Just make sure you keep the adhesive part a little wet with soapy water on the parts that aren't yet okay (like the parts of the overlay that haven't been put on the light and you're stil trying to work with.)

^^ as he said, as long as the vinyl is wet, and you're still working with it, you'll be okay. Once the water evaporates, you're stuck with the results or you can remove them. They're not reusable.

^^ as he said, as long as the vinyl is wet, and you're still working with it, you'll be okay. Once the water evaporates, you're stuck with the results or you can remove them. They're not reusable.

wow!!!
:nails:
does anybody live in the OC area that knows how to put these overlays on that is willing to help me out :pray:

spraying soap and water where you need to reapply helps alot :). Also, I do offer a good discount on extra pieces if anyone messes up :wink:

Bat™

Most of the time the creases can be worked out. You just have to pull the crease apart, and redo it. Just make sure you keep the adhesive part a little wet with soapy water on the parts that aren't yet okay (like the parts of the overlay that haven't been put on the light and you're stil trying to work with.)

good pointers :).

Bat™

Question -

I got the overlays for the TYC tails but the tails aren't on the car yet. Will it be easier to apply the overlays before the tails are on or is that a bad idea? I'm guessing it would be easier.

it doesn't matter.. i have done both ways... seems to be about the same

I just got done putting them on and I am so surprised how easy it was! haha it was actually kinda fun. lol

I just got done putting them on and I am so surprised how easy it was! haha it was actually kinda fun. lolSee, it's not as hard as people make it sound. They're just mad cuz they messed up on them. :P

I just got done putting them on and I am so surprised how easy it was! haha it was actually kinda fun. lol

Knew you could do it Amanda! Now, how about some pics!

Bat :wink:

ehh.. still having trouble making those edges perfect... :(
hmm... practice, practice....

Knew you could do it Amanda! Now, how about some pics!

Bat :wink:

Finally I got some good pics taken, sorry for the delay. You have my permission to use them in your gallery Bat (if you want).

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a191/sciontcgirl/September%2010%20Pics/100_1420.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a191/sciontcgirl/September%2010%20Pics/100_1418.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a191/sciontcgirl/September%2010%20Pics/100_1419.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a191/sciontcgirl/September%2010%20Pics/100_1399.jpg


If I had the money then I'd buy a set of regular smoke overlays for my stock tails.

Ya I still look at my tails in disatisfaction....tried vinyls and jacked it up, guess I was too anxious. Maybe I should just go with niteshades....

Wow Amanda.. I'm in :love:

Ya, great install Amanda. More pics please!

Bat™

i was trying to buy the blackest head light covers u offer but i coldnt?where do u place the order and check out

Ya, great install Amanda. More pics please!

Bat™

Will do! :)

Knew you could do it Amanda! Now, how about some pics!

Bat :wink:

Finally I got some good pics taken, sorry for the delay. You have my permission to use them in your gallery Bat (if you want).

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a191/sciontcgirl/September%2010%20Pics/100_1420.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a191/sciontcgirl/September%2010%20Pics/100_1418.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a191/sciontcgirl/September%2010%20Pics/100_1419.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a191/sciontcgirl/September%2010%20Pics/100_1399.jpg


If I had the money then I'd buy a set of regular smoke overlays for my stock tails.

email me. I'll give you a discount on your 2nd set :wink:

Bat™

yo bat do you offer installation??? I dont have the time or patience do it myself

I can do it if Bat can't. Where in SD are you?

you go boy!

Bat :)

have anything for the xa?

Yes, check out my Scion Gallery :).

Also, I', meeting up with an 06 xA this weekend to do some stuff for you guys :wink:

Bat™

bluebat check your PMs

Yes, check out my Scion Gallery :).

Also, I', meeting up with an 06 xA this weekend to do some stuff for you guys :wink:

Bat™
i originally didnt see the second/third page. i was looking for a light... LIGHT smokey overlay for the front lights and some details for the taillights...

i have an 06, so update me with what you do this weekend.

I putting on the rear one that just cover the signals....
The first time I F'ed them up...had 2 order another set!...I think I rushed it the first time..
I huess I have to take my time this time!...

wish me luck!

if you need help PM me T.

Anyone in the houston area want to help me with the install??

Too bad you werent in San Diego. One of my techs here could've helped. My guide should help you out quite a bit. Just take your time :wink:

Bat™

:)

anyone in L.A... that can help...????
if not i'll be trying this out saturday!!
:pray: :pray: :pray: :pray:

any pics yet?

Bat™

i can help the people from the bay area to do the install. pm me if interested.

how long does it take to install?

for me, it took 2-3 hours (including taking the tail out and putting them back in.) if u want good quality, u have to sacrifice time.

well, anyone from the bay area need help?

I wish you lived in texas :(

where the stars at night a re big and bright in the state of texas.

awsome post.....i'll be sending you PM bat.

Email me bud :wink:

Bat™

bat. i sent payment for a TBL redout for a tc. paypal was from ssrt10@yahoo.com.
thanks.

damn that was fast. i got it yesterday and installed it today and it looks great. the only thing is that the smoke it came with is too dark. right now i only have red on the car and it almost matches the 3/10 smoke i have on the taillights so i was wondering if you had anything like a 1/10 i could get. i think that might be the right shade to match the tails.
also, if you do have that shade, i would like some extra for the turn signals in the mirrors.
so i guess if anyone wants to buy the smoked 3rd BL overlay i'll sell it for $12 shipped.

I have a lighter 3/10. Email me :wink:

btw-pics!?

Bat™

yeahhhhhh where are the PICS?! :D

lol, i'll try to get them today.
so your saying that the tint that came with my redout is 6/10? if so, i'll take the mirror overlays and the 3rd BL in 3/10. i'll e-mail you in a bit.
thanks.

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i204/supra93_2006/100_0492.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i204/supra93_2006/100_0491.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i204/supra93_2006/100_0490.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i204/supra93_2006/100_0489.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i204/supra93_2006/100_0487.jpg

am i the only one that thinks these overlays make the tC look completely badazz?

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y42/BlueBatmobile2005/Scion%20tC%20Overlays/tct1b7.jpg

...oh, and TcPrincess, nice Supra...

thank you. i'll have more pics of both in the FM section when i have some more time.

am i the only one that thinks these overlays make the tC look completely badazz?

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y42/BlueBatmobile2005/Scion%20tC%20Overlays/tct1b7.jpg

...

Man I Love that shot :).

Bat™

Princess, nice pics! Props on the great install! Looks awesome. =] :clap:

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i204/supra93_2006/100_0492.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i204/supra93_2006/100_0491.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i204/supra93_2006/100_0490.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i204/supra93_2006/100_0489.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i204/supra93_2006/100_0487.jpg

Love it :).

Bat™

Put mine on last night. I had no idea what to do and after reading this DIY, it made sense. the second light took me around 45 minutes to do, took me a tota. of 2.5 hours! But it wasn't hard, just gotta take your time. They look awesome, thanx BlueBat!


http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b60/ilovemy65stang/MY%20TC/anzoss.jpg

Very nice!!!! Now lets see those on your car!

Bat™

here ya go:

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b60/ilovemy65stang/MY%20TC/anzo3.jpg

LEDs on:

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b60/ilovemy65stang/MY%20TC/anzob.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b60/ilovemy65stang/MY%20TC/anzoc.jpg

Very nice! How about some pics in the sun :).

Bat™

Looks Very Nice!! Now install mine for me please :P

Very nice!!!! Now lets see those on your car!

Bat™

Very nice! How about some pics in the sun :).

Bat™

You're so demanding. :rofl:

since you said please, that'll be a $50/hour job..I take Paypal!

Very nice! How about some pics in the sun :).

Bat™

uh....still waiting for the sun! :tap:

lol, ok.

Bat™

BlueBat's 3/10 smoked vinyls on Anzo tails and 3rd brake light, direct sunlight:

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b60/ilovemy65stang/MY%20TC/7ledtailssun.jpg

nice Red X

Bat™

wow, it was a lot harder than i had expected... i also had a problem with the rear sidemarkers, it seems the overlays were not big enough so it didnt really cover the whole thing.

and then when i did my tails, it was a b1tch getting around the curvy area near the top corner. still got a lot of bubbles here and there, i tried using a needle to pop them and flatten them but half the time it ended up looking worse. anyway a snapped a few pics before the batteries died on me.

heres the good:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v168/ryuji16/100_2801.gif

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v168/ryuji16/100_2803.gif

and a little bit of the bad:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v168/ryuji16/100_2805.gif

im not satisfied with the edges. did anyone else get frilly edges? even if i put heat on it and stretched them out to fit as flat as possible, it still wouldnt work very well.

no pics of the rear red markers but they look pretty bad when looking at it from less than 5 feet away.

anyway, imo someone as clumsy and accident prone as i am should probably think twice about doing this yourself... :|

btw heres a before pic:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v168/ryuji16/brooke/IMG_1457.jpg

Hit me up for a revised set of those rear sidemarkers. I'll send them out asap!

Bat :wink:

Blue Bat.....i got an interesting question/suggestion....hoping its doable

Could you make these with the side markers covered as well....either with paint or smoked....The eyelid part would be good doubled layered, so no light comes through but Single layered on the side markers, i have a red led that i would like to be able to shine through.....could it be done ?? How much?? sorry for the crappy paint rendition....thanks!!!

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a324/Sciontc_05/tch1b2modded.jpg

watching for mine :P

Blue Bat.....i got an interesting question/suggestion....hoping its doable

Could you make these with the side markers covered as well....either with paint or smoked....The eyelid part would be good doubled layered, so no light comes through but Single layered on the side markers, i have a red led that i would like to be able to shine through.....could it be done ?? How much?? sorry for the crappy paint rendition....thanks!!!

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a324/Sciontc_05/tch1b2modded.jpg

simple solution. Order the sidemarker kit in silver :wink:. Email me.

Bat™

sounds good will be order mine soon

Blue Bat.....i got an interesting question/suggestion....hoping its doable

Could you make these with the side markers covered as well....either with paint or smoked....The eyelid part would be good doubled layered, so no light comes through but Single layered on the side markers, i have a red led that i would like to be able to shine through.....could it be done ?? How much?? sorry for the crappy paint rendition....thanks!!!

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a324/Sciontc_05/tch1b2modded.jpg

simple solution. Order the sidemarker kit in silver :wink:. Email me.

Bat™

I meant the eyelid and the side marker kit as one piece???

Bumping my idea again?!?

lol.

Bat™

anyone in the o.c. want to do mine for me, i'll pay you!!!

I have a guy here in San Diego that I've been training for a good while. He's pretty good :). Email me for his contact info.

Bat™

is there local pick up...im in SD i heard ur in sD too..

Yes! Email me :wink:

Bat™

emailed

Bat, I'm going to need to re-order everything that I had gotten from you today. I hate to say it but I messed a few of them up REALLY bad. Today was definitely not my day with overlays. I'll also need the contact info for the guy in your area that can do installs. Any idea as to how much he charges for the TYC overlays and turn signals?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8MBUpnbamI

It's easier to apply in sections using a modified hinge technique.

Use a couple small pieces of masking tape to hold the vinyl in place. Go to one side of the vinyl and cut a small section of the backing paper (however much you feel comfortable with, either 1/4 to 1/2 of the way). Take a squeeqee or credit card and start from the "hinge" and slowly work your way out.

Once you have that section applied, go to the other side of the vinyl, remove the rest of the backing and apply from the "hinge" and slowly work your way out again.

If you come across a difficult section, you can use a little bit of soap and water (don't use dish soap cuz it can ruin your paint) so you can manuever the vinyl some. Also, use a hair dryer for the areas where the vinyl wants to bind or sticks out.

Good Link :).

Bat™

Got mine done 2 months back, it was only my second try at it, it wasnt perfect but from a distance, it looks perfectly fine. Took me about 2hours to do both sides. I am very satisfied.

Thanks again bat!

pics!

Bat™

i think i need a new pair...there a crap load of bubbles....

so its kinda like tinting your windows?

yes, and no. more like applying a decal.

i think i need a new pair...there a crap load of bubbles....

discount on your 2nd set :wink: Email me.

Bat™

is there a way to remove the overlays? like if i decide it may be too dark or something

nice

They peel off pretty easy if you use your nails or the edge of a razor blade....nothing too drastic.

When I peeled off the 3/10 smoke overlays, it reminded me of peeling a fruit rollup from it's wrapper. Once you get started pulling the vinyl off, it's rather simple and doesn't leave a residue.

hehe, good analogy :).

Bat™

When I peeled off the 3/10 smoke overlays, it reminded me of peeling a fruit rollup from it's wrapper. Once you get started pulling the vinyl off, it's rather simple and doesn't leave a residue.gosh, i havent had one since years ago! haha. i remember having those for elementary snacks..

When I peeled off the 3/10 smoke overlays, it reminded me of peeling a fruit rollup from it's wrapper. Once you get started pulling the vinyl off, it's rather simple and doesn't leave a residue.gosh, i havent had one since years ago! haha. i remember having those for elementary snacks..

i'll trade your my oreo's, lol.

tee hee hee

Bat™

is it common for there to be wrinkles or textured spots in areas?

where i wrapped mine around the bumps and i had to force it down, so to speak, i got wrinkles. it isnt like raised areas where the overlay stuck to itself it looks like the adhesive underneath is uneven and made a texture on it. is this common? ill try and post pics tomorrow.


edit: the textured spots aren't bubbles

you mean it doesn't stick good where the raised lettering is? i sanded that part down so i wouldn't have that problem. make it nice and flat.

no not the lettering

using a hairdryer makes the vinyl pliable and easier to work with. Here's another install link:


http://auto.badtziscool.com/how-tos/install-tail-light-overlays/

Bat™

watching

sorry to bump this, but watching for my install tomorrow

I can do installs in the SD area. PM me if anyone needs it.

i got one done :doh:

I can do installs in the SD area. PM me if anyone needs it.

Joe, give me a call when you get a chance :wink:

Bat

I'll call ya tomorrow. :)

I two-toned my car with vinyl last week. Came out really good. You should see it!

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i49/Joes06tC/Photog/IMG_9677.jpg

^ Yea its Aight!....Hurry Up and do the hatch...and fix the Passenger side!...lol

I'll call ya tomorrow. :)

I two-toned my car with vinyl last week. Came out really good. You should see it!

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i49/Joes06tC/Photog/IMG_9677.jpg
Sorry I missed your call bud. I'll give you a ring tomorrow.

Hey I'm new to overlays but correct me if im wrong but when tinting tail lights and head lights isn't it the same tint that you use on the windows? And if so can I just go to walmart and pick up some tint and cut some overlays out my self? I love DIY and I'm pretty handy! Thanks!

it is a completely different material.